Are employees reporting security issues quickly enough?

Getting your team to report security issues promptly is crucial for your business

but it might not have crossed your mind before. While you might think that your security tech tools have you covered, your employees are actually your first line of defence when it comes to spotting and reporting security threats.

Consider this scenario: One of your employees receives a suspicious-looking email that appears to be from a trusted supplier. It’s a classic phishing attempt, where a cyber criminal sends an email pretending to be someone else to steal your data. If the employee ignores it or assumes someone else will handle it, that seemingly harmless email could lead to a significant data breach, potentially costing your company a lot.

Shockingly, less than 10% of employees report phishing emails to their security teams. Why? There are several reasons:

– They might not realize how important it is.

– They’re afraid of getting into trouble if they’re wrong.

– They think it’s someone else’s responsibility.

– If they’ve been shamed for security mistakes before, they’re even less likely to speak up.

One of the major reasons employees don’t report security issues is that they simply don’t understand the importance of it. They might not recognize what a security threat looks like or why reporting it is crucial. That’s where education comes in, but not the boring, jargon-filled kind.

Think of cyber security training as an engaging and interactive experience. Use real-life examples and scenarios to show how a small issue can escalate into a major problem if not reported. You can simulate phishing attacks and demonstrate the potential consequences. Make it clear that everyone has a crucial role in keeping the company safe. When employees understand that their actions can prevent a disaster, they’ll be more motivated to report anything suspicious.

Even if your employees want to report an issue, a complicated reporting process can discourage them. Make sure your reporting process is as simple and straightforward as possible. Think easy-access buttons or quick links on your company’s intranet.

Ensure that everyone knows how to report an issue. Regular reminders and clear instructions can go a long way. And when someone does report something, give them immediate feedback. A simple thank you or acknowledgement can reinforce their behaviour and show them that their efforts matter.

It’s all about creating a culture where reporting security issues is seen as a positive action. If employees feel they’ll be judged or punished, they’ll keep quiet. Leaders in your company need to set the tone by being open about their own experiences with reporting issues. When the top management talks openly about security, it encourages everyone else to do the same.

Consider appointing security champions within different departments. These are the go-to people for their peers, offering support and making the reporting process less intimidating. Keep security a regular topic of conversation to keep it fresh in everyone’s minds.

Also, celebrate the learning opportunities that come from reported incidents. Share success stories where reporting helped avoid a disaster. This not only educates but also motivates your team to keep their eyes open and speak up.

By making it easy and rewarding for your employees to report security issues, you’re not just protecting your business; you’re also building a more engaged and proactive workforce.

Encourage open communication, and continuous learning, and avoid shaming anyone for their mistakes. The faster issues are reported, the easier and cheaper they are to fix, keeping your business secure and thriving.

This is something we regularly help businesses with. If we can help you too, get in touch!