Reporting Security Issues
Getting your team to report security issues quickly is important for your business… but it may be something that might not have crossed your mind.
You might think you’re covered with so many security tech tools. But guess what? Your employees are your first line of defense and irreplaceable when spotting and reporting security threats.
Imagine this: One of your employees receives a fishy-looking email that appears to be from a trusted supplier. It’s a classic phishing attempt (that’s where a cybercriminal sends an email and pretends to be someone else to steal your data).
If the employee brushes it off or thinks someone else will handle it, that innocent-looking email could lead to a massive data breach, potentially costing your company big bucks.
The truth is that less than 10% of employees report phishing emails to their security teams.
That’s shockingly low. Why? Well:
- They might not realize how important it is
- They’re scared of getting into trouble if they’re wrong
- Or they think it’s someone else’s job
They’re even less likely to speak up if they’ve been shamed for security mistakes.
One of the biggest reasons employees don’t report security issues is that they don’t get it. They might not know what a security threat looks like or why reporting it is crucial. This is where education comes in, but not the boring, jargon-filled kind.
Think of cybersecurity training as an engaging and interactive experience.
Use real-life examples and scenarios to show how a small issue can snowball into a major problem if not reported.
Simulate phishing attacks and demonstrate the potential fallout. Make it clear that everyone has a vital role in keeping the company safe. Employees who understand their actions can prevent a disaster and be more motivated to report anything suspicious.
Even if your employees want to report an issue, a complicated reporting process can stop them in their tracks. Make sure your reporting process is as simple as possible. Think easy-access buttons or quick links on your company’s intranet.
Make sure 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 acknowledgment can reinforce their behavior 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 big boss talks openly about security, it encourages everyone else to do the same.
You could even consider appointing security champions within different departments. These are your go-to people for their peers, offering support and making the reporting process less intimidating. Keep security a regular topic of conversation so it stays 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 will educate and motivate 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 protecting your business and 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.