10 Easy Steps to Building a Culture of Cyber Awareness

In today’s digital age, cyberattacks are a constant threat. From phishing emails to malware downloads and data breaches, these issues can cripple businesses and devastate personal lives. 

A lot of the threats to your business network start with simple employee mistakes. Most of the time, it’s because people just aren’t aware of cybersecurity risks. They might accidentally click on a phishing link or use weak passwords that hackers can easily crack. It’s not their fault—they just don’t know any better! 

It’s estimated that 95% of data breaches are due to human error. 

But don’t worry, these mistakes are preventable! Let’s dive into how you can build a culture of cyber awareness in your organization with just a few easy steps. 

Why Cyber Awareness Matters 

Think of your organization’s cybersecurity as a chain. Strong links make it unbreakable, while weak links make it vulnerable. Employees are the links in this chain. By fostering a culture of cyber awareness, you turn each employee into a strong link. This makes your entire organization more secure. 

Easy Steps, Big Impact 

Building a cyber awareness culture doesn’t require complex strategies or expensive training programs. Here are some simple steps you can take to make a big difference. 

1.  Start with Leadership Buy-in

Security shouldn’t be an IT department issue alone. Get leadership involved! When executives champion cyber awareness, it sends a powerful message to the organization.

Leadership can show their commitment by: 

• Participating in training sessions 
• Speaking at security awareness events 
• Allocating resources for ongoing initiatives

2.  Make Security Awareness Fun, Not Fearful

Cybersecurity training doesn’t have to be dry and boring. At Zaltek we’ll use engaging videos, gamified quizzes, and real-life scenarios to train your staff. These keep employees interested and learning. 

Think of interactive modules where employees choose their path through a simulated phishing attack or short, animated videos that explain complex security concepts in a clear and relatable way. 

With Zaltek’s innovative approach, your team will stay informed and vigilant, making your business more secure.

3.  Speak Their Language

Cybersecurity terms can be confusing. Communicate in plain language, avoiding technical jargon. Focus on practical advice employees can use in their everyday work. 

For example, instead of saying “implement multi-factor authentication,” explain that it adds an extra layer of security when logging in, like needing a code from your phone on top of your password.

4.  Keep it Short and Sweet

Don’t overwhelm people with lengthy training sessions. We opt for bite-sized training modules that are easy to digest and remember. Using microlearning approaches delivered in short bursts throughout the workday is a great way to keep employees engaged and reinforce key security concepts.

5.  Conduct Phishing Simulations

Regular phishing simulations test employee awareness and preparedness. Send simulated phishing emails and track who clicks. Use the results to educate employees on red flags and reporting suspicious messages. 

But don’t stop there! After a phishing simulation, take the opportunity to dissect the email with employees and highlight the telltale signs that helped identify it as a fake. 

Let Zaltek conduct these Phishing Simulations for you, ensuring that everyone in your company is thoroughly tested and well-prepared to handle real threats.

6.  Make Reporting Easy and Encouraged

Employees need to feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity without fear of blame. Create a safe reporting system and acknowledge reports promptly.

You can do this through: 

• A dedicated email address 
• An anonymous reporting hotline 
• A designated security champion employees can approach directly 

When you choose Zaltek Digital as your IT partner, our professional help desk personnel will be available to support your employees. We ensure a seamless and supportive environment, making cybersecurity a team effort and keeping your business secure. 

 7.  Security Champions: Empower Your Employees

Identify enthusiastic employees who can become “security champions.” These champions can answer questions from peers and promote best practices through internal communication channels. Security champions can be a valuable resource for their colleagues. 

This keeps security awareness top of mind and fosters a sense of shared responsibility for cybersecurity within the organization.  

8.  Security Spills Over Beyond Work

Cybersecurity isn’t just a work thing. Educate employees on how to protect themselves at home too. Share tips on strong passwords, secure Wi-Fi connections, and avoiding public hotspots. Employees who practice good security habits at home are more likely to do so in the workplace.

9.  Celebrate Successes

Recognize and celebrate employee achievements in cyber awareness. Did someone report a suspicious email? Did a team achieve a low click-through rate on a phishing drill? Publicly acknowledge their contributions to keep motivation high. Recognition can be a powerful tool that helps reinforce positive behavior and encourages continued vigilance.

10.  Leverage Technology

Technology can be a powerful tool for building a cyber-aware culture. Use online training platforms that deliver microlearning modules and track employee progress. You can schedule automated phishing simulations regularly to keep employees on their toes. 

Tools that bolster employee security include: 

• Password managers 
• Email filtering for spam and phishing 
• Automated rules, such as Microsoft’s Sensitivity Labels 
• DNS filtering 

The Bottom Line: Everyone Plays a Role 

Building a culture of cyber awareness is an ongoing process. Repetition is key! Regularly revisit these steps. Keep the conversation going. Make security awareness a natural part of your organization’s DNA. 

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By fostering a culture of cyber awareness your business benefits. You equip everyone in your organization with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online. Empowered employees become your strongest defense against cyber threats. 

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered! 

Need help with email filtering or security rules setup? Would you like someone to handle your ongoing employee security training? We can help you reduce your cybersecurity risk in many ways. 

At Zaltek, we offer a comprehensive suite of services including ransomware detection, antivirus software, a password manager and device monitoring. These tools, combined with our expert training programs, will enhance your security posture and protect your business. 

Contact us today to learn more and keep your business secure!