In recent years, businesses have experienced an unprecedented surge in cyberattacks. As a result, many organisations have implemented a range of security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), antivirus software, spam filters, virtual private networks (VPNs), and other security solutions, to protect their data and assets from such attacks.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of robust cybersecurity as remote working scenarios, such as fully remote teams or hybrid models, have become more prevalent. With an increasing number of people having access to corporate data and resources, businesses need to reinforce their security protocols.
Although it is unfortunate that some workers may experience reduced productivity due to the introduction of additional rules, it is imperative that we prioritize the security of sensitive data. To overcome any employee resistance, it is crucial to strike a balance between the needs of the organization and the needs of the employees.
Employee Resistance
HP Wolf Security’s latest research has found that more than 50% of young employees consider security tools to be obstacles in their work. As a result, around one-third of them have attempted to evade the security measures put in place by their employers.
Despite the high-level prioritization given to cybersecurity as businesses shift towards digital platforms, it is worrying to see that many employees still lack sufficient protection. It is crucial to understand why this problem persists.
According to a survey, 64% of employees reported being dissatisfied with security policies and technology, with many highlighting the challenges of frequent updates and using multiple devices for authentication as major concerns.
According to the survey, 54% of employees believe that the security measures implemented in their workplaces are excessively strict. This can limit their capacity to install or configure digital systems and restrict their access to certain websites.
How are employees coping with the rising security protocols? Unfortunately, some are opting to disregard or circumvent them, which poses a significant threat to IT departments worldwide and leaves them susceptible to cyber-attacks.
Keeping Employees Safe without Overloading Them
The statistics suggest that some employees may not be following security procedures. To prevent potential problems in the future, it is recommended to take action now. Two main strategies are available to address this issue.
It is crucial to establish safety protocols that are customized to your business and staff. It is recommended to opt for security-focused technological solutions that are discreet, user-friendly, and designed to be integrated with your existing systems, rather than relying on clunky or fragmented security tools. In summary, I suggest building your entire digital ecosystem around reliable security technologies.
The initial step in improving cybersecurity is to employ reliable, commercially available technologies. Collaborating with a trustworthy development partner can aid in the creation of tailor-made IT solutions, freeing up time to concentrate on other aspects, such as security. Regardless of the avenue you select, the end result will be the same: a more secure and robust foundation, upon which to construct a thriving and stable business.
It is worth noting that while the use of secure technologies can decrease the need for numerous additional security measures, it is still vital to implement a variety of solutions to ensure that your digital ecosystem is suitably safeguarded. This will streamline your operations and enable your employees to work productively without worrying about security threats.
Shifts in Workplace Dynamics
Establishing a security-oriented culture must be given paramount importance to guarantee the safety of your business operations. This may necessitate a change in approach for several employees and could take some time to implement completely.
Nevertheless, at this stage, the adoption of this approach is not negotiable. If remote work is the direction, it is crucial for your employees to adhere to your security policies.
Do you have any means of streamlining the process? Conducting training programs that prioritize security could be a useful method of promoting awareness among employees. These programs could highlight the importance of security measures while also showcasing that minimal modifications are needed in their daily operations to adhere to security policies.
To safeguard the workplace’s security, performing a thorough assessment of the cybersecurity framework and its effects on processes and efficiency is crucial. It is unreasonable to anticipate that employees will shoulder all the responsibility for security without receiving any assistance or aid. Therefore, in addition to training sessions, it is vital to explore how best to support employees.
Equipping your employees with uncomplicated and efficient security measures that do not hinder their daily operations, while still guaranteeing your organization’s safety, is essential. Achieving this balance is tricky, but necessary if you want to prevent pushback from your employees against security protocols.
To prevent security protocols from being ignored, it is vital to apply regulations and technology that do not compromise the convenience of employees. Although this poses a considerable challenge, it is the only practical option in light of the current trend toward remote work and escalating cyber threats.
