Over the last few years, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number of cyberattacks on businesses. In order to protect their data and other assets, many organizations have implemented various security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), antivirus software, spam filters, virtual private networks (VPNs) and other security solutions.
In the wake of the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, the need for robust cybersecurity has become even more pressing, given the rise in remote working scenarios, such as those involving fully remote teams or hybrid models. Businesses must strengthen their security protocols due to the increasing number of people with access to corporate data and resources.
It is regrettable that workers may feel their productivity is hindered due to the introduction of extra rules. Nevertheless, it is essential that we maintain the security of sensitive data, and so I will be exploring methods to tackle any employee resistance. This will involve finding a balance between the needs of the organization and the employees.
Employee Opposition
Recent research conducted by HP Wolf Security has revealed that over half of young employees perceive security tools as hindrances. Consequently, approximately one-third of them have attempted to bypass the protective measures implemented by their employers.
It is concerning to observe that, despite the frequent emphasis on the importance of cybersecurity as businesses move to digital platforms, many employees are still not adequately protected. The question remains as to why this persistent issue continues to occur.
64% of employees surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with security policies and technology, with many citing the need for frequent updates and the need to use multiple devices for authentication as being particularly onerous.
The survey results indicate that 54% of employees feel that the security measures at their workplace are overly restrictive. This can impede their ability to install or configure digital systems and prevent them from accessing certain websites.
What strategies are employees adopting to manage the increasing security protocols? Unfortunately, some are choosing to bypass or ignore them, which poses a significant concern for IT departments globally and makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
How to Keep Workers Safe without Overburdening Them
It is apparent from the statistics that some members of your staff may not be adhering to security procedures. It is advisable to take action now to avoid any potential issues in the future. There are two primary strategies available to you to combat this issue.
It is essential to put in place safety protocols that are tailored to your business and personnel. To this end, it is preferable to select technological solutions that are discreet, straightforward and designed with security as a priority, rather than relying on unwieldy technology or a multitude of separate security tools. To summarize, I would suggest constructing your entire digital environment around trustworthy security technologies.
The first step in enhancing cyber security is to utilize tried and tested, commercially available technologies. A reputable development partner can help you to create bespoke IT solutions, allowing you to focus on other areas, such as security. Whichever route you choose, the outcome will be the same: a more secure and resilient foundation, on which to build a successful and stable business.
It is important to note that, although implementing secure technologies can reduce the need for a large number of extra security measures, it is still necessary to deploy a range of solutions to ensure your digital environment is adequately protected. Doing so will streamline your operations and allow your staff to work efficiently without having to worry about security risks.
Changes in the Workplace’s Atmosphere
Creating a culture of security should be prioritized in order to ensure the business’s operations are secure. This will require a shift in mindset for many employees, and may take some time to fully implement.
However, the adoption of this strategy is not open for debate at this point. If telecommuting is the way forward, it is essential that your staff comply with your security policies.
Are there any measures you can take to simplify the process? Implementing security-focused training programmes could be a beneficial way to raise awareness amongst staff. These programmes could help to emphasize the significance of security measures, while also demonstrating to employees that only minimal changes to their daily activities are necessary to comply with security policies.
In order to ensure the security of the workplace, it is essential to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the cybersecurity architecture and its impact on processes and productivity. It is not reasonable to expect employees to take on all the responsibility for security without providing any support or assistance. Consequently, in addition to the training sessions, it is important to consider how best to support employees.
It is essential that your staff are supplied with straightforward and effective security measures which will not obstruct their daily activities, but will still ensure the security of your organization. This is a delicate balance to strike, however it is necessary if you want to prevent resistance to security measures from your employees.
In order to ensure that security measures are not disregarded, it is essential to implement rules and technology that do not compromise the comfort of workers. While this presents a significant challenge, it is the only viable option in the current climate of remote working and increasing cybercrime.
