According to the 25th Annual Global CEO Survey conducted by PwC, which surveyed 4,446 CEOs from 89 countries, over half of the polled CEOs stated that cyber threats were their primary concern for the upcoming year 2023.
Keeping up to date with the news shows the importance of network security in organizations. Ransomware and evolving cyber-attacks have raised concerns about the potential damage that can be inflicted on businesses across different industries. It is therefore unsurprising that network security has become a top priority for many organizations.
In order to combat the emerging threats, increased investment in cybersecurity technology and the adoption of new strategies have been implemented. The key to successful cyber protection lies in the implementation of regular training programmes for staff, however, these are often overlooked. Companies often fail to recognize the importance of teamwork in cybersecurity, even when there is an ongoing security programme in place for employees.
Working Together to Ensure Safety
It is often asserted that humans are the most vulnerable part of any cyber security strategy. This is why a purely technological response to the increasing cyber threats faced by organizations today is not sufficient. While technology is undoubtedly important, it is not enough to guarantee security.
Security professionals are advocating for a change in attitudes towards cyber security, suggesting that a more collaborative, human-focused approach is needed, rather than relying mainly on technology and infrequent training.
It is imperative that all teams remain vigilant to potential cybersecurity threats, as any issues may have a detrimental impact on the entire organization. By proactively monitoring potential risks, companies can minimize the potential damage that can occur.
Cybersecurity should be seen as a company-wide responsibility, rather than solely the concern of the IT department. Whilst the concept is straightforward, its implementation can be challenging, as many view security protocols and policies as impediments to their daily tasks. To gain an understanding of this issue, one only needs to speak to employees to discover how many find the use of multi-factor authentication to access a service inconvenient.
When weighing up convenience and security, operational comfort is often prioritized. To ensure a successful outcome in these cases, collaboration is key. Taking the time to build relationships with colleagues across different teams, such as IT and security, can help to develop an understanding of the objectives and goals of each department. By seeing the situation from another perspective, staff can gain insight into the rationale for cybersecurity precautions.
Given the essential role of cybersecurity to the business, it may be challenging to arrive at an agreement on which team has the ultimate authority. To prevent this issue from arising, it is important to nurture cooperation, set shared objectives and provide incentives to each team to ensure the successful delivery of goods and services.
The Greatest Foe: Complexity
The complexity of systems and procedures can be a major obstacle to achieving a high level of cooperation and shared perspective. Security in the workplace may be a great concern when different systems with distinct protocols and policies are managing operations. Consequently, the IT department often implements both technological and operational barriers to keep control.
It is clear that the complexity and variation of the company’s operations require the utilisation of a range of tools and strategies. As these protocols do not adjust automatically to each individual requirement, the security team must develop new methods to cater for all the various processes and activities. This is creating an increasing level of tension.
In order to overcome this challenge, it is necessary to simplify matters. This could involve upgrading the digital infrastructure and streamlining procedures, but ultimately, it is about fostering collaboration. To successfully implement new systems and processes that will benefit both teams and the organisation at large, it is imperative that all teams understand the security team’s perspective.
Methods for Improving Cybersecurity Based on Human Factors
Adopting a human-centred approach to cybersecurity is a widely accepted strategy. To ensure successful teamwork, regular communication is essential amongst team members. For this reason, training programmes should be implemented to promote a more informed understanding of cybersecurity, not only in its technical aspects but with a focus on developing essential soft skills at both the individual and group levels.
Regular training is essential in order to identify and resolve any potential conflicts between team members. Training sessions should focus on motivating employees, encouraging them to collaborate and work together to ensure the security of digital systems.
It is evident that there are methods to adopt a more people-centric approach to cyber security. Initially, the underlying sources of contention within the organization must be identified. Subsequently, a plan can be created to reduce any such issues, potentially through the simplification of the system’s technical and operational processes. In tandem with this, the team should be encouraged to build a sense of camaraderie by constructing common ground and establishing collective, advantageous purposes.
It is true that implementing this approach requires a considerable amount of effort. Nonetheless, if you wish to enhance your cybersecurity amid the increasing risks and intricate attacks of today’s digital landscape, this is the only viable option.
