Security Awareness Training is Essential for Small Businesses Educate your staff in the ways of cybersecurity to avoid any potential data breaches.

By Robert Siciliano Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

Research from the Ponemon Institute claims that human error is responsible for approximately 80 percent of all business data leaks. It only takes one careless employee to cause a big issue. Here is an example: A worker in your office, Sally, is checking her personal email at work and opens one that promises she will lose 10 pounds within the next week. She clicks the link inside of the email and without her realizing it, this action installs a virus on to her computer. Not only is the virus now on her computer, it is also infiltrating the network.

Related: This Cybersecurity App Handles Your Company's Internal Weaknesses

As you can see, this scenario can happen to anyone, which is why it is imperative that owners of small businesses teach security awareness. How does one go about this? Try these tips:

  • After presenting information about security awareness, come up with a scheme to set up a situation where employees are given the opportunity to open a very alluring link in their email. This is called a "phishing simulation." This link will actually take the worker to a safe page, but you must make the page have a message, such as "You Fell For It." You should also make sure that these emails look like a phishing email, such as adding a misspelling.
  • The people who fall for this trick should be tested again in a few days or weeks. This way, you will know if they got the message or not.
  • Don't make it predictable as to when you are giving out these tests. Offer them at different times of day and make sure that the email type changes.
  • Consider hiring a professional who will attempt to get your staff to hand over sensitive business information over the phone, in person and via email. This test could be invaluable, as it will clue you into who is falling for this.
  • Quiz your staff throughout the year, to allow you to see who is paying attention.
  • You want to focus on educating your staff, not disciplining them. They shouldn't feel bad about themselves, but they should be made aware of these mistakes.
  • Make sure your staff knows any data breach could result in legal, financial or criminal repercussions.
  • Schedule workstation checks to see if employees are doing things that might compromise your business' data, such as leaving sensitive information on the screen and walking away.
  • Explain how important security is to your business and encourage staff to report any suspicious activity.
  • After training your staff and testing your employees, make a full list of all of the important concepts that they should understand. Examine this list frequently and then re-evaluate the list to see if any revisions are required.

Related: Cybersecurity Planning is Finally Demystified (Infographic)

Keep in mind that there is no such thing as sharing too many tips on security with your staff. Take the tips, post them around your workplace, and schedule things such as short seminars on security or workshops. This will help to keep this info fresh in the minds of your staff. Also, frequently recognize members of your team who commit themselves to security in the workplace.

Related: For Cybersecurity Companies, It's Time to Shine

Robert Siciliano

Personal Security, Privacy and Identity Theft Expert

Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, is committed to informing, educating and empowering Americans so they can be protected from violence and crime in the physical and virtual worlds.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

This 31-Year-Old Spends 2 Hours Per Week On His $3,000-a-Month Passive Income Side Hustle: 'Trust Your Vision'

Hansel Moore's home office "wasn't cutting it" — so he found another place to be creative.

Science & Technology

The Artificial General Intelligence Revolution Is Coming — Here's What Every Leader Needs to Consider.

Here's what leaders need to know to shape an AGI world, ensuring it fosters progress, purpose and a future where technology enhances humanity.

Business News

Chevron Announces Layoffs Affecting Up to 8,000 Workers: 'Stronger Long-Term Competitiveness'

The oil producer said the layoffs are part of a cost-cutting initiative.

Leadership

5 Key Principles for Successfully Attracting the Right Acquisition

The talent platform space is consolidating, here's what every entrepreneur can learn from its acquisitions.

Leadership

How Modern Leaders Can Cultivate a Growth Mindset in Their Teams

As people's New Year's resolutions begin waning, this article encourages leaders with some practical ways to support their teams and grow the company.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.