What comes to mind first when the words ‘Data security’ are mentioned to most workers? Chances are, it is thoughts of things like; frequent password changes, oversensitive spam folders, the inability to make personal calls on the ‘work phone’, the irritation of realizing that they have left home without their entry badge and the seemingly unnecessary 15 minutes at entry that it will entail. It is a difficult perception to overcome, but changing that perception is something that all businesses should strive towards achieving.
Data security is not simply a compliance, or legal, requirement; it has become a fundamental business advantage, in some cases as significant as a strong product range or good customer service.
Educating staff about the significance of good data security practices can transform their perception from seeing it as a burden to recognizing it as an essential aspect of their professional responsibilities. Through the integration of data protection best practices, organizations not only safeguard their own operations but also improve their reputation, protect the interests of their clients, and foster a secure environment for employees’ personal data.
It is worth noting that according to Stanford University Professor Jeff Hancock, 88% of data breaches result from employee mistakes. The message for businesses, therefore, is clear: Want to improve your data security? Start with your staff.
The common misconception: Data security is a burden
Data security measures are often perceived by staff as cumbersome and unnecessary, a distraction from their ‘real work’. This viewpoint is understandable; often when a person who has performed a role perfectly adequately for many years is asked to add a number of security steps and procedures to their daily tasks (by a non-expert in their particular field let us not forget!) they can see such a change as a pointless complication. This perception arises from a lack of comprehension about the potential consequences of data breaches and the real benefits of strong data protection. At worst, security protocols are seen as obstacles that hinder an employee’s workflow. Obstacles that some employees may in fact try to overcome; writing passwords on post-it notes, sharing badges or devices, using non-authorized devices, etc.
Nonetheless, this perception can be changed with effective education and awareness initiatives that clarify the direct and indirect benefits of data security.
Education: Transforming perceptions
Protecting your personal data
Personal data concerns everyone, staff included. Changing employee attitudes toward data security starts with emphasizing the personal benefits to those employees themselves. Data security protocols offer protection not just of the company’s information, but also of the employees’ own personal data. Remind staff that a significant quantity of their personal data, necessarily, is held in the company’s IT system; names, dates of birth, addresses, bank details, next of kin, CV, to name just a few. It is in their own private interests to protect that data, and by applying the best practices, they are doing just that!
Enhancement of client trust
As data breaches become increasingly common, public awareness of cyber incidents is also growing and customers have become more discerning about whom they can trust with their personal information. The implementation and demonstration of sound data security measures can significantly boost client confidence and loyalty. Employees should understand that their daily efforts contribute to building and maintaining this trust. A useful analogy may be the frosted glass or private booths that financial institutions often used in the past; people value their privacy. Modern data security practices offer a digital equivalent of that frosted glass. It is simply intended to ensure that personal information remains confidential.
Advantage over the competition
Companies that prioritize and excel in data protection can leverage it as a competitive advantage in their field. This is perhaps even more relevant in sectors such as healthcare, financial services, legal services, and tech industries where large quantities of the most sensitive personal information are processed daily. Emphasizing this advantage can help to motivate employees to fully embrace security practices as a way of contributing to the company’s success.
Practical steps: Encouraging data security
Communicate the benefits
The benefits of data security must be communicated in clear and direct terms. Businesses should use real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the negative impact of data breaches, but also of the success stories of those organizations that have benefited from competent data protection measures.
Continuing training and awareness initiatives
Regular training sessions are required in order to keep data security at the forefront of employees’ minds. Employees should learn not just the ‘how’, but also the ‘why’, of data security practices. The training should be interesting; interactive workshops, simulations, and even gamified learning experiences can help make training sessions more engaging and effective.
Integration of data security into company culture
Data security needs to be a core part of a company’s culture. Management should lead by example, consistently emphasizing the value of best security practices and recognizing and rewarding employees who demonstrate adherence to protocols.
Compliance made simple
Whenever appropriate, render security processes as simple as possible in order to minimize disruption to workflows. Automated systems and user-friendly tools can assist in the integration of security into daily operations without becoming a burden. The target is to put security practices in place in as seamless and intuitive a manner as possible.
Employee accountability
A sense of personal accountability among employees is to be encouraged. When employees fully comprehend that their actions directly affect the company’s security posture and their own privacy, they are more enthusiastic about taking data security seriously.
Changing the common perception of data security from a compliance burden to a business advantage necessitates a concerted effort to educate and engage with employees. Through highlighting the personal benefits, enhancing client trust, and leveraging data security as a competitive advantage, companies can develop a culture where security protocols are embraced and valued.
Photo credits: tipappatt, AdobeStock.com
