In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity awareness is important. Why?
Let’s find out.
Cybersecurity Awareness Is Important Now
COVID-19 brought drastic changes in our lives. For one, a large portion of the workforce shifted to work-from-home models. Because of that, companies had to implement new IT capabilities.
Businesses must also review their technology infrastructure and cybersecurity measures. Even now that we are almost in the post-COVID era, organizations adapt to the new normal.
It also includes a deep evaluation of cybersecurity changes. But, what really employees need now is cybersecurity awareness training.
Even pre-pandemic, cybersecurity policies often lag in today’s companies. Most employees also don’t know even the basic cybersecurity etiquette.
Really, though, why and how can cybersecurity awareness equip employees to prevent attacks?
Reasons Why Cybersecurity Awareness Is Important
Keep your employees informed about cybersecurity threats
Being aware of something helps you prepare for it. Now, malicious actors and even organized cybercriminals take advantage of the crisis now.
Many of them are exploiting the pandemic by using COVID-19-themed phishing campaigns. And most of these target businesses and their employees.
By following threat updates and training, companies can ensure that employees will know how to recognize threats. So, they can prevent them from entering networks and getting their assets.
Put your cybersecurity operations on guard
Aside from phishing scams, threat groups also attack IT and security teams. For one, they launch different attacks, such as:
- enterprise-level ransomware attacks
- crypto-mining operations
- denial of service attacks.
The sad thing is that most disaster recovery teams may not be used to work remotely. Other companies now also have fewer members on-site. But, it doesn’t change the fact that detection and rapid response matter now.
So, companies should also ensure adequate staffing. They should also train IT experts to handle attacks while being at home.
Monitor your employees’ cybersecurity hygiene
In reality, not all employees know about cyber hygiene. Some even admit that it’s been a long time since they changed their passwords. So, cybersecurity awareness equips them with what they should do.
Still, companies should encourage employees to seek help if they are unsure. By doing this, you can avoid a culture of blame.
Team leaders and managers should also keep in touch with their teams. So, they can notice if some employees act in ways that raise concerns.
Sanity check your privileged users
Most networks and systems have privilege users like administrators. But, it’s also critical to check them.
For example, some employees may not work in a particular department anymore or even left the company. So, they have to be cut off from the privilege they once have.
In that case, security teams need to work closely with HR. That’s because they manage the joiners, movers, and leavers through the company.
Regular chats can also help IT teams identify any behavior. As a result, they can monitor suspicious access.
Final Thoughts
Surviving the COVID-19 pandemic requires reaching out to the community. In businesses, this can be to peers, regulators, trusted partners, and supply chain contacts.
By doing so, they can improve their cybersecurity and learn what they need to do. Cybersecurity awareness also allows employees to work with your ecosystem. Finally, it makes them feel assured that they are well-supported by the company.
