Cybersecurity is an HR Responsibility, Too

In the modern business landscape, cybercrime has emerged as a persistent threat that businesses must confront. Cyberattacks are on the rise, driven by increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals. These attacks carry the potential for significant damage, with the global average cost of a data breach reaching $4.35 million in 2022, as reported by IBM.

One contributing factor to the surge in cybercrime is the shift toward remote work in recent years. Remote work setups often lack adequate cybersecurity measures, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. Moreover, remote workers, reliant on digital communication tools, become more susceptible to phishing and social engineering attacks. The absence of physical proximity in remote work settings can also hinder communication and verification, making employees more susceptible to phishing attempts.

Given this heightened risk, the question arises: Should companies abandon remote work? Doing so would have its own set of costs, as remote work has been associated with increased productivity and employee retention. Surveys indicate that adopting distributed remote work practices led to higher employee retention rates for 69% of companies and improved productivity for 72% of those with an international remote workforce.

So, how can companies enhance their cybersecurity without sacrificing the benefits of remote work? While organizations often focus on technology as the core of cybersecurity, it’s essential to recognize that the most critical element is your people.

An IBM study reveals that a staggering 95% of cybersecurity breaches result from human error. This underscores the role of HR in bolstering cybersecurity and implementing protective measures. HR leaders must assume a vital role in safeguarding their organizations from cyber threats.

To address this issue, HR can take several steps. First and foremost, fostering a corporate culture of cybersecurity is imperative. Collaboration between HR leaders, internal IT teams, and data protection specialists is essential to achieve this.

One way HR can actively contribute is by collaborating with IT to establish refined access levels based on the organizational structure, considering employees’ roles and departments. This approach helps control and regulate access to specific information, adhering to the principle of least privilege to limit the potential damage of data breaches caused by individual employees.

Recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training present opportunities for HR to instill cybersecurity awareness across the organization. During recruitment, HR can screen candidates for potential red flags, conduct background checks, and implement security measures for virtual interviews.

The onboarding phase is crucial for HR to protect sensitive information, keep records of equipment, and educate new employees on safety precautions and data encryption.

Ongoing training is vital for reinforcing cybersecurity practices and educating employees about evolving cyber threats, such as the risks associated with public Wi-Fi.

At Remote, we ensure that all employees undergo training within their first 30 days of employment and receive annual training thereafter to reinforce security policies and practices. Investing in employee training builds trust and enhances their role as the first line of defense against cybersecurity breaches.

Companies can also collaborate with trusted partners like Remote, who provide end-to-end control over operations, ensuring data security and compliance with global data protection laws. ISO27001 certification and SOC2 Type II certification attest to our commitment to information security.

Incorporating cybersecurity into the company culture requires the collective effort of the entire organization, with HR playing a pivotal role in establishing a secure foundation for a globally distributed workforce.”

#RecruiterLife #OfficeFun #ProductivityHacks #WorkplaceHumor #TeamBonding #OfficeGames #StayCreative #JobMarketPrep#CrossChannelRecruitment#