Unfortunately, facing uncomfortable realities is a prospect that many business owners will have to come to terms with at some point during their careers.
One such reality is the very real subject of insider threat, an upsetting prospect, yet nonetheless, one that must be addressed in the modern workplace.
Insider threat is a prominent danger to cybersecurity in the digital age, and since concerns about data protection are on the rise for many online users, the act of practicing digital hygiene becomes a question of more than just reputation.
Here are some tips on how to protect your business from insider threats.
A Better Vetting Process
Taking a preemptive approach is a must in the world of cybersecurity, as failing to act first takes away your edge.
Introducing a better vetting process could help you find a higher quality of candidate in the first place, one that you can rely on and trust.
There are a few ways to do this, such as getting more specific on the job description, hiring the help of professional recruitment service, and conducting thorough background checks.
Insider Threat Prevention Software
Since there are so many handy software tools available to businesses as of late, failing to capitalize on these opportunities could give your rivals a competitive advantage.
Insider threat software is a wonderful example of this, so you might want to check out Proofpoint to find out more about how it can help your company stay safe.
Educate Your Employees in Cyber-Hygiene
Learning to say safe online is important for everyone in the digital era, perhaps particularly for employees who need to regularly handle highly sensitive data.
Knowing how to carefully handle this data and store it away securely does not come naturally for everyone, so striving to educate your employees about cyber-crime and its many implications is a must.
Many insider threats are not malicious in intent, arising completely from negligence and a lack of training.
Helping your employees learn, practice and train is a superb way of reducing the risk of human error.
Securing Your Network
If all of your employees have access to your entire business network at any given time, it could increase the likelihood of an insider threat arising in the first instance.
Introducing a few added layers of security might be the best way to secure your network in this regard, to keep it safe from those who might not have the clearance, experience, and skills necessary to handle some of your more valuable data.
It is also worth noting, important data should always be encrypted to ensure it is safe whenever it is transferred, stored, or handled by your employees.
Carry Out Regular Assessments
To make sure that your security is up to scratch throughout your entire business, carrying out regular security assessments is a must.
This might require the help of a trusted third party who possesses expert knowledge in the cybersecurity field, but ultimately the price of ignoring cyber security is far greater than investing in preventative measures in the first instance.
