There’s no technology you can buy that completely protects against an employee clicking on something they shouldn’t. That’s why it’s so important to implement a strategic communications plan to keep cybersecurity top of mind for employees.
Here are five recommendations for how to do that — and how not to:
You’re trying to change human behavior, not explain how to code in JavaScript. Remember that it’s particularly important to reach those employees who are not technologists. Even though you’re talking about technology, keep your communications conversational for laypeople. Speak human to human so you’re connecting to employees on a personal level.
When communicating with employees, consider the different work environments, as well as cultural or geographical differences, and even generational preferences in media consumption. Include online articles, videos, podcasts, digital signage and environmental signage. Use plenty of short messaging and some longer copy for more complex topics.
Having your C-suite lead the way for heightened awareness of cybersecurity lets employees know this is serious. But they’ll depend on their managers for more detail, so make it easy for managers to engage and influence them on the topic. By using your own people to inspire your people, you position cybersecurity as an important element of the culture.
It’s not possible to make a company-wide shift toward personal responsibility for cybersecurity without sustained communications. Consider it a long-range goal of shifting behavior over the course of a year — but don’t stop there. Keep those cybersecurity communications coming in a steady flow. This isn’t something you can achieve with a couple of emails and a poster.
Employees don’t have to consume any of the communications we offer them. Improve your odds of reaching them by offering a variety of channels, and plenty of short, succinct messages. Employees are busy. Our job as communicators is to entice them to engage with our communications. That’s why it’s so important to apply a high level of strategic thinking and creativity.
