Are Your Employees Reporting Security Issues Fast Enough... or at All?

July 15, 2024

Ensuring your team reports security issues quickly is crucial for your business. However, it might not be something you've considered before.
You may think that with all the security tech tools available, you're covered. But here's the truth: your employees are your first line of defence. They play an irreplaceable role in spotting and reporting security threats.

The Alarming Reality: Less Than 10% Report Phishing Emails

Imagine this scenario: an employee receives a suspicious email that looks like it's from a trusted supplier. It's a classic phishing attempt (where a cybercriminal pretends to be someone else to steal your data).

If the employee ignores it or assumes someone else will handle it, that seemingly innocent email could lead to a massive data breach, costing your company a fortune.

The reality is that less than 10% of employees report phishing emails to their security teams. That's alarmingly low. Why? Because:

They might not realize the importance
They're scared of getting into trouble if they're wrong
They think it's someone else's job

They're even less likely to speak up if they've been shamed for security mistakes before.

The Key to Reporting: Understanding and Education

One of the biggest reasons employees don't report security issues is that they simply don't understand them. They might not recognize what a security threat looks like or why reporting it is crucial. This is where education comes in, but not the boring, jargon-filled kind.

Think of cybersecurity training as an engaging and interactive experience. Use real-life examples and scenarios to show how a small issue can snowball into a major problem if not reported.

Simplify the Reporting Process

Simulate phishing attacks and demonstrate the potential fallout. Make it clear that everyone plays a vital role in keeping the company safe. When employees understand that their actions can prevent a disaster, they'll be more motivated to report anything suspicious.

Even if your employees want to report an issue, a complicated reporting process can stop them in their tracks. Make sure your reporting process is as simple and straightforward as possible. Consider easy-access buttons or quick links on your company's intranet.

Encourage a Positive Reporting Culture

Ensure everyone knows how to report an issue. Regular reminders and clear instructions can go a long way. And when someone does report something, give them immediate feedback. A simple thank you or acknowledgment can reinforce their behaviour and show them that their efforts matter.

Lead by Example and Celebrate Success

It's all about creating a culture where reporting security issues is seen as a positive action. If employees feel they'll be judged or punished, they'll keep quiet. Leaders in your company need to set the tone by being open about their own experiences with reporting issues. When top executives openly discuss security, it encourages everyone else to do the same.

You could even consider appointing security champions within different departments. These are your go-to people for their peers, offering support and making the reporting process less intimidating. Keep security a regular topic of conversation so it stays fresh in everyone's minds.

Turn Incidents into Learning Opportunities

Also, celebrate the learning opportunities that come from reported incidents. Share success stories where reporting helped avoid a disaster. This not only educates but also motivates your team to stay alert and speak up.

By making it easy and rewarding for your employees to report security issues, you're protecting your business and building a more engaged and proactive workforce. Encourage open communication and continuous learning, and avoid shaming anyone for their mistakes. The faster issues are reported, the easier and cheaper they are to fix, keeping your business secure and thriving.

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This is something we regularly help businesses with. If we can help you too, get in touch!