The Importance of Involving All Business Levels and Functional Areas in Strengthening an Organization’s Human Firewall

Cybersecurity is a topic that should concern everyone in an organization, not just those in the IT department or the realm of the Industrial Internet of things (IIoT). In today’s world, where our daily lives and the operations of our organizations heavily rely on technology and the sharing of information, cybersecurity has become increasingly crucial.

We are constantly bombarded with news headlines about sophisticated and complex cyber threats, and it is evident that these threats will only continue to evolve and become more damaging. The individuals behind these malicious acts are constantly improving their skills, making it imperative for us to stay vigilant and safeguard the crown jewels of our organizations – be it information, services, or systems.

However, as we focus on securing these assets, it is essential to realize that cybersecurity is not solely the responsibility of the IT or cybersecurity teams. According to CompTIA, the cost of cybercrime has risen by 10% in the past year and is expected to reach over $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Moreover, there is a significant cybersecurity talent workforce gap of 3.4 million people. These alarming statistics suggest that we need the support of the entire organization to combat these challenges effectively.

To achieve this, it is crucial to establish a culture of cyber awareness throughout the entire organization. This means providing training on cybersecurity fundamentals to all levels of the business, from C-Level executives and Board Members to colleagues in other functional areas such as Finance, HR, Marketing, and Operations. It is essential to keep everyone informed about the specific cyber threats the organization is likely to face and the necessary defensive actions to mitigate them.

While it is true that the IT and cybersecurity teams form the first line of defense, it is vital for all employees to be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to cybersecurity. Human error plays a significant role in cyber-attacks, with approximately 95% of attacks being the result of such errors. With remote work becoming more prevalent, the risk of encountering cyber threats has increased. Recent data shows that 80% of remote workers have encountered more cyber threats. Additionally, about 76% of employees worldwide have inappropriate access to sensitive information. While access controls need improvement, educating everyone on best practices for information management can significantly reduce the likelihood of cyber-attacks and their impact on operations.

It is crucial for employees to understand the risks associated with sharing information with third-party entities, including those involved in the supply chain. They should be knowledgeable about safe password management, secure remote work practices, and the proper use of online applications like email and collaborative tools such as Google Drive or Zoom.

Furthermore, it is vital to keep the entire organization updated on the latest cyber risks and trends in cybersecurity. This information should be communicated clearly and made easily understandable by individuals from all teams, regardless of their nature. By doing so, an organization can cultivate a strong human firewall that relies not only on the expertise of the IT and cybersecurity teams but also on the collective vigilance of every individual within the organization.

In conclusion, cybersecurity is a matter that should concern every employee in an organization. The increasing complexity of cyber threats and the talent gap in the cybersecurity workforce necessitate the involvement of everyone. By fostering a culture of cyber awareness, providing training, and keeping everyone up to date on the latest risks and trends, organizations can strengthen their human firewall and protect their valuable assets. It is time for all individuals within an organization to acknowledge their role in cybersecurity and actively contribute to the defense against cyber threats.

О аутору:

Sara Velásquez is a Growth Lead at Seccuri, a Global Cybersecurity Talent Platform. Her work includes helping cybersecurity professionals advance their careers through job opportunities and training. By focusing on closing the cybersecurity talent gap, she assists companies in finding the professionals they need and supports the growth of the cybersecurity workforce. You can reach Sara at sara.velasquez@seccuri.com and learn more about Seccuri at their website: https://www.seccuri.com/.

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