Seven steps to managing potential cyber security risks

Overview

Claire Harris, Head of Small, Medium and Large Enterprise Business for Vodafone UK, explores the crucial role of employees in preventing cyber security threats, and how businesses can foster a security-first culture.  

• When employees can confidently identify and manage cyber security risks, they can become your first line of defence.  

• Fostering a security-first culture, simplifying security protocols and promoting open communication are all ways you can make your workforce more resilient to cyber threats.  

• Human Risk Management platforms like Vodafone CybSafe can help to enhance security culture and behaviours.

Empowering employees to become your first line of cyber security defence

The role of humans in successful cyber security attacks is becoming an increasingly prevalent topic. Studies show that more than 90% of data breaches involve some form of human involvement, whether it’s through phishing, weak passwords, or misconfigured systems.  

In an age of increasingly automated and AI-driven cyberattacks, it’s clear that a robust cyber security strategy must go beyond firewalls, encryption, and software updates.   

Whilst businesses invest millions in advanced technologies to bolster their cyber security posture, by adapting their culture and behaviours, they can empower their employees to become their first line of defence.  

Building employee confidence in cyber security can substantially reduce the likelihood of human error and help foster a security-first culture. Improved confidence leads to informed decision-making, faster reporting of potential breaches, and an overall more resilient workforce.  

Foster a security-first culture

One of the most effective ways to instil cyber security confidence amongst your workforce is to foster a company culture that prioritises security across all levels. A culture that values cyber security encourages employees to take security seriously, which naturally reduces errors.  

Regularly communicating the importance of cyber security, not just during annual training sessions or post-incident debriefings is vital. Discussions at all levels from executive meetings to team discussions, creates an environment where employees feel empowered to ask questions about security and make it a part of everyday conversations and activities.

Engage in continuous, adaptive training

Annual cyber security training sessions may tick the compliance box, but they’re rarely effective in building long-term confidence. Cyber threats evolve constantly, so continuous, real-time education that adapts to the current threat landscape helps employees stay ahead of potential risks.  

Training should focus on practical, real-world scenarios that employees can relate to, such as phishing simulations, password management, and identifying suspicious activity. By repeatedly engaging employees in these exercises, you can solidify a culture of preparedness while demystifying cyber security protocols.  

Human Risk Management (HRM) platforms like Vodafone CybSafe offer personalised training and real-time feedback to employees, helping them recognise and respond to cyber security threats.

Promote open communication and reporting

Fear of making a mistake or being blamed for a false alarm often leads to hesitation to report a security threat, potentially resulting in a breach going unreported or unresolved in its early stages.  

Encouraging a transparent, open-door policy when it comes to cyber security reporting can help mitigate human error. Reassure employees that reporting potential security risks, even if they turn out to be false alarms, is not only accepted but encouraged. When employees feel confident, they're more likely to report suspicious activity early on, preventing small issues from escalating into major breaches.

Simplify security protocols

One of the biggest barriers to employee confidence in cyber security is complexity. If protocols are too difficult to follow, employees may take shortcuts, ignore best practices, or unknowingly increase risk. Complex password requirements, confusing multifactor authentication steps, or overwhelming policies can discourage adherence.  

Clear, concise protocols that are easy to understand and follow will build employees' confidence in complying with them. Empower employees with tools that help automate repetitive tasks such as password management, while ensuring that the technology remains user-friendly and accessible.

Involve employees in decision-making

Involving employees in the decision-making process behind cyber security initiatives can help them better understand the rationale behind them.  

By actively seeking feedback and incorporating employee input, organisations can create policies that are both effective and realistic. Employees feel more invested and accountable when they know their voice has been heard, which leads to increased compliance and fewer errors.  

Committees or focus groups that include employees from various departments to input on cyber security decisions and regularly requesting feedback on security tools and policies are a big help.

Provide personalised, role-specific guidance

Cyber security training and protocols should be tailored to specific roles and responsibilities within an organisation. Employees in finance, HR, or IT face different security challenges and potential vulnerabilities compared to those in marketing or operations.  

When employees receive guidance directly relevant to their role, they’re more likely to internalise the information and apply it with confidence. Role-based cyber security training helps employees understand the risks specific to their day-to-day activities. 

Try developing role-specific cyber security training modules that address the unique risks each department may encounter and ensure leaders communicate role-relevant security expectations to their teams.

Offer support and feedback loops

Mistakes happen, and when they do, they should be seen as opportunities to learn rather than punish. Cyber security incidents – whether real or potential – should be debriefed with a focus on identifying root causes and educating the workforce on how to prevent future occurrences.  

Offering employees the opportunity to improve, rather than making them feel at fault, builds confidence and fosters a proactive attitude towards continuous improvement. A confident employee understands the importance of security, feels empowered to report threats, and is equipped with the tools and training to act when required. 

By creating a security-first culture, simplifying procedures, fostering communication, and engaging employees in decision-making, organisations can dramatically reduce the risks posed by human error while strengthening their overall cyber security posture. In a world where the human element will always play a role, confidence is one of the most powerful defences.  

Vodafone Business has launched Vodafone CybSafe, a Human Risk Management platform for small, medium and enterprise businesses to help enhance your businesses security culture and behaviours. Learn more about Vodafone Cybsafe.