4 Ways to Manage Internal Cybersecurity Risks

Cybersecurity threats are everywhere. Unfortunately, some of the biggest threats could come from within your own organization. For example, someone clicks on a link in an official-looking email that downloads malware to the computer.

Read our guide to understand four main ways to manage cybersecurity risks and threats from within.

1. Set Up Privacy Controls Within the Company

No one wants to be the one who starts a cybersecurity problem at your company. You must build trust within your company by prioritizing privacy. You want to make sure your network is secure, but you want to do so without micromanaging your workers. Use role-based protocols when setting up someone who reviews compliance.

For example, rather than referencing an employee’s name to identify alerts, use an ID code, role code, and even a computer or software code to determine where the threat originated. Instead of using invasive software that monitors employee activities, invest in a cybersecurity software suite to deal with threats before they happen.

2. Train Employees to Recognize Cybersecurity Threats

Cybersecurity threats from within usually happen when someone doesn’t know what’s going on. Train your people to recognize a cybersecurity threat and what constitutes critical areas. Certainly, teach them what data absolutely can’t get into the open, like personally identifiable information, financial information, passwords, and login information.

Educate your employees on what phishing emails look like and how to navigate any security software installed on your network. Teach them how to utilize spam folders and learn what assets people can and cannot send to emails outside of your organization. When sharing assets, make sure to set the right controls on them (viewer versus editor or admin access, as examples).

3. Do More With Advanced Software

Your CTO or IT team can set security controls on every computer and within the network. For instance, you can set your cybersecurity software to scan all incoming emails and then alert someone with a pop-up when someone is about to click on a link within an email.

But your security software can do so much more now. Insider risk management tools can detect risky behavior, take steps to prevent intrusions, and keep user information private. For example, someone starts printing excessive amounts of the same file. Then the person deletes the file they printed. A risk-assessing software would flag it as suspicious. Another instance would be emailing the same file with sensitive information to a lot of people or downloading sensitive files to a thumb drive.

4. Collaborate Across Teams

You might think your IT team should be the only line of defense for your company’s cybersecurity. However, several departments have a stake in your security protocols. Think of accounting and finance, legal, and human resources. All of these departments have an interest in cybersecurity for your company. Make sure you get their input before implementing a cybersecurity policy and software across your entire network.

Assess Your Cybersecurity Risks Today

The advisors at The Whitlock Co. can help your company assess your cybersecurity risks to help you come up with a plan to prevent problems.  Contact us or call (417) 881-0145 for more information on our advising services. We’ll work with your IT department to craft a relevant, practical solution.