Why is communication in cybersecurity so important?

Today, it’s virtually impossible to imagine a sector where digital technologies haven’t led to remarkable improvements in productivity and profits. As such, it’s equally hard to imagine parting ways with those technologies.

It’s a reliance which has become commonplace in industries across the globe, and while there are obvious benefits, it also presents many security risks.

As technology evolves, cybercriminals are increasing the frequency and severity of cyberattacks on businesses. Indeed, new techniques are being developed daily to catch businesses out, with a recent report from CrowdStrike finding that ‘cybersecurity across the globe grew 400% in 2019 and 2020 combined’.

Over 85% of cyberattacks have a human element, whereby the attack takes advantage of human vulnerabilities. This is mainly executed by tricking people into providing data or clicking dangerous links that allow the attacker to penetrate the security systems.

Often, businesses mistakenly rely solely on their IT department or Risk Management Team to protect them from cyberattacks. However, this approach does not always account for individual employees, and businesses can still leave themselves open to being targeted.

It only takes one person to cause a data breach which can have enormous financial and reputational implications for an entire company. Therefore, cybersecurity must be the responsibility of all employees at all levels.

Among cybersecurity professionals, you’ll often hear the virtues of communication extolled, but why? Join us as we explain everything you need to know.

How communication prevents cyberattacks

Communication, in regards to cybersecurity, comes in many flavours. The first, and arguably most important, is training.

Put simply, effective cybersecurity training is essential.

Everyone in your organisation, from the cleaners to the board of directors, has a direct role in protecting the company from cyber-attacks. However, like any form of communication, the wrong approach can torpedo any chance of success.

Cybersecurity training is at its very best when it focuses on making cybersecurity simple and relatable. Short-form training that utilises storytelling will always trump long, dry and technical content.

Alongside regular training, it always pays to reduce staff turnover so that your team can develop a consistent culture of positive cyber risk awareness. If experienced employees are leaving after they have received training and new employees are brought in, it takes time for them to develop adequate knowledge about cyberattacks and to understand their role in preventing them.

The other crucial element of communication in cybersecurity is ensuring employees feel empowered to communicate any attempted attacks or mistakes they make.

Frequently, individuals will hide their mistakes because they’re concerned they’ll be punished for them. In turn, this gives cybercriminals a window in which to wreak their havoc. By building a culture in which employees feel comfortable reporting their mistakes and suspected attacks, your chances of surviving an attack go up dramatically.

Finally, it’s important to note that internal reinforcement communication methods such as intranet posts and videos, email updates, and team briefings can be an integral part of an organisation’s cyber risk management strategy.

At Bob’s Business, we can help you make your cybersecurity training the focus.

With our cyber awareness courses, phishing simulations, and compliance training, we give businesses and their employees the tools needed to protect themselves and your business.

Book a free consultation with one of our cybersecurity experts to boost employee awareness, keeping your business protected from the full range of cyber threats.