As cybersecurity has continued to evolve, so have the attack strategies from prominent “bad actors.” While the evolution was forced by the innovation and solutions set forth by innovative cybersecurity practices, organizations remain significantly at risk due to the fractional and hybrid structures that have become so common to see in the post-pandemic era. Understanding what employee-targeted digital risk is and how you can remain strategic against this thread is vital to having an effective holistic cybersecurity strategy in 2022.
What is an employee-targeted digital risk?
Forbes notes that employee-targeted digital risk refers to the incoming cybersecurity threats that can enter your organization through personal devices and accounts. As many have swapped to hybrid work structures or entirely virtual “offices,” this thread has grown exponentially throughout the past few years. There are three main categories of risk in most modern virtual workplaces: personal data, personal accounts and personal devices.
Let’s explore strategies you can consider to mitigate this newfound risk.
1. Encourage separate functionality
Organizations can only do so much regarding their employees’ work setup and lifestyle. Sometimes, personal devices or accounts will be used inadvertently or out of convenience. Leaders can work to limit these occurrences by offering entirely separate systems, virtual machines or environments and accounts, removing the barriers to success in this specific cybersecurity strategy.
2. Address the risk preventatively
Adopting a cybersecurity strategy suited to the modern-day workplace’s needs is essential. You won’t want to be caught off guard by an attack without retaliation. Ideally, your cybersecurity strategy should be as holistic as possible, spanning across systems, cloud networks and every element of your infrastructure. Working with a professional to ensure that no areas are missed as you assemble your strategy is best.
3. Build in team member education opportunities
As the new frontier of cyber threats centers around your team’s use of personal devices and basic tenants of cybersecurity online, it’s essential to invest in ongoing education to support their experience and mitigate their unique risk management profiles. You may opt for a corporate solution that offers e-modules or in-person seminars led by your cybersecurity specialists and IT department. In either case, topics should be timely and address the dynamic risks that team members may face at home, such as phishing, account abuse and cloud network risks.
Optimize your technology strategy and reach your next level of success
Looking to maximize your business’s potential through the strategic use of tech? The team at CHIPS is here to help. We offer custom cybersecurity and technical solution to connect your group with the resources they need to work and operate as safely as possible. For more information and to get started today, please visit our website. We look forward to serving you.
