Most employees are too busy with their own job roles and risk management may not be top of mind. It’s also hard to get their buy-in to implement security procedures because they don’t know what risk management is and what it entails.
As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, it’s important for organizations to prioritize risk management and security. While implementing technical solutions such as firewalls and anti-virus software is important, it’s equally important to train employees on how to identify and mitigate risks. Employee training on risk management can help reduce human error, increase awareness, mitigate risk, enhance compliance, and foster a culture of security.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these reasons and provide examples of how employee training can make a difference in protecting organizations from cyber threats.
Reducing Human Error
Employee errors can be a major cause of security breaches and other risks. For example, an employee might accidentally click on a phishing email that downloads malware onto their computer, or they might use a weak password that can be easily guessed. By training employees on risk management, they can learn how to identify and avoid these common mistakes. For instance, employees can be trained to recognize phishing emails by checking the sender’s email address, looking for spelling and grammar errors, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links.
Increasing Awareness
Employees who are trained on risk management are more aware of potential threats and can take appropriate measures to prevent them. For example, an employee who receives a suspicious phone call or email may recognize it as a potential scam and report it to their IT department, preventing a security breach. Additionally, employees who are trained on security policies and procedures are more likely to follow them, which can further reduce the risk of security incidents.
Mitigating Risk
By educating employees on risk management, organizations can reduce the likelihood of security breaches and other risks. For example, employees can be trained on best practices for handling sensitive data, such as using encryption, securely disposing of paper documents, and avoiding sending confidential information via unsecured email. These measures can help mitigate the risk of data breaches and protect the organization’s sensitive information.
Uplifting Compliance Management
Many industries have specific regulations and compliance requirements related to risk management. By training employees on these requirements, organizations can ensure that they remain in compliance and avoid penalties or other legal issues. For instance, employees in healthcare organizations may need to be trained on HIPAA regulations and patient privacy requirements, while employees in financial institutions may need to be trained on anti-money laundering laws and regulations.
Fostering a Positive Risk Culture
When employees are trained on the importance of their role in risk management regardless of their existing job function, it will build a stronger positive risk culture and conduct culture across the business. This can help create a sense of responsibility and ownership over the security of the organization, which can further enhance the overall security posture. For example, employees who are trained on security awareness may be more likely to report suspicious activity or raise concerns about security risks, which can help prevent security incidents and protect the organization.
If you are interested to know more about how you can train your employees in risk management and foster a positive risk culture in your organization, you can book a complimentary consultation with Rachael Mah.
Rachael Mah (CEO and founder of AusAsia Training & Advisory) has more than 30 years of extensive experience working with executives, she has helped develop, plan, and execute successful risk management plans and IT strategies.
Discover the benefits of hiring an expert risk management consultant to foster a positive risk culture in your business in this article:
Top 4 Benefits of Risk Management Consulting Services