Be Proactive and Update Your Cybersecurity Practices
In the next few years, the first generation to grow up with smartphones and social media will join the workforce. It might seem like Gen Z will be the most cybersecure generation, considering they’ve always had the Internet and other advanced technologies at the tips of their fingers; but this is not the case. Many business owners fear that Gen Z’s desire to share content online will lead them to accidentally reveal sensitive information that can cause financial, legal and branding damage to their business.
Online scammers see the power that social media influencers have over their fans and followers. Steve Durbin, CEO of the Information Security Forum, believes that organized criminal groups will begin posing as influencers to manipulate tech-dependent individuals into giving up sensitive information related to their employer. Entrepreneur magazine stated that many Gen Zers struggle to differentiate between friends they’ve made online and those in the real world. Instant gratification, resistance to authority and poor face-to-face communication are big concerns. The National Cybersecurity Alliance’s Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report stated that millennials and Gen Zers are more likely to experience a cyberthreat and have had their identities stolen more often than baby boomers. There’s good reason for business leaders to be concerned about the next generation entering the workforce.
If you’re a business leader who’s worried about bringing the digital generation into your workplace, don’t fret quite yet. Be proactive! There are plenty of things you can do to prepare your business to be cybersecure.
When new employees start, you will already have a cybersecure culture established, so it will be much easier to train them on your processes.
The first thing you’ll want to do is implement or update a cybersecurity training program. Every member of your team must buy into a cybersecure culture. The best way to get them on the same page is with a training program. When new employees start, you will already have a cybersecure culture established, so it will be much easier to train them on your processes.
Additionally, you want to ensure that all of your software is receiving the necessary updates. Failing to update software can leave your company vulnerable to cyberattacks since those updates usually fill any holes that hackers can exploit. When a new software update is released, don’t wait. If your employees use smartphones for work, make sure they have the proper, up-to-date security software installed.
There’s no better way to improve your company’s cybersecurity than by hiring a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to take care of all your technology needs. An MSP will ensure that your data is backed up, software is up to date, and your computer systems are safe and secure.
While the new generation will certainly come with their own set of challenges and obstacles, you don’t have to worry about their cybersecurity practices if you’re proactive. Use password managers, hire an MSP and start a training program as soon as possible to jump start the creation of your cybersecure culture.
Contact IT Radix to learn more about our managed service plans and our employee security training and testing!
First published in our November 2022 IT Radix Resource newsletter
