Often when you read about security breaches and ways to protect your company data, you hear about the dangers that could be caused by hackers. While it is most certainly important to safeguard your business against the potential threats that lie outside, it is equally as important to address the threats from within. Most employers don't hire individuals whom they "know" would do something to harm their organization - as this would be a poor business decision. Which is why in most cases, it is not until after an internal breach occurs that employers begin to scramble to recover from the breach.
Being Proactive Is Always Best
It is always best to be proactive than to be reactive. Though it is strongly advised that businesses have a game plan for recovering from any form of breach, having safeguards in place to minimize the potential of a threat is always the best option. As the saying goes, "keep your enemies close and your friends closer". While you would hope that your employees never "bite the hand that feeds them", one cannot control the actions of another human being. Essentially, there are two types of threats your staff poses to the security of your company data: malicious intent and accidental threats.
Causes for Malicious Intent
There are so many triggers that could cause an employee to pose a threat to your company. However, because each individual reacts differently, you can never be too sure which triggers will pose the most risks to your company. Below is a list of the most common:
· Financial trouble - when an employee is drowning in debt, feeling as if they don't get paid enough, these are common triggers to cause them to misuse your company data.
· Anger - a verbal warning, written reprimand, or demotion could cause an employee to retaliate.
· Addiction - addiction to drugs, alcohol, or even gambling could result in an increased desire for more money.
· Perceived benefits - if an employee believes that they can reap the benefits by sharing information with outside parties, it is highly likely they will take advantage of this opportunity. This could be financial payout for customer information or trade secrets, or another position and/or higher pay from a competing company.
· Cultural/Religious causes - employees who have allegiances with other countries or organizations could potentially pose a threat to your company.
Accidental Threats
Another type of internal threat that every company should be prepared for is those that are unintentional in nature. Unfortunately, humans are not perfect and as such could pose a risk accidentally. Below are some common circumstances for which unintentional internal threats could occur:
· Sharing work devices - an employee could allow a friend or relative to use their mobile phone or laptop that is designated for company use. While they may have only been trying to lend a helping hand, those who have access to company information automatically pose a risk.
· Unauthorized applications - Wi-Fi network are very convenient and also free. However, an employee logging onto a company database through a wi-fi connection could open the doors for hackers to access important files. Also, an employee logging onto public devices such as a computer in a coffee shop or library could leave room for others to view information.
· Downloading company info - downloading company files to a personal device is a pretty common action for some employees. Whether they're looking to get a head start on a project, or just like the convenience of being able to access company information from home, not using proper encryption leaves your company vulnerable for a data breach.
Though each of these actions might seem innocent and unintentional, one wrong move could really wreak havoc on your company which is why it is ideal to work with IT professionals and your staff to safeguard your business against internal threats.
Tips for Preventing Internal Threats
Now that you see how easily your company's information can be disclosed to unauthorized parties, it is imperative to act before the problem arises. While there is nothing 100% guaranteed, there are things that you can do to significantly minimize the potential for a security breach in your workplace:
· Train your staff - provide periodic training for your staff that goes into detail on how to work to prevent potential risks both in and outside of the office.
· Consider Managed IT Services - Firewall Technical, one of the IT companies in Ottawa, points out that effective IT maintenance can prevent a great deal of problems within a business including outages, security breaches, and loss of profits. If you don't currently have a fully equipped IT department, considering managed services is ideal to ensure that your company is up to date on all the latest technology. This should include advanced monitoring systems that allow you to detect who's accessing what, and where.
· Implement strong policies and procedures - Have all of your staff review and agree to all policies and procedures as it pertains to the use of company data. Some companies might even suggest having employees take an online training course to ensure they understand their responsibilities as an employee. This ensures that everyone can be held accountable for their actions should a breach occur in the future.
Unfortunately, the advancement of technology has created both conveniences and risks for businesses of all sizes. While it's impossible to predict and prepare for every risk and threat that is out there, there are things you can do to ensure your company data is protected to the best of your abilities. By paying attention to the risks, educating your employees, and working with a competent IT company, you can greatly minimize the amount of vulnerabilities your company has.