The costs associated with data breaches and non-compliance are too high to ignore. Employees should be trained in data security best practices.

 

Employee data security training best practices are imperative for corporate security. Corporate data security training best practices can reduce the risk of insider attacks or external threats, or a wrong click, exposing confidential information.

 

Let’s look at some of the best practices in data security training.

Start security training early on

Provide data security awareness training early on, even if it isn’t in-depth. There are two justifications for this. For one, it helps to reduce the possibility of a data breach caused by a lack of awareness of acceptable procedures.

For two reasons: one, to ensure that your new personnel is well-prepared for their roles, and two, to show that safeguarding sensitive information is ingrained in your company’s culture and not a token effort.

During the onboarding process, a new employee will learn a great deal of knowledge. Not much is expected to stick by this stage. Therefore, it’s important to share the fundamentals of data security.

Implementing measures such as virus protection, strong passwords, and a spotless workstation are examples of such measures.

Create a formal training procedure

Workplace training on data security should be formal, with a defined curriculum. It would be ideal if updates could be made regularly and with little effort.

The field of data security is broad and might be difficult to master for some. Training information retention can be improved by dividing it up into more manageable chunks. 

The use of mobile applications allows workers to access microlearning materials whenever and wherever they choose, from the comfort of their own homes or while on the road.

Additional possibilities for practice may be found in the form of simulations and branching situations, in addition to enhanced evaluation tools and certification administration. 

Teach about the importance of physical security 

Third, go through the topic of safety from an actual physical standpoint.

Data privacy training should also include the need of keeping sensitive information safe in the physical world, as data breaches may (and frequently do) occur without the use of any technological means.

It is important to have a clean desk policy to prevent confidential information from being left on employees’ desks.

Instead of tossing away unnecessary paperwork in the trash, you may have your staff shred it first.

In addition to this, it is important to address the risky habit of leaving devices unsecured or unattended, as well as the much worse practice of letting visitors into the office without first checking their identification.

Continuously educate your employees

The risk is real, therefore it’s important that workers are reminded of it often. The point is that most training is forgotten within a few months of completion.

In addition, as time goes on, individuals may begin to ignore data hygiene guidelines or become less vigilant.

Data security training for staff members should be an ongoing initiative to prevent this from happening. There are a variety of precautions you may take to safeguard your data.

Some businesses hold quarterly seminars for employees to update their knowledge, while others distribute news videos and articles.

You may streamline the process even more by providing privacy and data security training online. When a data security certification is about to expire or if there is a change to the required training, the system will notify the appropriate people automatically.

Your job is to keep up with developments in the field of data security and modify your training accordingly.

Automate compliance

Compliance with data security standards can be challenging, and it can be difficult for organizations to keep up with changes.

With multiple industry-specific laws, different data archiving requirements and retention periods, and varying data security compliance regulations, it can be a challenge to teach your employees everything they need to know about data security.

But, with an automated compliance system, the updates will be taken care of. With an automated system, you don’t have to worry about keeping track of multiple training modules, testing, or compliance deadlines.

Automating your compliance training can save your company time, money, and resources.

Don’t overlook remote workers

A data leak is not necessarily the result of an inside job. It is also possible for workers who work from home to compromise sensitive company information.

Therefore, it’s not enough to only teach your remote and mobile workers about data privacy and security. 

Remote workers, for instance, should be reminded to exercise caution while using personal devices for business purposes.

The first step is to ensure that their antivirus is always up-to-date and that they never let go of their gadgets. Insist that they encrypt their gadgets to protect their data from being compromised in the event that they are lost.

Public Wi-Fi security is also an important concern because it’s a major entrance point for hackers.

Conclusion

Your employees will be your first line of defense against data loss.

 

Data security training best practices are imperative for corporate security because data breaches and non-compliance are too high to ignore.