Many businesses focus on keeping their company well-protected against external cybersecurity threats, such as malware, ransomware, and social engineering attacks. However, the chance of a data breach or a cybersecurity incident can also happen due to malicious or careless employees. Understanding these potential dangers is essential in maximizing the cybersecurity of your company against insider threats. Here are a few essential tips to help your business avoid becoming the next victim of insider threats in the workplace.

#1 Educate Employees

Many times an employee can jeopardize the security of your company by being careless, whether it is visiting unsafe sites or downloading attachments without scanning them. Educating employees on the importance of cybersecurity is key in helping them to avoid making common mistakes. These educational classes can cover a wide range of topics while also helping employees keep up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends. Security partners like KnowBe4 can offer educational classes on a monthly basis to ensure that employees are well-aware of the importance of cybersecurity.

#2 Restrict Access to Data

Another way to maximize security for your company is to restrict access to confidential data. An employee needs only to have access to information that is related to their job while keeping everything else off-limits. These data restrictions can play a key role in preventing data breaches due to careless mistakes or malicious intent. You should also regularly review these access controls to ensure that everything remains up to date.

#3 Invest in Monitoring Services

A data breach can destroy the reputation of your company instantly, so it is important to have an IT system in place that monitors your data at all times. SOC-as-a-Service is a great option for many businesses, as it offers around the clock monitoring services without having to hire an internal team. With 24/7 monitoring, SOC teams can immediately detect suspicious activity and limit the impact of a data breach. These proactive IT services will also give you the peace of mind to know that you are always well-protected.

#4 Create a Policy for Personal Devices

Choosing to implement a policy for personal devices is a good way to keep your data secure against insider threats. Enabling employees to use their own devices at work offers a lot of benefits but also creates security risks. IT teams should create a policy for personal devices to limit the chance of a data breach. These policies may include downloading endpoint security software, whitelisting apps, and mobile device management.

Cybersecurity is a top priority in today’s work environment due to the wide range of threats. Keeping your business safe against insider threats is essential in limiting downtime and avoiding the chance of a data breach. Technology will only continue to expand, having the right practices in place will help your business stay ahead of cyber threats in the workplace.