A single weak password gave cyber criminals access to Knights of Old’s (KNP’s) network, triggering the downfall of the 158-year-old firm and leaving more than 700 people unemployed.
Cyber security is no longer the sole concern of IT departments. As attacks become more sophisticated and widespread, every employee plays a critical role in protecting the digital infrastructure of an organisation.
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In an era where phishing emails, ransomware, and data breaches are common, knowing how to empower your staff to safeguard your business online is essential.
From small charities to large enterprises, staff are often the first—and sometimes only—line of defence against cyber threats. By cultivating awareness and good digital habits across your team, you can build a human firewall that significantly reduces your risk exposure.
Build a strong culture of cyber awareness
The first step in helping your staff keep your organisation safe online is to foster a culture where cyber security is seen as everyone’s responsibility. Too often, employees perceive online threats as technical issues beyond their control. Changing this mindset is crucial.
Regular training sessions can build confidence and knowledge among staff, helping them recognise threats like phishing emails or suspicious attachments. These sessions should be simple, jargon-free, and relevant to day-to-day tasks.
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Cyber security awareness training should also be part of your onboarding process for new hires. Reinforcing good habits from the outset—such as strong password creation, two-factor authentication, and the importance of software updates—sets the tone for a secure workplace culture.
Encourage open communication around security. Staff should feel comfortable reporting incidents or mistakes without fear of blame.
According to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), most breaches start with human error—but a blame-free culture can help catch threats early and prevent damage.
Secure devices and accounts with clear policies
Modern working habits, including remote work and the use of personal devices, have expanded the potential attack surface for cyber criminals.
It’s essential to have clear policies in place to govern how devices and accounts are used, ensuring your organisation’s data remains protected across all environments.
Start with device security. Whether staff are using company-owned laptops or personal phones, these devices should be protected with up-to-date antivirus software, automatic updates, and screen locks.
Where possible, use Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools to enforce security standards remotely.
Passwords remain a weak link for many organisations. Implementing a password manager can help staff create and store strong, unique passwords without the need to memorise them. Encourage or require the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) for access to sensitive systems—it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent unauthorised access.
Be clear about what’s acceptable when it comes to using work accounts and cloud services. Shadow IT—where staff use unauthorised apps or storage platforms—can lead to data leaks or regulatory breaches.
Provide secure alternatives and ensure staff understand the risks of going off-piste.
Importantly, review your policies regularly. As technology and threats evolve, your internal guidelines should keep pace. Provide easy-to-understand summaries or checklists to make compliance straightforward for all staff.
Prepare for incidents and promote responsibility
Even with the best defences, no organisation is immune to cyber incidents. What sets resilient businesses apart is their preparedness and ability to respond quickly and effectively. Your staff should be a key part of this incident response strategy.
Make sure all employees know what to do if they encounter a suspicious email, think they’ve clicked on a dodgy link, or suspect their device has been compromised.
A simple reporting procedure, including who to contact and what information to provide, can make all the difference in limiting harm.
Simulated phishing exercises are an effective way to test and reinforce awareness. These exercises help staff develop a critical eye for scams and build the habit of reporting concerns without delay. The goal isn’t to catch people out, but to build resilience and confidence.
It’s also vital to back up critical data regularly and test your recovery processes. Cloud-based backups with strong encryption offer a secure and scalable option. In the event of a ransomware attack or hardware failure, knowing your data is safe and recoverable is invaluable.
Finally, promote cyber security champions within your team. These individuals can act as informal points of contact, reinforcing key messages and encouraging best practice on the ground.
Peer influence is often more effective than top-down directives, particularly in larger or less tech-savvy teams.
The takeaway
Helping your staff keep your organisation safe online isn’t about turning them into cyber experts—it’s about embedding smart habits and making security part of the everyday working routine.
With a strong culture of awareness, clear policies, and practical training, your people become a powerful defence against cyber threats.
As cyber crime continues to evolve, the organisations that prioritise staff empowerment and proactive digital hygiene will be the ones that stay resilient. In the digital age, everyone has a part to play in keeping the business secure.
