Managing cybersecurity is essential to sustain the growth of your business. In 2020, cyberattacks ranked second in the World Economic Forum’s list of most concerning risks for doing business globally. Business owners respond by buying expensive antivirus software and hiring cybersecurity professionals.
They unknowingly leave out other essential components in lowering their cyber risks. To avoid the same mistake, read on and learn how to:
- ensure that your hiring goals include the digital literate pool
- strengthen your cybersecurity tools
- create digital learning opportunities for your team
Tapping the Potential of a “Digital Literate” Pool
When hiring, consider your applicants’ digital literacy. You can integrate your assessment. Or you can use digital literacy assessments recommended by the National Education Association. Also, consider having a third-party review their social media accounts. This step can help check if these applicants practice good cybersecurity hygiene.
Key Terms
- Digital literacy means a person can use information and communication technologies. Its end goal is to find, check, and create information.
- One of the goals of digital literacy training is cybersecurity. It is the state by which a business, individual, or entity is protected against illegal or unauthorized use of data.
- Cyber risk literacy refers to a person or an organization’s understanding of cyber risks. These risks allude to information about cyber attackers. It also covers the method they use to launch a cyber attack and the purpose (e.g., gaining access to personal data).
Introducing Tools for Cybersecurity
Tool #1 Your People
Your employees are one of the essential pieces in the cybersecurity puzzle. They have the potential to make your workplace a digitally safe space. By contrast, your employees can undermine these efforts with one mistaken click.
Tool #2 Your Network
Training employees and hiring digital-literate talents will go to waste if your network is compromised. A secure network can keep your data inaccessible to outsiders who can use it for criminal activities.
A virtual private network (VPN) is an example of a secure network that uses encryption to protect users’ data. Learn more about VPN and its benefits by visiting reputable sources such as IPVanish.
Tool #3 Government Policy
The government has an active role in improving digital literacy. They enact policies and penalize cyber criminals. In 2021, countries like Switzerland, Singapore, and the United Kingdom ranked high for digital literacy. They have precise guidelines for digital literacy and education.
For your business, it’s crucial to participate in the government’s efforts to promote digital literacy. These may involve annual seminars and certifications.
Cultivating Digital Literacy Through Training
Focus on developing your internal talent’s digital literacy. Apart from simple awareness meetings, have them take annual assessments.
Some companies send their employees to cybersecurity training camps and conferences. They return with lessons and resources they can share with fellow employees.
The Takeaways
Cyberattacks against businesses, specifically ransomware attacks, have increased by 435% since 2020. With a shortage of cybersecurity professionals, recognizing the link between workplace culture and digital literacy has never been more necessary.
Businesses can move beyond survival mode by adding new talents with excellent digital literacy, investing in cybersecurity training, and upgrading essential tools.
