Organizations depend on a digital workplace for success.
A business operation relies heavily on IT to function seamlessly, which demands an IT security strategy that will support a secure network.
Unfortunately, few cybersecurity strategies address the generation gap that creates a disconnect between the technology used in the workspace and the existing security protocols.
When employee buy-in is essential to the success of any cybersecurity strategy, you need to address the concerns of different generations.
Different generations have different priorities
When analyzing Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials, studies have shown that each of these groups has a different perception of how cybersecurity should be prioritized.
It’s no surprise that the younger generations are more willing to take risks, particularly when it comes to the ease of conducting work remotely.
n contrast, Boomers are much less willing to share information.
There is never a blanket approach to cybersecurity for any organization, but finding the right fit starts with understanding your employees.
Consider why employees are ignoring best practices
Think about why your employees are circumventing security best practices.
Many organizations make the mistake of implementing a cybersecurity strategy that accounts only for worst-case scenarios, resulting in measures that are too invasive and ultimately halt productivity.
Limiting access to certain programs seems like a good idea in theory, but the only thing you achieve is the ability to frustrate your employees.
There must be an approach that protects the best interests of your company yet still enables your employees to do their jobs.
Apply contextual access management for remote work
Technology is driving the remote workspace, and Millennials and Gen Xers expect this perk, even in smaller companies.
SaaS applications are becoming more common for managing out-of-network access requests, thereby providing safe platforms for work to be conducted with fewer barriers.
Multi-factor authentication has also been proven to improve security.
Monitor activity to ensure use of best practices
Monitoring the end-to-end use of individual access is not a Big Brother approach.
It can be hard to navigate the generation gaps and understand where mistakes are being made, which is where data analytics can be incredibly useful.
Management can identify usage patterns and risky behaviours of employees, establishing the need for additional training in the prevention of cyber attacks.
This visibility benefits the entire organization so that you can understand what best practices are being shirked and why.
Regardless of generation, maintaining a positive user experience within the workspace is crucial.
Your security infrastructure shouldn’t inhibit any of your employees, and there are benefits to managing different expectations.
Technology is not going to slow down, and it is unlikely that you will ever have an entire workforce on the same page.
By adapting to the needs of your employees, you’re creating a cybersecurity strategy that is moulded around the details of your unique infrastructure.
The ITeam understands the cybersecurity issues facing Canada businesses. We are committed to helping Calgary- and Alberta-based businesses develop proactive, cost-effective IT strategies that minimize risk and maximize efficiency. Contact us to learn more.