There are only three reasons users don’t follow good security practices. (It’s the same three reasons why any particular process ends up not getting done!)

  • They don’t know they should be doing something – a knowledge deficit. E.g., Users don’t know 2FA is an option, or don’t know that the software they’re using is insecure.
  • They don’t know how to do something – a skills deficit. E.g., they don’t know how to get 2FA setup, or how to use the correct, secure software, or recognise a phishing attempt.
  • The systems they do know they should follow and do know how to follow are inconvenient or disruptive or time consuming – a technical/environmental l barrier. E.g., Users have poor signal for receiving the 2FA text, or are so time pressured that the small additional step of entering the text code is a barrier, or their computer lacks resources and so underperforms when using the correct software.

Helpdesk regularly find ourselves addressing all three. We talk users through the advantages when they’re resistant, advise on how to get set up, and use automation to deploy the correct software, monitor performance and advise where improvements are needed.

But the important starting point is finding out which of the barriers is preventing correct user behaviour and that’s where we can work with organisation leaders to understand the problem they’re trying to solve. We’ve done this recently for a number of companies by supplying metrics on which of their users do not have 2FA enabled, which devices require patching, or are aging, or have unexpected software present, or are generating an above average number of support calls.

Leia Fee, Fast Response Engineer

We can help find you suitable communication tools for your business.

Some employees are resistant to stop using apps which could be a security risk

Software tools and applications have changed since the pandemic, mostly from the adjustments we have all had to make to the way we communicate as well as collaborate.

At the start employees may have had to use whatever tools they had available and access to.

Most of us have now settled into the new ways of working, and so we can pick software tools that best fit our businesses.

However, your employees may not like your choice of which apps should be used within the company. Some employees may pursue to use the ones they have preference to despite the security risk that comes with it.

92% of employees want more control over the applications they use including software, and collaboration tools.

51% pursue to use apps that have been banned by their IT departments. This can place business owners in difficult positions.

Employees may be left feeling frustrated and lack of trust between the business owner if they block the apps and software. This can have a negative impact on businesses.

Unvetted apps can become a big security risk and leaves the potential for cyber criminals to steal data, leaving systems vulnerable to malware.

So, what’s the best answer?

Having open conversations with your people is best suggested and a good idea for gaining feedback on software’s. It’s your people using it every working day. Take in their feedback and suggestions to move forward and educating staff on the risks it could have on the business.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.