How to develop a remote cybersecurity checklist

Cybersecurity is an increasingly important aspect for businesses in this era of digital transformation, and many organizations aren’t as prepared as they need to be. A lot of companies have no strong cybersecurity measures in place in general, let alone for an entirely remote environment like many are currently facing. Cybersecurity while working remotely is even more important than normal as you’re facing more threats and typically have less control over employees. It’s important to know how to develop a remote cybersecurity checklist in order to heighten your digital security and keep your company safe.

1. Research cybersecurity attacks in the industry

Cyberattacks happen in all industries across the globe. Although they are more common in certain industries, specifically financial and healthcare, no industry is exempt from these attempted data breaches. Seeing as different industries are more susceptible to different types of digital security violations, it’s important to research previous cybersecurity threats in your industry.

Although all industries can be targeted by a variety of cybersecurity threats, some types are more common. For instance, a company with a large number of less tech-savvy personnel could be more susceptible to phishing attempts than a small tech firm of 15 people, who might have more general knowledge in this area.

Although, this doesn’t mean you should put all your eggs in one basket. It means that you should adjust your strategies accordingly and modify your approaches in the areas you see fit. It’s important to have a well-rounded cybersecurity program, and part of that comes from company innovation as a whole. Companies that are constantly looking for ways to improve and grow will end up being the most flexible and willing to adjust.

2. Cover everything from basic to advanced

A good cybersecurity checklist is extremely cohesive and covers every detail, from the basic to the most advanced. When digital security is at stake, never assume that anything is common knowledge or already being done regularly. Different people have different levels of comfort and understanding with computers in general, and even for those who currently have a higher understanding, it’s always important to be reminded of the basics, as they can often be overlooked.

Including a wide range of guidelines, from ideas as simple as training people not to open suspicious emails from external sources, to something more advanced like learning about examples of different SD-WAN options can ensure that you are covering all your bases. Digital transformation can be a rigorous process, but one that is important for continuous development and expansion of knowledge and understanding, especially for all things in the cybersecurity training field.

3. Emphasize its importance

Many employees underestimate or overlook the importance of following proper cybersecurity protocols. Just one person not following the set guidelines can expose the entire company to a digital security breach. Many employees don’t grasp the importance of cybersecurity or the damage their lack of attention can cause. In the Shred-It State of the Industry report, 47% of C-Suite executives and 42% of small business owners said that the cybersecurity breach they suffered was due to their employees, either through error or accidental loss.

Ensure that your employees are trained and understand the different aspects of cybersecurity, and that they see the importance of their efforts. While many companies chose to convey this information through a presentation or a booklet, some companies are taking a more interactive approach to their cybersecurity training. Gamelearn offers a corporate-level cybersecurity training course in the form of an interactive game called “Crypto”. The goal is to raise awareness of cybersecurity measures and their importance. The game covers topics such as password management, risks while using public WiFi, email safety, and more.

4. Monitor and adjust as needed

The cybersecurity landscape is ever-changing, which means that you have to consistently be vigilant and make sure all your policies are up to date. Set up regular intervals to go back and review your cybersecurity checklist. Make sure everything is still relevant and add things if needed.

This can also be a time to consider increasing or decreasing your attention to certain aspects of cybersecurity based on current events or other influencing factors. For instance, this article mentions that “91% of enterprises reported an increase in cyber attacks with more employees working from home” due to the current global health crisis. Companies at the moment should be putting more emphasis on cybersecurity training and digital security due to the influx of threats.

Digital transformation spans a wide variety of areas within companies, but some of the most important aspects fall into the category of digital security and cybersecurity training. Making sure you research the most common threats to your industry can help you allocate resources where needed. Creating a cybersecurity checklist that encompasses all aspects of your company’s guidelines can ensure that everyone is on the same page. Emphasizing the importance of these cybersecurity protocols can help employees realize the damage that could befall them should they let their attention slip. Monitoring and adjusting your cybersecurity strategy is important for staying ahead of the curve and keeping your company safe at all times.