Strengthening Your Defense: The HR Role in Cybersecurity

HR role in cybersecurity
HR role in cybersecurity has never been more crucial than it is today, as cyber threats continue to escalate in frequency and sophistication. Human Resources departments are on the front lines of defending against cyber attacks that specifically target employee information and organizational data. By establishing comprehensive cybersecurity policies and conducting regular training, HR can significantly mitigate the risk of data breaches and protect both the company and its employees from potential harm.
 
 

Why You Need To Be On High Alert As Year-End Grows Closer.

In 2020, U.S.-based organizations experienced a staggering 65,000 ransomware attacks, indicating a significant and worrying rise in cyber threats. This unprecedented surge necessitates increased vigilance from you and your employees, particularly as the year-end approaches—a time when cybercriminal activity, such as fake W-2 and tax form requests, tends to spike. It’s crucial for HR’s role in cybersecurity to be proactive in educating and preparing all employees to recognize and respond to these fraudulent schemes effectively.
 
 
Attackers can gain entry to your organization’s system(s) via:
 
  • Phishing (fraudulent e-mails).
  • Vishing (phone calls).
  • SMSishing (texts).
 
 

HR Role in Cybersecurity: Strategies to Prevent Ransomware Attacks

An organization’s best line of defense against cyber threats is its well-informed workforce. Therefore, it is essential that your HR team actively designs a ransomware training program, embodying their critical HR role in cybersecurity, to educate employees on recognizing and mitigating risks effectively.
 
6 Ransomware Training Tips: 
 
To ensure your organization is protected against the increasing threat of ransomware, it’s crucial to conduct comprehensive training for all employees. This training, essential to the HR role in cybersecurity, should be tailored and systematic to cover all aspects of potential threats and the steps employees can take to mitigate them. Below are six detailed ransomware training tips designed to equip your workforce with the knowledge and tools they need to safeguard your company’s digital assets effectively:
 
  1. Personalize your training for each role, responsibilities, back-end technology, and what to do when working remotely.
  2. Make the training mandatory and timely, i.e., how to avoid fake W-2 or payroll request schemes.
  3. Provide training on fake e-mails from job applicants, Amazon orders, FedEx/UPS delivery, Verizon texts, and how to how to avoid phony gift cards.
  4. Give people an overview of your anti-virus/ransomware software.
  5. Advise people on how to quarantine an e-mail.
  6. Provide training on viewing personal e-mails via a company networked computer.
 
The FBI Recommends:
 
  • Regularly back up data and verify the integrity of those backups.
  • Secure your backups.
  • Scrutinize links contained in e-mails and do not open attachments included in unsolicited e-mails.
  • Only download software from websites you know and trust.
  • Ensure application patches for the operating system, software, and firmware are up to date, including Adobe Flash, Java, Web browsers, etc.
  • Ensure anti-virus and anti-malware solutions are set to automatically update and regular scans are conducted.
  • Disable macro scripts from files transmitted via e-mail.
  • Implement software restrictions or other controls to prevent the execution of programs in common ransomware locations, such as temporary folders.
 
Human error is often the weakest link in your organization’s cybersecurity defenses; thus, education is pivotal in mitigating this vulnerability. HR’s role in cybersecurity is crucial in ensuring that this vital information is included in your Employee Handbook, reinforcing the importance of ongoing employee training to prevent security breaches.
 

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Are you ready to enhance your company’s efficiency and employee satisfaction? Rabco offers specialized payroll and HR solutions that adapt to your specific business needs. Our advanced systems help detect and prevent payroll anomalies, ensuring your workforce management is as secure as it is efficient. Request a consultation with one of our experts today and start transforming your payroll management.
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