A couple weeks ago, we hosted a webinar about securing your company’s network with Doug Shields of Humanisec. (Watch it now.) Doug discussed the importance of securing your company’s network by starting with your first line of defense…Your employees.

The idea is quite simple and obvious, “Start by educating your employees!” Yet, most of the time, employees are simply told, “Do not open!” “Do not connect!” “Do not use unless told otherwise!” Like we’re children. And seriously, who likes being treated like a child when you don’t get the other benefits of being a kid like nap time, recess, and cookies?

I’m sorry, but we live in a day and age where we are all connected all the time. I have an iPhone, an iPad, and two laptops which I simply can’t live without. I am going to bring my mobile devices to work, I’m going to use social media websites on my work computer, I am searching all over the net looking at all sorts of sites for creative and inspiring marketing ideas. And so do you (maybe not exactly like that – but you get the point).

During our webinar, Doug explained that companies like Humanisec can come into organizations as a neutral party and start educating employees with a clear understanding of what hazards and risks are out there, how to spot them, how to handle social media, and how to improve processes already in place.

The other key point I learned from Doug is that before anything can start, a clear plan must be in place AND it the plan must take your employees into consideration. For example, having access to Facebook or any other social site isn’t a bad idea. Your employees are going to get access to it one way or another – if not on your company computers, they will get it on their mobile devices brought into the office every day. Allowing access to some social sites gives your employees a sense of freedom, and having a clear understanding of social media site usage allows your IT department to stay in control without looking like the bad guy.

So, we all in win when everyone is aware, educated, and on the same page…But, cookies and nap time would be a nice touch!

Cheers!
Kate McColley

P.S. If you would like to view the Humanisec webinar, just click here.