Cybersecurity starts with people. Even well-meaning employees can fall into habits that create serious vulnerabilities. In our experience, these are 12 of the most common cybersecurity best practices to avoid putting your business at risk:
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Recognize phishing emails (SLAM)
- Keep software and devices updated
- Avoid public Wi-Fi without a VPN
- Lock devices when unattended
- Be cautious about social media sharing
- Follow company mobile device policies
- Report suspicious activity immediately
- Use encryption for sensitive information
- Practice proper data disposal
- Limit personal devices for work tasks
A single, careless click can expose your entire organization to devastating cyberattacks. The harsh reality is that so many data breaches involve the human element.
⚠️When sensitive information falls into the wrong hands, your business faces not just financial losses, but potential regulatory fines and irreparable damage to your reputation and customer trust.
At CMIT Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how proper employee cybersecurity training transforms an organization’s security posture. Our comprehensive cybersecurity solutions protect businesses of all sizes with multi-layered defenses that include both technical safeguards and employee education.
We provide robust cybersecurity solutions tailored to your business needs, ensuring your team becomes your strongest security asset rather than your greatest vulnerability.
Our 12 cybersecurity tips for employees
Employees remain the first line of defense against cyber threats. With the right knowledge and habits, your team can significantly mitigate security risks and help safeguard your organization’s valuable data.
Before training employees, it’s essential to clarify the difference between data privacy vs data security, since each requires different practices and responsibilities.
1. Use strong, unique passwords
Create complex passwords with a minimum of 12 characters that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts, as this creates a single point of failure. Consider implementing a reputable password manager to generate and store unique credentials securely.
2. Enable multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security beyond just passwords. By requiring a second verification method (like a text code or authentication app), you ensure that even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access remains difficult. Many breaches could be prevented with this simple security measure.
3. Recognize phishing emails (SLAM)
📌 Apply the SLAM method to evaluate suspicious communications:
- Sender: Verify the email address is legitimate, not just the display name
- Links: Hover over links before clicking to reveal the actual destination URL
- Attachments: Never open unexpected attachments, especially executable files
- Message: Watch for urgency, poor grammar, or requests for sensitive information
4. Keep software and devices updated
Regularly update all software, operating systems, and applications to patch security vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals actively exploit known security holes in outdated software. Enable automatic updates whenever possible, and never ignore update prompts, as they often contain critical security patches.
5. Avoid public Wi-Fi without a VPN
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but notoriously insecure. Attackers can easily intercept data transmitted over these networks. Always use a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi to encrypt your connection and protect your work data from eavesdropping.
6. Lock devices when unattended
Even a brief moment away from your desk creates an opportunity for unauthorized physical access to your device. Always lock your screen when stepping away, even for “just a minute.” Configure automatic screen locking after short periods of inactivity as a backup measure.
7. Be cautious about social media sharing
Limit sharing work-related information on social media platforms. Hackers use details from personal profiles to craft convincing social engineering attacks or guess security questions. Be especially wary of sharing information about business trips, office locations, or company projects.
8. Follow company mobile device policies
Adhere to your organization’s cybersecurity policies regarding mobile devices. This may include using approved apps, enabling remote wipe capabilities, and separating personal and work data. Never circumvent security controls, even if they seem inconvenient.
9. Report suspicious activity immediately
If you notice anything unusual—strange emails, unexpected account lockouts, or system slowdowns—report it to your IT department immediately. Early detection of potential security incidents can prevent minor issues from escalating into major breaches.
10. Use encryption for sensitive information
Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest. Use secure file-sharing methods rather than email for confidential documents. If your organization has encryption tools available, learn how to use them properly to safeguard sensitive information.
11. Practice proper data disposal
Properly dispose of digital and physical information when no longer needed. Shred sensitive documents and securely wipe electronic devices before disposal or reassignment. Remember that deleted files can often be recovered without proper data sanitization.
12. Limit personal devices for work tasks
If using personal devices for work (BYOD), ensure they meet the same security standards as company-owned equipment. Keep work and personal activities separate, and never store company data on unauthorized personal devices or cloud services without explicit approval.
Cybersecurity awareness for employees
Cybersecurity awareness goes far beyond occasional training sessions or compliance checkboxes. It’s an ongoing mindset that must become embedded in your organization’s culture. True awareness means understanding that security is everyone’s responsibility, not just the IT department’s job.
A common misconception is that cybersecurity falls solely on technical specialists. In reality, every employee who has access to company data and systems plays a key role in your overall security posture.
💡Hypothetical scenario: A healthcare office administrator received what appeared to be a legitimate DocuSign email requesting review of updated patient forms. After clicking the link and entering credentials, they unknowingly gave attackers access to patient records. The resulting HIPAA violation cost the practice over $150,000 in fines, remediation expenses, and lost business.
Effective cybersecurity awareness means employees understand not just the “what” of security protocols but the “why” behind them. When staff comprehend how their daily actions impact organizational security, compliance becomes natural rather than burdensome.
⚠️Even the most sophisticated technical defenses can be undermined by a single employee’s poor security practices.
Ready to turn your team into your strongest defense? Schedule employee cybersecurity training with us today.
Educating employees on cyber security
Training approaches should be varied and engaging to ensure information retention. One-size-fits-all cybersecurity training rarely addresses the specific security challenges your organization faces.
Effective education methods include:
- Interactive workshops: Hands-on sessions where employees practice identifying threats
- Simulated phishing campaigns: Send fake but realistic phishing attempts to test awareness
- Microlearning modules: Brief, focused lessons on specific security topics
- Role-specific training: Tailored content based on different access levels and responsibilities
- Regular reinforcement: Ongoing communication about emerging threats and best practices
A well-designed cybersecurity training program should cover:
- Identifying social engineering and phishing attacks
- Password management and authentication best practices
- Safe internet browsing and email handling
- Data classification and handling procedures
- Incident reporting procedures
- Compliance requirements relevant to your industry
- Mobile device and remote work security
📌Remember that clarity trumps complexity when educating employees on cybersecurity. Technical jargon and overly complicated procedures often lead to confusion and workarounds that create vulnerability. Focus on providing clear, actionable guidance that employees can readily implement.
Employee cyber security awareness: 12 Mistakes to avoid
Even security-conscious staff can unintentionally create cyber security vulnerabilities through common habits like poor password hygiene or falling for phishing emails. Being aware of these common pitfalls is the first step toward avoiding them.
- Using identical passwords across multiple accounts: This practice means a single breach compromises all your accounts simultaneously.
- Ignoring software updates: Postponing updates leaves known security vulnerabilities unpatched and exploitable.
- Oversharing on social media: Revealing too much professional information provides ammunition for targeted social engineering attacks.
- Connecting to unsecured networks: Using public Wi-Fi without protection exposes your data to potential interception.
- Falling for phishing attempts: Clicking malicious links or downloading suspicious attachments can introduce malware into your network.
- Leaving devices unlocked: Unattended, unlocked devices create opportunities for unauthorized physical access to sensitive systems.
- Using unauthorized applications: Shadow IT (unapproved software) often lacks proper security vetting and updates.
- Sharing credentials: Password sharing eliminates accountability and expands the impact of potential account compromise.
- Downloading from unverified sources: Malicious software often masquerades as legitimate applications or media files.
- Mixing personal and professional activities: Using work devices for personal browsing increases exposure to potential threats.
- Responding to urgent requests without verification: Pressure tactics are commonly used to bypass normal security procedures.
- Disabling security features: Circumventing security controls for convenience creates significant vulnerabilities.
Despite your best efforts to implement strong privacy and security measures, employee behavior remains one of the leading causes of data breaches.
According to National University, 92% of malware is delivered via email, and in 2022, 18–24-year-olds were the most likely to fall for phishing scams, highlighting the urgent need for employee awareness and training.
Security tips for the workplace in building a secure culture
Building a robust security culture requires integrating cybersecurity best practices into everyday workflows across all departments. From reception to remote workers, every team member must understand their role in protecting organizational assets.
Security should never feel like an obstacle to productivity but rather a natural component of how work gets done. When security practices are streamlined and logical, employees are more likely to follow them consistently.
| Area of Concern | Employee Action | IT Support Role |
|---|---|---|
| Email Security | Verify sender legitimacy before acting on requests | Implement email filtering and anti-phishing tools |
| Password Management | Use unique, complex passwords and password managers | Enforce strong password policies and expiration schedules |
| Device Protection | Lock screens when away and keep devices physically secure | Deploy endpoint protection and enable remote wipe capabilities |
| Remote Work Security | Use VPN connections and secure home networks | Provide secure remote access solutions and clear guidelines |
| Data Handling | Classify and handle information according to sensitivity | Implement data loss prevention tools and access controls |
| Incident Response | Know how to recognize and report potential security incidents | Establish clear reporting channels and response procedures |
| Social Engineering | Verify unusual requests through secondary channels | Conduct regular awareness training and simulations |
Check out our comprehensive cyberattack checklist for additional ways to strengthen your organization’s defenses.
Trust in CMIT Solutions for expert cybersecurity for your business
At CMIT Solutions, we understand that effective cybersecurity requires both technical expertise and human awareness. Our comprehensive approach addresses both aspects, providing robust technical defenses while helping your employees become security assets rather than liabilities.
Our cybersecurity services include:
- Advanced threat protection systems
- Employee security awareness training
- Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
- Incident response planning and support
- Compliance assistance for regulatory requirements
- 24/7 monitoring and threat detection
With over 25 years of experience protecting businesses of all sizes, we have the expertise to safeguard your organization’s most valuable assets while empowering your employees to work securely and efficiently.
Contact us today at (800) 399-2648 or schedule a consultation online to discover how we can strengthen your cybersecurity posture.
FAQs
What should I do if an employee clicks on a suspicious link?
Act quickly but methodically if you suspect a security breach has occurred. Immediately disconnect the affected device from your network to prevent potential malware spread.
Report the incident to your IT security team or managed service provider, documenting exactly what happened. Don’t try to investigate independently, as this could worsen the situation or destroy valuable forensic evidence.
How often should cybersecurity training be repeated?
Cybersecurity training should occur regularly, not just annually. Quarterly refreshers combined with monthly security bulletins keep awareness high.
Additionally, training should be triggered by specific events such as new threat emergence, after security incidents, when onboarding new employees, or implementing significant system changes. This continuous approach ensures security remains top-of-mind.
Can cybersecurity mistakes by employees lead to legal consequences?
Yes, employee cybersecurity mistakes can have serious legal implications for both the organization and potentially the individual. Depending on the nature of the breach and industry regulations, companies may face substantial fines, mandatory reporting requirements, and civil lawsuits.
In regulated industries like healthcare or finance, compliance violations can trigger investigations and penalties from government agencies. Employees may face disciplinary action, termination, or even personal liability in cases of gross negligence or intentional violations.
What’s the best way to track employee compliance with security protocols?
Effective monitoring combines technological tools with cultural approaches. Implement security information and event management (SIEM) systems to track unusual access patterns or policy violations.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities. Supplement these technical measures with positive reinforcement programs that recognize good security.
