The internet is an integral part of the modern workplace, though it does present a few drawbacks when it comes to cybersecurity and data protection. In fact, 87% of UK organisations are vulnerable to cyberattacks in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), one report released by Microsoft in collaboration with Dr. Chris Brauer at Goldsmiths, University of London reveals. For graduates entering most careers, understanding what to expect in regard to data security is a great way to prepare. From the value of cybersecurity to the difference that proper training can make, successfully securing and protecting data doesn’t have to be a daunting endeavour.
Exploring the necessities of cybersecurity
Digital databases and large amounts of data are essential for modern businesses, including both company and customer data, details, and information. Due to the immense importance of this data, data protection is imperative — failing to implement proper precautions can result in detrimental consequences (such as damage to business reputation, loss of trust among customers, and financial concerns). Indeed, it highlights the many aspects of data security, pointing out the fact that there are a range of methods and techniques that an organisation may choose to implement. These may include valuable methods including user authentication, encryption, routine security updates and audits, and access control, to name just a few.
Graduates entering the workforce can take comfort in the fact that there are several common data security mistakes that employees and even companies make — by knowing these mistakes beforehand and how they can be avoided, graduates can enter the workforce well-prepared. For example, companies or employees that use old technology could be at risk without realising it. In addition to being prone to working slowly and freezing up, older devices often run older software (and are typically unable to update to the latest security software), and are less likely to be able to withstand cyber attacks. Failing to employ encryption of in-house emails and messages, as well as choosing to forgo cloud-computing methods are additional data security mistakes that companies commonly make.
The risks associated with the modern workplace
For many graduates entering the workforce, remote work presents as a convenient and flexible option. As of June 2023, 29% of UK workers work from home some of the time, while 10% do so ‘all the time,’ according to data from the Office for National Statistics. With many companies choosing to offer hybrid work schedules, it’s imperative to recognize that there are risks involved — more than half of UK firms believe that remote working has left them vulnerable to cyber attacks, highlights one poll of 1,000 firms, carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Cisco. “As businesses and individuals, we’re more exposed than ever to security threats,” notes Aine Rogers, head of small businesses at Cisco UK & Ireland. “Whether it’s fraudulent SMS campaigns posing to be a delivery company, or hacking your home network, criminals in the cyber world are cunning.”
The importance of comprehensive training
In addition to solid cybersecurity software and methods such as routine security updates and user authentication, data protection in the modern workplace must extend to employees themselves. This is particularly important when guaranteeing a team that prioritises data security while educating individuals about the risks. Training will not only spread awareness of the risks out there (from phishing emails to the perils of ransomware) but will enable employees to take the right actions should they happen to witness a cybersecurity issue. One Forbes post touches on the value of cybersecurity training, noting that employees who take part demonstrate a significantly improved ability to recognise potential threats.
Comprehensive and routine training is particularly important in the rapidly changing security landscape as technology continues to evolve, and will work to keep a team updated. The fast-moving nature of AI adds additional risk. Jen Easterly, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency chief Jen Easterly says it well, noting that “AI will exacerbate the threats of cyberattacks — more sophisticated spear phishing, voice cloning, deepfakes, foreign malign influence and disinformation.” Even awareness of modern issues and concerns surrounding the ever-evolving security landscape can make a difference among employees, while graduates walking into a tech-heavy career can prepare by understanding the risks out there. A positive attitude surrounding cybersecurity and data protection is always ideal in the workplace — by bringing a bit of knowledge into an interview, graduates can highlight unique values that they can bring to the workplace, especially for companies aiming to cultivate a positive workplace culture surrounding such issues.
Conclusion
Data protection and cybersecurity go hand in hand and are essential in a modern workplace. However, proper security methods extend well beyond getting the right software, with comprehensive training proving to be integral to success. Graduates entering the workforce can be well prepared, however, by understanding the scope of digital security and what it takes to protect valuable data, and can even set the stage for a successful career regardless of the profession.
;)