7 Steps to Build a Safe Online Culture for Your Business

Editor's note: This post was originally published on January 12, 2021 and has been revised for clarity and comprehensiveness.

Let’s get this out of the way: the latest and most advanced cybersecurity technologies alone aren’t enough to protect your business. That’s because even enterprise-grade security systems can sometimes be undermined by a single uninformed person within your organization.

Thankfully, there is a way to address that and keep your business safe.

The real secret to staying secure lies in the people within your organization. Building a positive online security culture transforms your workforce from a passive target into an active defense system. It turns cybersecurity into a shared responsibility rather than just an IT task.

Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) is a cybersecurity services provider with years of experience helping hundreds of businesses foster a culture of security awareness for their organizations. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of building a positive online security culture as well as the steps to make it happen for your business.

Building a Culture of Security Awareness 

Cyber threats are as common as email. That's why fostering a positive online security culture is no longer optional—it’s essential. For businesses, especially small to midsize enterprises (SMEs), the consequences of a security breach can be catastrophic. It can range from financial losses and operational disruptions to reputational damage and legal liabilities.

According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach for small and medium-sized businesses is $4.88 million, including lost revenue and recovery expenses. Investing in security culture significantly reduces this risk.

Building a culture of online security awareness ensures that every employee understands the importance of protecting sensitive data. In turn, that could influence them into taking active measures to safeguard it. This culture shifts cybersecurity from being an IT responsibility to a shared organizational priority. Here's why cultivating this mindset is critical:

• Reduces Human Error: Most breaches stem from human error, such as using weak passwords or clicking on phishing links. A strong security culture minimizes these risks. 
• Enhances Trust: Clients and partners are more likely to work with businesses that prioritize cybersecurity. 
• Supports Compliance: A security-conscious culture helps meet industry regulations, avoiding fines and penalties. 
• Mitigates Financial Risks: The cost of a breach far exceeds the investment in fostering a security-first mindset. 

7 Steps to Build a Positive Online Security Culture 

Now that we know why it’s important, let’s explore how businesses can build a robust online security culture.

1. Set a Good Example

Leadership plays a critical role in setting organizational priorities. If business owners and executives dismiss or ignore cybersecurity, employees will likely do the same. On the other hand, a proactive and engaged leadership team signals that online security is a shared responsibility.

When leaders set a good example–by using secure practices themselves and openly supporting security initiatives–it reinforces the message that online security is non-negotiable. In turn, employees will view cybersecurity as essential to their daily responsibilities when they see leadership prioritizing it. 

How to Implement: 

• Lead by Example: Use secure passwords, enable MFA, and follow organizational security protocols consistently. 
• Communicate Regularly: Share updates on security initiatives in team meetings or newsletters to emphasize their importance. 
• Participate in Training: Join employees in security workshops to demonstrate your commitment. 
• Set Expectations: Clearly communicate that cybersecurity is a priority for everyone, including leadership. 

2. Conduct Regular Security Awareness Training

Your employees are your first line of defense against cyber threats. With that in mind, you can’t expect them to succeed without providing the necessary training. Conducting regular security awareness training ensures they can recognize and respond to threats like phishing emails, ransomware, and social engineering attacks.

How to Implement: 

• Frequency Matters: Schedule quarterly or bi-annual training sessions to keep employees updated on evolving threats. 
• Interactive Learning: Use tools like phishing simulations, quizzes, and gamified training modules to make learning engaging. 
• Role-Specific Training: Tailor sessions based on employees’ roles—for instance, train HR on safeguarding sensitive employee data and finance teams on protecting payment information. 
• Feedback Loops: Collect feedback to refine future training and address gaps in understanding. 

3. Create Clear and Enforceable Policies

Ambiguity breeds inconsistency. Clear policies provide employees with concrete guidelines on acceptable behavior. That ensures everyone across your organization is on the same page about their responsibilities. Having clear policies in place will effectively reduce the risk of security breaches caused by uninformed or negligent behavior. Not to mention, they can serve as a reference point in case of security incidents. 

How to Implement: 

• Document Policies: Include guidelines on password creation, acceptable use of company devices, data sharing, and remote work security. 
• Accessible and Understandable: Make policies easily accessible and avoid overly technical jargon. 
• Regular Updates: Revise policies to adapt to new threats, compliance requirements, or organizational changes. 
• Enforcement: Implement consequences for non-compliance to reinforce the importance of adherence.