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Educate employees about risky behaviors

October 4, 2013 by Terry Dooley — SVP & CIO, ITS, Inc

In any given workplace, it's common to see sticky notes stuck to computer screens or other visible locations in an employee's workspace. The notes typically contain reminders or bits of important information the employee needs to remember.

In many work environments, these types of reminders are harmless. However, in a financial institution, they can result in a serious breach of security. When the sticky note contains a customer's name or other identifying information, the employee, however unwittingly, may be enabling a data breach.

Some other examples of common employee-oriented risk include an insecure FI-issued employee computer loaded with customer information, improper disposal of sensitive documents, and accidentally emailing or mailing documents with personal information to the wrong recipient.

Below are a few important steps FIs should put into practice in an effort to protect sensitive information, and potentially cut down on data breaches:

Consider your FI's most vulnerable points — Performing a security assessment will help identify weaknesses; as well as bring to light any activities (intentional or unintentional) that could potentially lead to a data breach.
Amp up security and protection for high-risk areas — Implement additional access controls and security measures where needed.
Educate employees about security best practices — Provide employees with the knowledge, resources, and strategies necessary to successfully adhere to security policies and procedures. Keep security top of mind with regularly published reminders of appropriate guidelines to follow.
Train employees on proper reporting procedures — Be sure employees know and understand what constitutes a data breach, as well as how and whom to inform if he or she witnesses a breach or spots a vulnerability that could lead to one.

Making employees the first line of defense is one way FIs can help prevent security breaches. With proper training and clear-cut procedures in place, FI employees can gain a comprehensive understanding of how sometimes even innocent workplace habits can lead to real problems.

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