Teamwork and collaboration for security growth

Today, there is more and more talk about designing security systems and the security industry as a whole to be people-centered and people-focused. As technology is constantly evolving, including security technology, it is necessary to design systems that are easy to use, easy to understand, so that the human factor has less and less influence on the results, and so that the number of errors is reduced.

By creating and involving a diverse workforce, with different roles and responsibilities, this team-oriented approach not only strengthens the foundation but also provides valuable benefits such as improved risk assessment, rapid response mechanisms and a shared commitment to protecting each organisation/institution's invaluable information assets.

By exploring the nuances of teamwork and each individual involved, tailored education programs, open communication channels and shared risk assessments, we will present you with a comprehensive strategy to build a resilient culture of cyber security, and security itself. The blog post will summarise the benefits of having a team working together, explain the need for transparent reporting channels, and explore the forward-looking approach that joint risk assessments provide.

Building an effective information security management system (ISMS) involves a concerted effort from people who have different roles in the company. Sharing responsibility among team members, rather than relying on one key person, strengthens the ISMS. There are many advantages to this team approach and a team-oriented strategy can prove useful in dealing with the dynamic situation of information security threats.

Involving individuals with different roles and responsibilities does not ensure a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of protecting confidential information. It also requires a high level of teamwork and cooperation from people with different roles and responsibilities. Each role is unique in its field and when all come together, a harmonious symphony of different skills, knowledge and experience can emerge.

1. Diversity in the team

A diverse team provides a multifaceted view, allowing for example more effective risk assessment and more thorough safety measures. Having more than one person monitoring the ISMS makes the system more robust and adaptable, and reduces the human error factor. This is essential to address the evolving cyber security threat. Having only one key person in charge can limit the range of perspectives and skills that can be applied to an ISMS. In contrast, a diverse team brings different perspectives, problem-solving methods and innovative ideas. In addition, a team-based approach ensures faster response times as members share knowledge and responsibilities. The collaborative effort does not end with the initial implementation - it becomes an ongoing commitment to maintain and improve the ISMS in the long term.

Regular team collaboration ensures that policies and agendas are kept up to date with new security requirements and regulatory changes. This continuous improvement, supported by a committed team, creates a strong defence against potential security breaches.

Many security teams also suffer from a shortage of qualified information security professionals. One approach to tackling this situation is to focus on growing your security team from within. This approach can also be facilitated by a diverse team, where people do not need to take on huge security roles, but can start with a very detailed knowledge of a part of the ISMS, increase their knowledge in a narrow area and then gradually grow to broader roles and responsibilities.

2. Tailored learning experiences through awareness-raising programs

Understanding cybersecurity should not be like deciphering a secret code. It is very important to understand what your employees need to know, even if they are already cyber security experts. Simplifying access to key knowledge is critical to your employees' success in learning and mastering what they hear. In today's fast-paced work environment, it is imperative that everyone has quick and easy access to the valuable information they need to perform their daily tasks. This not only promotes individual learning and growth, but also increases productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

One way to do this is to use technology and tools that streamline the process. For example, create a learning tool - a handbook - where employees can find the information they need. Another option could be to create an even more comprehensive organised database of information, including articles, guidelines, videos and FAQs that can be accessed at any time. It would also be useful to keep this data up-to-date and to make it easily searchable so that information can be found with minimum effort. Any kind of training program should be clear, concise and straightforward so that the learning process is not too complex. Use simple, understandable language that can be understood by all employees, regardless of their job title or education.

Using these learning strategies not only builds a cyber-conscious workforce, but also makes the journey enjoyable and gives the opportunity to develop. Security training should be as simple as it is important. Make it a priority to make this information readily available and easy to understand and you are likely to see a significant improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of your team.

3. Ensuring reporting channels

Ensuring a robust cyber security posture involves not only preventive measures, but also fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement. Establishing confidential reporting channels is an important step along this path. By creating a secure and anonymous system, employees are encouraged to immediately report any cybersecurity problems or incidents they may encounter.

The value of creating a transparent environment where everyone feels comfortable discussing and identifying potential threats cannot be overestimated. Fostering such an atmosphere creates a sense of shared responsibility. It makes cyber security a tool that all your employees have at their disposal. These channels can range from an app or tool, a hotline, electronic mailboxes or even dedicated staff. The key is that they ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the person reporting the incident, ensuring complete confidentiality.

By creating a secure, anonymous system, employees are not only empowered but also encouraged to raise any concerns or report incidents related to cyber security and security in general that they encounter in their daily work. Such a system builds trust. Knowing that their concerns will be treated confidentially and without any repercussions will indeed motivate them to report immediately any problems they may encounter.

The open communication and channels available provide an opportunity for staff to share their thoughts, ask for guidance and contribute to the collective effort to protect digital assets.

Finally, by empowering employees to play an active role in the security process, organisations build a collaborative and adaptive approach to cyber threats, ultimately strengthening their defences against evolving challenges.

4. Promoting a safe environment

To avoid cyber threats, it is essential to create a strong, secure environment in your organisation. One of the key elements of ensuring the security of an organisation from within is to encourage all employees to take responsibility for prioritising security in their daily tasks. It is therefore important to stress the importance of cyber security awareness and regular training. Employees need to understand how this seemingly simple action helps to protect sensitive data and prevent potential cyber threats.

One effective strategy is to organise security awareness campaigns or events, creating opportunities for joint engagement and training. These initiatives not only provide valuable insights into the ever-changing cyber threat landscape, but also promote shared responsibility for corporate security. 

These events can further remind you, through interesting activities, workshops or information sessions, that every employee has an important role to play in keeping your organisation safe. Through this collaborative approach, employees become not only the beneficiaries of security measures, but also active participants in a culture that values and prioritises cybersecurity. When employees are aware of their role in maintaining a secure environment, the organisation becomes better equipped to pre-emptively deal with the complexities of the digital age.

5. Common risk assessments 

Collaborative risk assessments provide a new opportunity to identify and address potential threats and vulnerabilities within a company. Compared to traditional risk assessments, which are carried out on an individual basis, joint exercises involve a wider range of individuals, thus providing a more comprehensive understanding of security risks. 

The advantage of common risk assessments is their diversity of perspectives. By involving a wider range of individuals from different departments, organisations can gain more knowledge, experience and unique insights. This approach not only identifies risks that may go unnoticed in a more isolated assessment, but also fosters a culture of collective responsibility for safety.

Why involve more than one department?

Inter-departmental cooperation is the cornerstone of effective risk assessment. Security risks are rarely confined to a single department or aspect of an organisation. Fostering collaboration ensures that all aspects of the business are included in the assessment process. The IT department may be well versed in technical risks, while the finance or HR department can provide valuable insights into risks related to data processing or employee behaviour. 

In addition, joint risk assessments contribute to a more robust and realistic understanding of the potential impact and likelihood of identified risks. Collaboration between different perspectives ensures that risk assessments are not only rigorous but also aligned with the broader objectives of the organisation.

How to develop a common approach? 

In practice, this common approach can include collaboration and teamwork within the tool, workshops, meetings and brainstorming sessions involving different departments. Encouraging open communication allows different departments to share their unique insights and concerns, thus contributing to a more holistic risk assessment. It is a powerful approach that harnesses the collective intelligence of the whole organisation to protect against a wide range of security threats. 

Conclusions

In conclusion, building a robust ISMS requires team collaboration and coordination. By involving individuals with different roles, assigning responsibilities and promoting a team-oriented strategy, organisations improve risk assessment, speed up response mechanisms and establish a common commitment to protecting information resources.

A diverse team with its varied perspectives facilitates thorough risk assessment and solution development, ensuring adaptability in the face of evolving cyber security threats. The team's specific strengths in ISMS, including faster decision-making and problem-solving, create a supportive working environment and establish a strong defence against potential security breaches.

In essence, the combined efforts of teamwork, education, open communication and joint risk assessments create a comprehensive and dynamic approach to cyber security. By assessing the expertise of different team members, companies can navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape with agility and confidence, ensuring the long-term security and resilience of the entire business. 

Source: https://www.cyberday.ai/blog/involving-people-in-security-work