It is a widely perceived generalisation
that strangers are the greatest threat to an organization’s safety and security
systems. Think again!
It is usually an organisation’s own
employees who may pose a greater security threat. But, let us add here, it is
not always intentional. Most of the security threats from employees are
unintentional.
It was found that a lack of user awareness
is the number one obstacle to achieving good information and communication technology
security. Employees won’t think twice to reveal their computer passwords to
others in exchange of a can of cold drink. Others, without thinking would just
reveal their password to their colleagues without a second thought. Therefore,
despite of the vast amounts of money invested on firewalls, encryption, virus check
software and secure access devices, the weakest link is still you as employee.
Remember, you are the first line of defence
and common sense is your most effective weapon. Think before you give anyone
information that would enable them to access your laptop, your PC or the
corporate network – even if it is the most trusted colleagues.
A further alarming factor is the role of
disgruntled employees. So it would not do any harm to be less trusting in the
workplace. Do not write your password on sticky notes and leave it attached to
your PC; log of when you have to leave your office or even when you are not
using the PC for a while; do not save your password in your browser and do not
leave your screen saver unlocked.
These precautionary measures should be
standard in any workplace, even the smallest organisation. Make sure you adhere
to it and do not pose a security risk to your employer intentionally or
unintentionally. You owe your employer that loyalty!
Daniel
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