3 Essential Steps to Keep Your Staff Cyber Secure

When it comes to cybersecurity, most business owners think about firewalls, antivirus software, and complex systems designed to keep hackers out.

While those tools are essential, they’re not your biggest vulnerability.

Surprisingly, the single largest threat to your company’s cybersecurity is your own workforce.

Yes, your team—those trusted employees who keep your business running smoothly—could unknowingly become the weakest link in your security chain.

Even the biggest corporations in the world, like Equifax, Sony, Marriott, and the NHS, have fallen victim to cyber attacks.

These organisations spent millions on advanced security systems, but they still suffered breaches due to human error.

The good news? You can significantly reduce this risk with some simple, practical steps that focus on educating and empowering your staff. In this article, we’ll walk you through three key strategies to help keep your team—and your business—cyber secure.

Why Your Staff Are the Biggest Cybersecurity Risk

Before diving into the steps, it’s worth understanding why employees pose such a significant risk.

Hackers know that it’s much easier to trick a person into clicking a malicious link or opening a harmful attachment than to break through sophisticated security software.

This tactic is known as social engineering, and it’s one of the most common ways cybercriminals gain access to company systems.

Whether it’s through phishing emails, rogue USB drives, or fake phone calls, the aim is always the same: exploit human trust.

That’s why your cybersecurity efforts should always include training and educating your team—not just relying on technology alone.

Step 1: Run Simulated Cyber Attacks

One of the most effective ways to identify potential weaknesses in your workforce is by running simulated cyber attacks.

These controlled exercises give you a clear picture of how your staff might respond to real-world threats without causing any actual harm.

Understanding the Risk Baseline

Before you can improve your security, you need to understand where you currently stand.

Think of it like a health check for your business’s cybersecurity posture.

Running these simulations helps you establish a baseline level of risk and identify which areas need attention.

There are two common types of simulated attacks you can run:

USB Drop Simulation

This tactic mimics a common real-world scenario.

A hacker might leave infected USB drives lying around—maybe in a car park, break room, or outside your office—hoping someone will pick one up and plug it into a company computer out of curiosity.

In a simulation, specially prepared USB drives are scattered in and around your workplace.

These drives contain harmless software that reports back if they’re plugged into a company device, logging the user and the system.

This exercise reveals which staff members might unknowingly introduce external devices into your network, highlighting the need for better education on device security.

Phishing Email Simulation

Phishing is the most common form of cyber attack.

Cybercriminals craft emails that look legitimate, tricking recipients into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive information.

A phishing simulation involves sending mock phishing emails to your team to see who opens them, clicks links, or even submits fake login credentials.

These emails are safe but designed to mimic real-world scams.

The results give you valuable insight into which employees might need further training and help raise awareness across your organisation about the dangers of phishing.

Step 2: Provide Ongoing Cybersecurity Training

Running simulations is a great start, but training is where real improvement happens.

Once you’ve identified vulnerabilities, you can begin educating your staff to close the gaps.

Use Training Modules from Simulation Platforms

Many cybersecurity simulation tools come with built-in training modules.

These platforms often include video courses, quizzes, and interactive content covering topics like phishing awareness, password hygiene, and identifying social engineering tactics.

The beauty of these platforms is that they allow for automated, ongoing training.

You can assign courses to employees based on their simulation performance, ensuring they get targeted education where it’s most needed.

Host In-Person Training Sessions

While online training is convenient, in-person sessions bring something extra to the table—human interaction.

Hosting workshops or “lunch and learn” sessions quarterly creates an open space for discussion and questions.

These sessions make cybersecurity real and relevant to your staff.

Instead of feeling like another mandatory task, it becomes a shared effort to protect the company.

You can discuss current threats, explain real-life examples, and give your team the chance to share concerns or scenarios they’ve encountered.

Combining both online and in-person training creates a well-rounded approach, ensuring that everyone stays informed and engaged.

Step 3: Establish Clear Policies and Procedures

The third pillar of a strong cybersecurity strategy is having clear policies and procedures in place.

Even with the best training, people need guidelines to follow, especially when new threats emerge.

Why Cybersecurity Policies Matter

Policies provide a framework that outlines how employees should handle sensitive information, report suspicious activities, and use company devices.

Without a policy, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks.

For example, your policy should cover areas such as:

• Password requirements (length, complexity, expiration)
• Use of personal devices for work (BYOD)
• Data handling and storage guidelines
• Reporting suspicious emails or activity
• Acceptable use of company systems

The goal isn’t to restrict your team but to give them a clear playbook to follow.

Knowing what’s expected helps employees make better security decisions.

Tailoring Policies for Small Businesses

Many small businesses skip this step because they think it’s too complex or time-consuming.

But even a basic cybersecurity policy can go a long way in protecting your operations.

If you’re unsure where to start or don’t have the time to draft a policy yourself, don’t worry—that’s where professional help comes in.

A trusted IT partner can assist you in creating practical, easy-to-understand policies that suit your business size and industry.

Secure Your Business from the Inside Out

Investing in the best firewalls and antivirus software is important, but without focusing on the human element of cybersecurity, you’re leaving the door wide open for attackers.

By running simulated attacks, providing ongoing training, and establishing clear policies, you empower your staff to become the first line of defence against cyber threats.

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated.

With a proactive approach and the right support, you can keep your team informed, vigilant, and ready to protect your business.

Let me know if you'd like help implementing these steps or need support creating a cybersecurity policy tailored to your business. Stay secure out there!