How to Implement Employee Training for Security Awareness
Every business faces various risks to its operations, revenue, and reputation. For example, a company could become a target for theft, vandalism, anti-social behavior, and cybercrime, to name a few possible threats.
The more your staff members understand the potential risks and how to prevent them, the more secure your company will be. Keep reading for tips on how to implement employee training for security awareness.
Make Your Employees Care About Security
Make it your mission for employees to care about security during training. Set time aside to explain how on-site security processes are beneficial to the company, staff, and customers. Convey how physical and cyber security can keep the team safe.
For example, following cybersecurity policy to the letter will prevent data leaks and safeguard your employees’ personal data. Also, a video surveillance system will allow the team to monitor the store for theft, harassment, or anti-social behavior, creating a safer environment for all employees and customers.
Provide Technology Training
Once you have articulated the importance of following the company’s security to the letter, you can move on to training. It is wise to walk each member of staff through technology training, showing them what a device is and how to use it.
For example, you could teach your staff how to turn on the mosquito device, an ultrasonic anti-loitering alarm, which will emit a repetitive, high-frequency tone when turned on via remote control or a timer. It is a must-use when gangs gather outside a company’s premises, as the irritating high-frequency sound will cause them to disperse.
Train Staff to Spot Crime
Most criminals use various tactics to steal money or goods from a store. Security awareness training should include a section on how to spot crime in the business. For example, your employees may need to learn how to watch the sales floor for criminal activity, use access control to prevent trespassing, and monitor transactions.
Also, employees should learn about the company’s various security systems and how they work, even if they don’t need to operate them. It will provide peace of mind that measures are in place to keep them safe and secure – and may even prevent internal theft.
Don’t Overlook Prevention Protocols
Most crimes happen when employees aren’t looking or miss important steps in a process. For this reason, you must highlight specific procedures to prevent theft or other types of criminal activity. For example, you could discuss the importance of appropriately handling cash, carefully inventorying deliveries, and securing rear entry points.
Keep Employee Training Simple
Keep security awareness training as simple and relatable as possible to maintain your employees’ interest and attention. It is vital to do so when discussing complicated technologies or complex cybersecurity policies. Avoid technical jargon to prevent confusion and ensure your staff understand what’s being asked of them.
Discuss What to Do When a Crime Occurs
Employees must know the swift action they must take when a crime occurs in the business, whether it is theft, staff harassment, or a cyber-attack. Provide your staff with various scenarios and the appropriate responses, such as calling the police or reporting a cyberattack to IT. Also, they must know the best ways to protect themselves when their safety is at risk, such as not resisting a robbery.
