In recent times, numerous organizations have been caught off guard by cyber assaults, ranging from phishing schemes to ransomware attacks. Sadly, even a single strike on a company can have far-reaching consequences, affecting millions of users and carrying a hefty financial burden.

Back in the late 2010s, breaches were already becoming more frequent as digital storage and cloud computing gained traction. The surge in remote work during the pandemic only provided cyber criminals with more opportunities to exploit vulnerable entities. This trend was underscored by the Cost of a Data Breach Report, revealing a sharp increase in the average cost of breaches from $3.86 million in 2020 to $4.24 million in 2021, marking the highest average total cost in 17 years.

As remote work becomes more prevalent, ensuring cybersecurity awareness and training within organizations is paramount. Employees need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate cyber threats effectively. Regular training sessions can empower staff to recognize phishing attempts, secure their devices, and uphold best practices, fortifying the organization’s defenses in an evolving digital landscape.

Echoing on the same Roohi Syeda, Head- of Human Resources, Next Quarter stated “As a company, we prioritize cybersecurity awareness, especially with remote work rising. We conduct regular training on online safety, including phishing identification and data protection. Internal circulars reinforce guidelines like avoiding suspicious links and messages on platforms like WhatsApp. We ensure our team stays informed and equipped to navigate evolving cybersecurity challenges.”

In today’s scenario, cybersecurity holds unprecedented importance for both global and remote workforces. This underscores the urgent need for HR leaders to take proactive measures in safeguarding hybrid and remote-first businesses against cyber threats. Astonishingly, a staggering 95% of cybersecurity breaches stem from human error, emphasizing the critical role HR plays in fortifying organizational defenses.

“New employees undergo comprehensive cybersecurity orientation during their onboarding to minimize human error risks. They receive ISMS training on protocols and best practices, covering topics like password security, safe internet usage, and data protection policies. Additionally, they are guided through interactive modules and simulations to reinforce learning and ensure they understand their role in maintaining cybersecurity vigilance” Syeda added.

Collaboration between HR and IT or cybersecurity departments is crucial for safeguarding organizational assets against cyber threats. HR’s understanding of employee behavior and policies complements IT’s technical expertise, ensuring the implementation and enforcement of cybersecurity measures align with both technology and human factors.

“Our HR team collaborates closely with the IT department to implement and enforce cybersecurity policies effectively. We participate in regular meetings to align strategies, communicate updates, and address any emerging issues. Additionally, we work together to develop training materials, conduct joint awareness campaigns, and ensure consistent enforcement of security protocols across the organization” concluded Roohi while highlighting the importance of collaboration of HR & IT teams as this synergy strengthens the organization’s resilience against evolving cyber risks, fostering a security culture across all levels.

Through robust initiatives such as rigorous onboarding processes, comprehensive training modules, vigilant monitoring, and effective communication strategies regarding cybersecurity, HR teams can significantly mitigate the risk of costly data breaches.