If your organization is ISO27001 certified, it means that you take information security very seriously. And let’s be honest: that’s something to be proud of! ISO27001 is the international standard for information security management and shows that your company meets strict requirements in the field of data security.
But, a certificate is more than just a nice piece of paper on the wall. It is only truly effective if everyone within the organization adheres to the established protocols. And yes, we know: those extra steps can sometimes feel a bit cumbersome. But every little action – from strong passwords to correctly handling sensitive data – contributes to protecting company information and helps minimize risks such as data leaks or cyber attacks.
How do you get colleagues involved in information security policy?
The big question is: how do you ensure that everyone actually follows the policy? Many employees quickly see protocols as ‘more work’ or do not always understand why they are important. The trick is to make information security tangible and increase the involvement of your employees. Compliance with policy should not be boring or mandatory; you can actually present it in a fun and interactive way. This creates a culture in which everyone feels responsible for the security of company data. Here are some concrete tips to bring your policy to life and get employees excited:
1. Organize regular awareness sessions
Organizing periodic awareness sessions is an excellent way to highlight important information security topics. Choose a specific theme for each session, such as phishing, the importance of strong passwords or secure file sharing.
If you want to make these sessions truly memorable, consider inviting an ethical hacker. Nothing makes the importance of strong security policies more tangible than a live demonstration of how a hack actually works. When employees see first-hand how easy it can be to breach a network, they will gain a much greater understanding of the need for protocols.
Such a session with an ethical hacker immediately makes it clear why it is essential to regularly change passwords, send sensitive information encrypted and always be alert to suspicious emails or links. In this way, information security is not just an abstract concept, but something they want to actively apply.
2. Hold internal challenges and organize a quiz
Want to make it really fun? Try a quiz or internal challenge to gauge your employees’ knowledge level. Let colleagues test their knowledge of the most important security measures and protocols in a playful way.
For example, who knows the most about the correct handling of confidential documents? Or who is the fastest at recognizing a phishing email? You can add a competitive element by awarding points and handing out prizes to the “Security Heroes” of the month. This makes following policy fun and ensures that everyone remains involved in the subject. It becomes a kind of “sport” to keep yourself and your colleagues sharp in the field of information security. In addition, such a quiz ensures that you can immediately measure how well informed your employees are and where knowledge may still need to be brushed up.
3. Reward good behavior and share tips
Another powerful way to get policy to stick is to reward good behavior. Recognize and acknowledge employees who follow the protocols correctly. This can be done simply by naming them in an internal newsletter or giving them a short shout-out during a team meeting. These small gestures of recognition can go a long way to increasing involvement.
You can also involve employees in improving security policy by inviting them to share their own tips and ideas. This not only increases their involvement, but also makes security more alive within the organization. They might even come up with an idea that you hadn’t thought of!
Make Information Security a Team Effort
Information security in the modern workplace should not be a task that only the IT department has to handle. It is a team effort. Everyone plays a crucial role in keeping company information safe and should be aware of the risks and consequences of negligence. By making the policy tangible and fun, you create a culture in which everyone feels responsible for information security. This not only increases the security of your organization, but also ensures that the ISO27001 certification really adds value. Make compliance with the protocols a sport instead of an obligation.