The Culture of Security

This week’s topic is The Culture of Security

The Tip
Our community has its own culture. We have a standardized method of communication. We have dress codes. We have expectations, rules, and a collective personality that exists in the university. All of us have a responsibility to increase our own cyber-security awareness. In fact, that’s one of the important aspects of our culture. How we position ourselves against the threats we face determines the overall health of our organization, which impacts every person in it! That’s why we need strong human firewalls, like you, who think before clicking, report unusual events, and always follow workplace policies and procedures.

The Detail

How can you contribute to our security aware culture?

• Lead by example and work together. While we expect everyone to remain security aware on an individual basis, don’t forget that combating cybercrime requires teamwork!
• Stay alert in all three domains: Cyber, Physical, and People. The threats we face are not isolated to just cybercriminals and phishing emails.
• Report all security incidents. Even if you’re not sure if something should be considered “an incident,” it’s better to be safe than sorry!
• Follow workplace policies and procedures especially as they pertain to security. Policies and procedures are never meant to be a hindrance to your work, though it may feel that way at times. Policies and procedures are how we support and protect everyone.
• Take the culture home with you. Transfer your security aware efforts to every part of your personal life! Create an at-home security policy and have open dialogues about security with your family.

If you have more questions about these topics, please contact UTS and we’d be happy to offer what guidance we can. There is also a wealth of information to be found using your favourite search engine.