With Cybersecurity Month upon us, you might expect a flood of statistics, but instead, we’re offering practical tips to empower your team.
As cybercrime rises, businesses must evolve beyond traditional tools like antivirus software and generic training. The real question is: What are you doing daily to empower your team and protect your data?
The Numbers Don’t Lie:
At Swordfish, we’ve embedded cybersecurity and data governance into our operations:
- Awareness: Two campaigns focused on data security and governance.
- Engagement: Over 500 posts on our internal platform.
- Interaction: 9,200 total interactions by team members.
- Simulation: A third-party simulated social engineering attack to keep our team sharp.
- Accountability: We flagged 10 clients for poor data practices and provided tailored training to 4 team members who unperformed during the simulation.
Are We Getting Cybersecurity Wrong?
Certifications won’t shield you if your daily practices don’t hold up.
Too often, businesses rely on certifications, thinking this is enough. But the truth is, cybersecurity isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about what you do daily to prevent breaches and minimise damage. When a breach occurs, the consequences are severe. Your certifications won’t matter if the data is compromised.
Teach your team to circumvent threats, to report suspicious activity, and to act proactively. The key is empowerment, not paperwork. Ask yourself: What systems are in place to identify risks early? How are you training your teams to handle vulnerabilities? And when the inevitable breach happens, how prepared are you to minimise the impact?
Why POPIA Matters?
POPIA in South Africa doesn’t just require safeguards; it demands that you prove you’re actively preventing data exposure. It’s about demonstrating consistent, reasonable efforts to mitigate risk. Flashing accolades is easy—what counts is how ready your team is to face threats when they happen.
Cybercriminals Have Changed. It’s Time We Do Too.
It’s not if but when a cyberattack will happen. At Swordfish, we understand that cybersecurity isn’t just about technology—it’s about people.
How to Build a Cyber & Data-Savvy Remote Team: Practical Tips
Here’s how we make cybersecurity and data governance part of our everyday culture at Swordfish:
- Awareness: Use dedicated channels for daily security reminders and encourage ongoing interaction.
- Simulate Attacks: Run annual social engineering simulations to keep your team alert.
- Make It Fun: Engage teams with meaningful campaigns related to cybersecurity.
- Encourage Interaction: Reward employees for identifying phishing attempts and staying updated on breaches.
- Build Trust: Create a safe environment where team members feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity.
The New Normal: A Culture of Security
At Swordfish, cybersecurity and data governance are integral to how we operate. Cybercrime is evolving, and so must we. By educating and empowering teams, implementing the right tools, and fostering awareness, you can protect your organization from cyber threats. This isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a daily practice.
Stop spending on endless certifications and consultants. Focus on preventing and limiting damage. Get busy, take action, and make security part of your daily routine.
Carice Viljoen
COO & Deputy Information Officer
Swordfish Software
Disclaimer: This article focuses on practical, team-based cybersecurity implementations. At Swordfish, we also have dedicated teams working on deeper technical solutions behind the scenes. Both are essential for a comprehensive security strategy.
