When I think of cybersecurity breaches, I equate them to a spider’s web. If you think about it, spiders’ webs are finely spun and not necessarily visible to the naked eye – unless you’re specifically looking for them or (ugh) you inadvertently walk into one. Understanding cybersecurity, and cyber breaches, can be much the same. If you’re among those who are uncomfortable around spiders, or even their images, use that discomfort to focus your attention on avoiding inadvertently contributing to a cyber breach.

I continue to write and speak about cybersecurity because breach ramifications have potential for significant adverse impacts. That’s also why I’ve made this the topic of one of my Weekend Polls for the second consecutive year. With thanks to all who participated my latest Weekend Poll, here are your responses to my question: How prepared are you to avoid getting caught in a web of cyber breaches?

Less than 60% of you have received cybersecurity training at work

When I first raised this topic in October 2017, only 48% of respondents reported that they’d been provided cybersecurity education or training in the workplace. There’s an improvement this year, with 56.5% of you having received such workplace training.

When you consider the economic, reputational and other costs to a cyber breach, though, that is still a ridiculously low number. A full 52% of respondents have yet to receive cybersecurity training in the workplace.

We know that assistants are typically proactive and, in this case, that’s a particularly good thing. 58% of respondents reported that you’ve attended presentations or sessions on cybersecurity, up from 53% last year.

You should also take responsibility for learning

I asked if readers have undertaken any independent professional development (PD) to enhance your cybersecurity awareness. 9% of you said that your cybersecurity PD is limited to what I’ve presented or written on the topic, and 48% of you confirmed that you have made such independent efforts.

While employers should ideally provide cybersecurity education to all their employees as part of risk management strategies, you owe it to yourself to invest time in understanding and helping to mitigate risks. That’s beneficial to your workplace, but you can also apply such knowledge to your personal hardware and browsing habits.

Why is this important? First, executive assistants are specifically targeted by cyber criminals. The ramifications of cyber breaches are significant, and they can impact you either professionally or personally. Next, consider how frequently assistants blur the lines between their professional and personal lives. We often use personal hardware to check on business email, and many with employer-provided smartphones also use those phones for personal email or browsing. You can see how the two are intertwined.

Want to learn more as we approach Cybersecurity Awareness Month?

I can point you to two resources. After you read these poll results, turn to my introduction to cybersecurity.

Then, you can follow that up by reading my cover story article on the topic in Executive Secretary Magazine. If your schedule is full today, then take a minute to set yourself a 15-minute appointment to read these two articles.

In the interim, you’ll find all the results from this Weekend Poll below.  

THE DATA

On a scale of 0 (no knowledge) to 5 (high level of knowledge and preparedness), how well informed are you about cybersecurity?

• 1 out of 5 (low):  0% of respondents, compared to 0% in 2017 (last year I included a “0” rating, which 5% of respondents selected)
• 2 out of 5:  4% of respondents, compared to 14% in 2017
• 3 out of 5:  29% of respondents, compared to 29% in 2017
• 4 out of 5:  46% of respondents, compared to 47% in 2017
• 5 out of 5 (high):  21% of respondents, compared to 5% in 2017

Have you received cybersecurity education / training at your workplace? 

• Yes:  56.5% of respondents, compared to 48% in 2017
• No:  43.5% of respondents, compared to 52% in 2017

Have you attended any presentations/sessions on cybersecurity?

• Yes:  58% of respondents, compared to 53% in 2017
• No:  42% of respondents, compared to 0% in 2017

Have you undertaken any independent study/professional development related to cybersecurity?

• Yes: 48% of respondents, compared to 21% in 2017
• No: 43% of respondents, compared to 79% in 2017
• My cybersecurity PD is limited to what Shelagh’s presented or written on the topic: 9% of respondents (I didn’t include this response option in 2017)

On a scale of 0 (not concerned) to 5 (very concerned), how much of an issue do consider cybersecurity to be in the workplace?

• 1 out of 5 (not concerned):  4.5% of respondents, compared to 0% in 2017
• 2 out of 5:  4.5% of respondents, compared to 5% in 2017
• 3 out of 5:  13% of respondents, compared to 11% in 2017
• 4 out of 5:  39% of respondents, compared to 26% in 2017
• 5 out of 5 (very concerned):  39% of respondents, compared to 58% in 2017

On a scale of 0 (not concerned) to 5 (very concerned), how much of an issue do consider cybersecurity to be with respect to your home/personal use of technology?

• 1 out of 5 (not concerned):  0% of respondents, compared to 0% in 2017
• 2 out of 5:  4% of respondents, compared to 0% in 2017
• 3 out of 5:  21% of respondents, compared to 19% in 2017
• 4 out of 5:  29% of respondents, compared to 24% in 2017
• 5 out of 5 (very concerned):  46% of respondents, compared to 57% in 2017