Steps managers take to reduce security risks associated with hiring seasonal or temporary employees
What steps can (should) managers take to reduce security risks associated with hiring seasonal or temporary employees? (Consider whether or not the Secure Computer User training course would be appropriate for these employees.)
How can managers show leadership in the area of cybersecurity defenses and best practices?
Consider the ways in which these types of companies are likely to use seasonal employees and the types of digital assets / information to which these temporary employees may have access
Sample Solution
Seasonal and temporary employees can introduce unique security risks due to their transient nature and potential lack of familiarity with company policies and procedures. To mitigate these risks, managers should implement the following strategies:
Risk Mitigation Strategies
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Comprehensive Onboarding:
- Conduct thorough background checks.
- Provide mandatory security awareness training, including the Secure Computer User course, to instill a security-conscious mindset.
Full Answer Section
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- Clearly communicate security policies, procedures, and expectations.
- Assign a mentor or buddy to guide new employees.
- Access Control:
- Implement the principle of least privilege, granting employees only the necessary access to systems and data.
- Regularly review and update access permissions.
- Utilize strong password policies and multi-factor authentication.
- Monitor system activity for unusual patterns.
- Data Protection:
- Clearly define sensitive data and implement strict controls around its access and sharing.
- Provide regular data security training to emphasize the importance of protecting confidential information.
- Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit.
- Offboarding Procedures:
- Have a clear offboarding process to ensure the return of company property and revocation of access privileges.
- Conduct exit interviews to identify any potential security risks.
- Set a Strong Example: Demonstrate a commitment to security by adhering to company policies and promoting a security-conscious culture.
- Communicate Effectively: Clearly communicate the importance of cybersecurity to employees at all levels.
- Foster a Culture of Security: Encourage employees to report suspicious activities and provide feedback on security measures.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity threats and trends to proactively address risks.
- Collaborate with IT: Work closely with the IT department to implement and enforce security measures.
- Conduct regular security audits and assessments.
- Implement robust monitoring and detection systems.
- Provide ongoing security awareness training and refreshers.
- Regularly review and update security policies and procedures.