Are you experiencing rapid expansion and more frequent IT security breaches? The two things are actually interlinked. Rapid hiring generates security risks in many different ways.
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When Growth Moves Faster Than Security Policies
Needing workers urgently should never be an excuse to weaken security levels. Here are the most common security risks associated with rapid hiring.
Onboarding speed
Rapid hiring brings along rapid onboarding speed. Companies want new hires to start being productive as soon as possible. An overly quick onboarding period is usually because workers are not able to familiarize themselves with essential information.
Protocol updates
When a company grows, security needs change. Security protocols for small-sized businesses are drastically different than medium-sized businesses. Not updating the protocols as you expand lays the seeds for cybersecurity breaches in the future.
Security measures
The IT team may not be able to issue credentials for new hires if the hiring is too quick. They may grant excessive access or loosen security measures so new workers can start working immediately, weakening the security system.
The Hidden Weak Spots That Appear During Rapid Hiring
Disproportionate expansion can expose many problems within the company, particularly in workforce cybersecurity.
Excessive permission
Workers on trial and probation periods are often granted excessive permission to access higher-level information, making it easy for industry spies to steal valuable information.
Unmonitored traffic
The IT team may not grow as fast as the rest of the company. It puts strain on the cybersecurity system, leading to unmonitored traffic coming through and missed alerts.
System overload
An overworked system may stop detecting threats without warning. If the company doesn’t have a dedicated IT team, the entire business is exposed to risk.
Remote and Hybrid Work Compounds the Risks
As remote working becomes popular, more and more weaknesses appear. It may be an ideal work mode for workers, but without relevant measures, it can seriously harm the company.
Unsafe networks
The firm can’t monitor each network its workers connect to. Devices connected to an insecure network are the prime targets for criminals. Once spyware is installed, it can spread and contaminate other devices used by the worker.
Password storage
Workers may simply store their passwords in a local file without encryption. If their device is compromised, all the passwords will be leaked.
Device management
SMEs may not have enough budget to offer company devices for workers, forcing them to use their personal devices for work. It increases cybersecurity risk.
Security Culture Must Scale Along With the Team
The change must start from within. Building a company culture that values workforce cybersecurity and safety is the way to go.
Update protocols
Update your security protocols as you scale up so the protocols truly speak to your needs. Review your policies and training instructions periodically for new hires to ensure everything is up to industry standards against the latest attacks.
Onboarding training
Do not speed up the onboarding process because it may end up costing you more. A meticulous onboarding process involves familiarizing workers with appropriate cybersecurity knowledge.
Enhance measures
Build a comprehensive system to safeguard your business from cyber attacks and scams.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Security During Rapid Growth
If IT is not your strong suit, follow these starting points to protect your business.
Get IT support
IT may not be your specialty, but your success highly depends on it. Therefore, it is smart to outsource your IT needs to experts like Cyber Husky. Whether you want a more secure system or to integrate the workflow, an expert knows how to do it best.
Mandatory MFA
MFA enforcement should be mandatory. Workers should not be allowed to switch off MFA at any time, especially when they are working remotely.
Tougher vetting process
Rapid hiring can be a mistake without a thorough vetting process. Industry spies or inadequate candidates may be hired, leading to more problems later.
In conclusion
Rapid hiring is a good sign that the company is expanding. However, the risks that come with rapid expansion should never be neglected. Ignoring security protocols can bring unimaginable downtime or production issues.
For the best cybersecurity protection for your niche, contact a professional for a consultation.
