Digital Tug-of-War: Achieving Both Productivity and Cybersecurity

Do you feel like you’re walking a tightrope between getting things done and maintaining the security of your network and data? You’re not alone. Ultimately, we’re all trying to be as productive as possible, and we want to use all the cool collaboration tools, work from anywhere, and get things done fast.

Unfortunately, there's the other side of the coin, too; and maintaining security can throw a wrench in those plans if not considered completely. Obviously, the Internet is a wild place, full of hackers, scammers, and all sorts of other digital dangers. That’s why every organization that cares deploys firewalls, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and complex password rules to keep us safe.

It's a classic tug-of-war. If you are too aggressive and set up too many roadblocks, it can be frustrating to users, but if you leave things too open, you set yourself up for problems.

With everything going on, how do we find a happy medium? The trick isn't to choose one over the other. It's about making security and productivity work together.

Don’t Just Dictate Rules, Explain Them

Instead of just telling people what to do, help them understand why it's important. When your team knows why a strong password or a security update is necessary, they're more likely to follow the rules willingly. Think of it like teaching someone to look both ways before crossing the street; once they understand the danger, it becomes second nature.

Make Security Simple to Use

Security doesn't have to be a headache. Look for tools that are both effective and easy to use. A password manager can create and remember strong passwords for you, and single sign-on (SSO) lets you access all your apps with one login. The easier it is, the more likely people will use it.

Give People Only What They Need

This is a simple but powerful idea. Only give people access to the files and programs they need to do their job. This way, if someone's account ever gets compromised, the damage is contained.

Automate the Boring Stuff

The less people have to think about security, the better. Use tools that can handle things automatically, like updating software or scanning for threats. This frees up your team to focus on their work without being constantly interrupted by security alerts.

Stay Flexible and Adapt

Unfortunately, things move so fast that the things that work today might not work tomorrow. It’s important to regularly check in on your security measures and get feedback from your team. If a security rule is causing more problems than it's solving, it might be time to find a better way.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a culture where being productive and being secure are two sides of the same coin. It’s not about sacrificing one for the other, but about building a system where they both thrive. This way, you can keep your work flowing and your data safe.

If you would like help with any step of your technology journey, give the IT professionals at Preferred a call today at 708-781-7110.