10 Ways to Improve an Employees' Cyber Security Awareness

Summary
Cyber threats are evolving fast, and your people remain the first line of defence. Building awareness, good habits, and accountability across your team can dramatically reduce risk and keep your business compliant with UK cyber security regulations.

3 Key Takeaways

• Human error still causes over 90% of cyber incidents.
• Ongoing, practical training beats one-off awareness sessions.
• UK regulations such as the Data Protection Act 2018 and the upcoming Cyber Resilience Bill mean businesses must demonstrate clear employee cyber training.

As technology advances, so do the threats facing UK businesses. From phishing scams to ransomware and social engineering, attacks are increasingly sophisticated, and it’s often staff, not systems, that are targeted first.

According to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), organisations that provide regular, practical cyber-awareness training are far less likely to experience data breaches. With hybrid working now the norm, employees need to understand how to protect information whether they’re in the office, at home, or on the move.

By focusing on the following 10 areas, your business can build a strong “human firewall” that complements your technical defences:

1. Phishing Awareness & Social Engineering

Phishing remains the top cause of data breaches. Cybercriminals send emails or messages designed to trick employees into sharing sensitive information or clicking malicious links.

How to stay protected:

• Train staff to spot suspicious emails and verify sender details.
• Run simulated phishing campaigns to build awareness.
• Create an easy way for employees to report suspicious messages.
• Reinforce the “stop, think, check” habit before clicking any link or attachment.

2. Removable Media

USB sticks, SD cards and portable drives are still common, and risky. Malware-infected devices can easily compromise networks.

Best practice:

• Ban or restrict use of personal removable media.
• Encrypt any approved devices.
• Train staff to report lost or unknown drives immediately.

3. Passwords & Authentication

Weak or reused passwords remain one of the simplest ways hackers gain access.

Recommendations:

• Use long, unique passphrases and password managers.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Never share or write down passwords.

4. Clean Desk Policy

Physical security matters too. Sensitive data left on desks or screens can be stolen or photographed.

Tips:

• Lock screens when away from your desk.
• Store confidential papers securely.
• Clear desks at the end of the day, even when working from home.

5. Mobile Devices & BYOD

Phones and tablets are convenient but vulnerable if lost, stolen, or infected.

Good habits:

• Set strong passcodes or biometric locks.
• Keep devices updated and encrypted.
• Follow a mobile security policy for all work devices.

6. Remote & Hybrid Working

Home networks often lack enterprise-level security, making remote workers a key target.

Protect your team:

• Use VPNs for all remote access.
• Keep home Wi-Fi passwords strong and private.
• Make sure antivirus and firewalls are always active.

7. Public Wi-Fi

Working in cafés or on trains? Public Wi-Fi can expose company data.

Safer options:

• Use mobile hotspots instead of free networks.
• Connect through a VPN when possible.
• Avoid logging into sensitive systems on open Wi-Fi.

8. Social Media

Oversharing online can reveal information useful to attackers.

Keep it secure:

• Don’t post work details or travel plans publicly.
• Review privacy settings regularly.
• Be wary of unknown connection requests.

9. Internet & Email Habits

Unsafe browsing and downloads are an open door for malware.

Smart habits:

• Only download software from trusted sources.
• Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
• Keep browsers and plugins updated.

10. Security at Home

Personal devices can introduce risk if used for business purposes.

Stay safe:

• Keep work and personal accounts separate.
• Use encrypted file sharing.
• Report any lost or compromised devices immediately.

IT and Network Security: Protecting Your Business

At A Plus Security, we understand that employee awareness is only one part of a strong cyber defence. Your IT and network infrastructure must also be robust, resilient, and ready to respond to threats.

Our IT network security and support solutions are designed to safeguard your systems, ensure compliance, and keep your business running smoothly, whether you’re a small organisation or a multi-site enterprise.

Key benefits include:

• Enhanced Security – Protect data from cyber threats and breaches.
• Proactive Maintenance – Extend the life of IT systems and avoid costly downtime.
• Rapid Support – 24/7 response to IT and network issues.
• Data Backup & Recovery – Minimise disruption with managed backups and disaster recovery solutions.
• Optimised Performance – Ensure your systems run efficiently with expert installation and monitoring

Build a Culture of Awareness

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time exercise. Regular refresher sessions, simulated attacks and positive reinforcement create a culture where everyone plays a role in protecting the business.

Remember: under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act, organisations must take “appropriate technical and organisational measures” to safeguard data — and employee training is a key part of that responsibility.

Ready to Strengthen Your Cyber Defences?

A-Plus Security are a NSI Gold Approved company, who provide a range of fire and security installation and maintenance services to help you establish a robust and future-ready position for your premises.

Contact us here or call us on 01702 293157 for a consultation to review and enhance your current systems.