Security training goes hand-in-hand with injury prevention strategies to help keep everyone safe. While you might have a strong security team, you also need every staff member to be on guard for signs of suspicious activity that could put your company or the people who work for you in jeopardy. Adding these strategies to your employee training plan can help everyone stay secure as they go about handling their responsibilities.

Encourage Everyone to Be Aware of Their Surroundings

People who work consistent schedules in the same environment can sometimes go on autopilot. While they may be familiar with the parking lot where not much happens every day, your staff members should still remember to do things such as take note of new vehicles or people that seem out of place. If something seems off, then encourage your employees to take steps to protect themselves. Choosing to exit the building in groups at night or take another entrance that’s better secured can help prevent them from entering a potentially dangerous situation.

Create an Effective Reporting Plan

Staff members may avoid reporting security breaches, such as a door that’s popped open, if they believe that it could lead to a coworker getting in trouble. Establishing an open reporting policy is critical for letting everyone know that your company focuses on retraining rather than punishing mistakes. Your staff members also need to know how to locate the right person to help with their concerns. They’ll be less likely to attempt walking to their car alone if they don’t have to wait to find a security guard to accompany them through the parking lot.

Make Sure They Understand the Basics of Cybersecurity

Data breaches can destroy small businesses, and having to notify your customers that their personal information is compromised can lead to broken trust. Teaching each member of your team how to secure data is essential for helping them to avoid malware attacks and phishing scams. For instance, you’ll want to show your staff how to identify potentially fake emails by checking the sender’s information. Your staff should also avoid sharing passwords and using them for personal accounts.

Teach Everyone to Protect Their Devices

Many security issues occur outside of the office. If your staff regularly takes their laptops, tablets or phones out in the field or home with them, then make sure they know to keep them secured. If a device gets lost or stolen, then your staff needs to know who to report the missing device to right away so that the appropriate measures can be taken to prevent information theft.

Implementing training on security best practices in your company’s on-boarding procedures helps every employee start with a strong understanding of how to keep people and information safe. You’ll also want to remember that security needs and policies change over time. People also tend to grow lax with security measures as they get comfortable in their new roles. Make sure to include these practices in your training opportunities throughout the year so that the information stays fresh in everyone’s minds.