A few weeks ago, we presented a presentation to a group of security executives representing large multinational corporations and the public sector. They were curious about how the generational differences, and particularly younger employees\u2019 perceptions, might (and are) impacting their security efforts internally.\u00a0 While security of hardware and company assets is always critical, increasingly so, security breaches with data or confidential information are a concern.\u00a0In a world where Wikileaks exists and confidential information is posted online, organizations need to understand how to create a culture of security where all employees have a shared accountability.<\/p>\n
Social media promotes and encourages us to share personal information publicly on a daily basis. \u00a0Gen Ys are much more comfortable posting information, thoughts, opinions and private details online than any previous generations.\u00a0 This has translated into an appetite by Gen Ys for their organizations and leaders to be more transparent and open with information.<\/p>\n
Once upon a time, only the most senior people in an organization had access to critical information (financials, policies, client data etc).\u00a0 Knowledge was perceived as \u2018power\u2019.\u00a0 In many organizations, this mindset still exists.\u00a0 The more information you have, the more powerful you are.\u00a0 This is based on information being scarce and access being exclusive to only a few.\u00a0 Many Traditionalists and Baby Boomers experienced this type of culture in their organizations.\u00a0 Information was only given out on a \u2018need to know\u2019 basis.\u00a0 If it was deemed you didn’t need to know something, you wouldn’t have access to it.\u00a0 You might only receive partial information – a slice of the data – without the big picture. This meant that the knowledge holders could control how information was disseminated.<\/p>\n
Gen Xers and particularly Gen Ys, don’t ascribe to this notion of knowledge as power.\u00a0 They believe that it’s not possessing knowledge that makes someone powerful, but rather what they do with that information that puts them in a position of power. Younger employees expect that they will have access to information about your organization that was once reserved only for senior leaders.\u00a0 For example, leaders are now much more transparent about financials, strategies, market challenges, new ventures and leadership decision than ever before.\u00a0 This is viewed as favourable by younger employees.\u00a0 The challenge lies in ensuring that confidential information is not shared by employees in an inappropriate way.<\/p>\n
The security executives we worked with recognized that layering on a generational perspective to their work required that they understand how to engage the different generations.\u00a0 Engaging all employees translates into an environment where a culture of security becomes everyone\u2019s responsibility.<\/p>\n
Coaching all employees on what is deemed confidential, why the information should not be shared, and what the consequences are if the information is communicated in the wrong way, is important for creating a consistent approach to information security.<\/p>\n
Each generation may define \u2018confidential\u2019 differently.\u00a0 As one Gen Y from the public sector (who has shared some confidential information publicly) said to us \u2018I am aware of what the consequences are, but I believe it is my duty and responsibility to share this information\u2019. This perspective is concerning to many leaders who struggle with balancing access to information and how that information is shared. \u00a0The ability to Tweet, post or Instagram a document has increased the risk of security breaches.<\/p>\n
Ensuring your multigenerational workforce is involved in identifying potential security risks and possible solutions will help build a culture of greater resilience. Clearly communicating definitions will create a common language across the organization.<\/p>\n
Your organization should take the time to define the terms:<\/p>\n
Establish what the risk and consequences are of sharing information in an inappropriate way and how the organization, employees, customers and the overall brand will be negatively impacted.<\/p>\n
While younger employees may be far more comfortable sharing private information about themselves, there is an increasing need to protect employee and customer data by preventing access to confidential information. Doing so will only be possible through the commitment of all employees and by engaging your multigenerational workforce in a way that will gain their buy-in.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
How Different Generations See Confidential Information A few weeks ago, we presented a presentation to a group of security executives representing large multinational corporations and the public sector. They were curious about how the generational differences, and particularly younger employees\u2019 … Continue reading