Change is inevitable in any thriving business. One moment, everything seems stable, and the next, new processes, team structures, or leadership approaches emerge. While change can feel overwhelming, it is an important opportunity. At Sasfin, we continue to grow for the benefit of our customers, our employees, and the businesses we support.
Organisational change is essential for businesses to stay competitive, efficient, and adaptable in an evolving landscape. It drives innovation, enhances productivity, improves customer satisfaction, and creates new opportunities for growth and career advancement. By embracing change, companies can navigate industry shifts, technological advancements, and global challenges while maintaining stability and long-term success. However, transitions also bring cybersecurity risks, as cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities and employee distractions. Staying proactive and vigilant ensures that change remains a force for progress, not a point of weakness.
First, let’s look at where attackers typically exploit businesses and employees during times of transition:
- System vulnerabilities: Implementing new technologies, integrating third-party vendors, or restructuring IT systems can create security gaps. If these vulnerabilities go unnoticed, they become prime targets for cyberattacks.
- Insider threats: Employee transitions into new roles or departments can lead to insider threats. Some individuals may act maliciously or negligently, posing risks if their access to company systems isn’t properly monitored. It’s important for employees to flag any unusual activities with Cybersecurity or management.
- Exploitation of confusion: Periods of change can create uncertainty, making employees more susceptible to social engineering attacks. Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams often increase during leadership transitions, with attackers impersonating executives to request fraudulent transactions.
- Overlooked security measures: During transitions, IT teams may be stretched thin with managing new implementations and system migrations, which can result in missed security updates, overlooked access controls, and vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit.
Cybersecurity checklist: Staying vigilant during organisational change
As we’ve seen, cybercriminals take advantage of uncertainty, system transitions, and employee distractions to exploit vulnerabilities. Every employee and manager play a crucial role in maintaining cybersecurity and protecting both customer and employee data. Follow this checklist to keep your business, customers, and colleagues secure:
- Be cautious of unusual emails and requests
- Always verify unexpected emails requesting urgent action, especially those from executives or management.
- Look out for slight variations in email addresses that could indicate phishing attempts.
- Avoid acting on pressure tactics that demand immediate responses or confidential information.
- Double-check links and attachments before clicking
- Cybercriminals disguise phishing emails as company updates, IT support messages, or policy changes.
- Hover over links before clicking to verify authenticity and check for misspellings or strange URLs.
- Avoid downloading attachments from unknown sources and verify with the sender if unsure.
- Monitor and manage access permissions
- When employees leave or switch roles, their access to systems and sensitive data must be revoked immediately.
- Regularly review access rights to ensure only authorised personnel have access to confidential information.
- Report any unauthorised or unusual access attempts to Cybersecurity.
- Use strong passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Create complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts or platforms.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorised access even if passwords are compromised.
- Report suspicious activity without delay
- Immediately report any unusual login attempts, missing files, or unauthorised system changes to Cyber security.
- Stay alert to unexpected password reset emails or notifications of login attempts from unfamiliar locations.
- The sooner a potential threat is flagged, the better the chance of preventing a data breach.
- Protect customer and employee data
- Handle sensitive customer and employee information with care, ensuring it is stored securely.
- Do not share personal or company data over unsecured channels or with unauthorised individuals.
- Ensure data is accessed only by those who need it for business purposes.
- Stay educated on cybersecurity best practices
- Participate in cybersecurity training sessions and stay informed about the latest threats.
- Be aware of common attack tactics, such as social engineering, phishing, and ransomware.
- Encourage colleagues and teams to remain security-conscious, especially during times of transition.
- Keep software and systems updated
- Ensure all software, operating systems, and security tools are updated regularly.
- Install security patches promptly to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.
- Avoid using outdated applications or unsupported software that may pose security risks.
- Secure remote work and devices
- Use company-approved devices and secure networks when working remotely.
- Avoid accessing company systems over public Wi-Fi without using a VPN.
- Keep personal and work accounts separate to prevent unauthorised access.
- Promote a cybersecurity culture
- Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility — leaders should set the tone for vigilance, but all employees play an important role.
- Encourage an open environment where employees feel comfortable reporting security concerns.
- Recognise and reward proactive cybersecurity behaviour to reinforce a strong, security-first mindset.
Embrace change, stay cyber-safe
While change can feel uncomfortable at first, approaching it with a positive mindset turns challenges into opportunities. However, cybersecurity should remain a top priority during these transitions.
Hackers thrive on confusion, distractions, and weak security. By staying informed, cautious, and proactive, you can help safeguard your business and yourself from cyber threats. Remember: Change isn’t happening to you; it’s happening for you. Stay alert, stay secure, and seize the opportunities ahead.
For more information on cybersecurity, please contact any member of the Cybersecurity team.
