As a business owner, you’re well aware of the importance of GDPR compliance and information security. However, maintaining awareness among your staff can be a challenge. It needs to be something that is memorable, educational, cost effective and engaging, not a short list! I have set out below some different activities you could try to help raise awareness effectively.
1. Regular Training Sessions
One of the most effective ways to instill good data protection practices is through regular training sessions. These can be both informal and formal, including on-the-job training, workshops, or even external courses. The key is to ensure these sessions are regular and cover the latest developments in GDPR and information security.
2. Interactive Quizzes
Quizzes are a fun and interactive way to keep your team engaged while learning. You can create quizzes based on the latest GDPR regulations and information security best practices. You can focus on a particular area for each quiz. Offer a prize and you are usually onto a winner. Not only does this help test their understanding, but it also promotes active learning.
3. Email Newsletters
Regular newsletters can keep your team updated about changing GDPR regulations and the latest threats in information security. It serves as a gentle reminder to your team about the importance of data protection and encourages them to stay vigilant. The newsletter can be written with humour, cartoons, examples and should be interesting.
4. Webinars and Guest Speakers
Inviting experts in GDPR and information security to speak at webinars can be a great way to learn from their experiences. It provides your team with the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights from those with a deep understanding of the subject.
5. Role-playing Exercises
Role-playing exercises where employees simulate data breach scenarios can help your team understand the potential risks and learn how to respond effectively. This hands-on approach can be very effective in cementing good data protection practices and gives some real-life experience for areas which they might not have experienced yet. We have done hacking, data breaches, Subject Access requests, and complaints as examples.
6. Regular Audits
Regular audits can help you identify where you’re doing well and where you need to improve. By sharing the results with your team, they can better understand the importance of GDPR compliance and good information security practices. You could do a clear desk audit at the end of the day for a week and gather up anything left on a desk and then share it at a staff meeting to show how things left on desks are a security risk.
7. Celebrate Data Protection Day
Participating in Data Protection Day can serve as a yearly reminder of the importance of data protection. It can be a day filled with workshops, quizzes, and other awareness activities.
8. Digital Posters and Infographics
Visual aids like digital posters and infographics can be an effective way to relay information. They can be displayed around the office or shared digitally, serving as a constant reminder of good GDPR and information security practices. If you rotate them on a regular basis or print them on different coloured paper it stops them becoming part of the wallpaper and makes people pay attention.
Remember, the key to successful awareness activities is consistency. Regular and engaging activities ensure that data protection remains at the forefront of your team’s minds, helping your business stay compliant and secure.