Cybercrime has been plaguing cyberspace for some time now. It poses a major threat to businesses, according to a survey that shows that 43% of businesses have already been affected in some way. The survey also states that the global cost has been recorded to date and the forecast by 2021 is 6 trillion dollars.
This is something that is certainly troubling and should continue to concern project managers in these businesses. For most project managers, cybercrime was not a primary goal or their primary task. Everyone, except IT PMs (who were already informed about this), is now called upon to protect the object of their work.
Because it is not necessary to be professionals in security matters, project managers must at least know the concept of security, so that they can move methodically towards achieving their goals.
To understand security, they must first understand the dangers of cybercrime. That is, what hackers want. In essence, they want to steal data and personal and business information. This can then be distributed to other hackers or used for deception by impersonating others.
Cybercrime awareness can only be increased if security is actively discussed by project managers with project stakeholders and is addressed at every level of project preparation and execution. This means that it needs to be included verbally, but especially in writing, in every briefing and in project-related documents.
To make significant changes to the way a team approaches digital security, it is essential to move forward at all levels. If necessary, bring all staff together and explain why it is necessary to change passwords so frequently or to highlight different levels of confidentiality for documents.
It is true that most of the problems created by these attacks are preventable. Hackersfirst look for the easiest option, such as unsecured networks, lack of encryption of messages and passwords, or a weak firewall. So long as project managers take the necessary steps to strengthen security, at least at these basic levels, the risk is greatly reduced.
