‘Intranet security’ might not sound hot, but with ransomware attacks happening every 11 seconds, it’s kinda a big deal

Let’s be real: intranet security is a way bigger deal than it used to be. With intranets now handling everything from internal comms to sensitive data, the stakes are higher than ever. And with cybercrime getting more sophisticated every day, a secure intranet isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ - it’s essential.

In this issue, we’ll break down why intranet security matters for everyone in the company, including HR and comms, and share what you can do to protect your business, even if you’re not in tech.

Quick (and painful) stats: why intranet security matters

Here’s some food for thought (or reasons to stress over your morning coffee):

• A company falls victim to ransomware every 11 seconds.
• The average cost of a data breach? $4.35 million. ??
• Cybercrime costs are forecasted to hit $10.5 trillion by 2025.

Still think your company can afford to ignore intranet security??

Yeah, didn’t think so.

What you need to know about intranet security

Myth busting: “our intranet is safe because it’s internal”

A lot of companies believe their data is secure just because it’s tucked away on an internal network. Sorry to break it to you - that’s a big, fat myth. Cybercriminals are targeting internal networks just as much as public platforms, and they’re only getting better at it.

Surprise! Your employees are the biggest risk

Before you start side-eyeing your team, hear us out! The biggest security risks aren’t coming from hackers in hoodies - they’re coming from human error. Think phishing emails, weak passwords, or accidentally sharing sensitive info. According to stats, 70% of breaches happen because of employee mistakes.

Why intranet security isn’t just IT’s problem

Here’s the thing: intranet security is also a legal issue. Compliance laws like GDPR, HIPAA, and the 1978 Data Protection Act mean companies must safeguard their data. If you don’t, you’re not just risking a data breach - you’re risking fines, legal headaches, and a hit to your reputation.

How HR and Comms Can (and Should) Step Up

Not in IT? Doesn’t matter. Here’s how HR and comms can make a big difference in intranet security:

1. Pick a secure intranet platform Ensure the platform you choose has robust security features (encryption, access control) and meets compliance standards like GDPR and HIPAA. Not to toot our own horn, but Speakap covers all of this - just saying! ??
2. Set and enforce data security policies Yes, it’s more policies to manage, but keeping data safe is worth it. Make sure everyone knows the rules, and provide training on cybersecurity best practices so employees can recognize threats when they see them.
3. Control data access like a pro Not everyone needs access to everything. Control permissions so only the right people have access to sensitive data. This limits accidental exposure and strengthens security.
4. Create a cybersecurity-first culture Security isn’t just IT’s responsibility - it’s a team effort. Help create a culture where everyone takes security seriously, and you’ll be adding an extra layer of protection to your intranet.

The must-have best practices for intranet security

While big-picture strategies are essential, there are some practical, day-to-day steps that make a huge difference:

• Keep systems updated Old software = open doors for hackers. Make regular updates and patch management a priority.
• Monitor third-party vendors Your security is only as strong as your weakest link. Ensure that any third-party vendor your company relies on follows strong security practices.
• Check security regularly Just like you’d check for software updates, make it a habit to monitor your intranet’s security performance. Staying proactive can help you catch issues before they become full-blown crises.

Intranet security is everyone’s job

Intranet security isn’t just “an IT thing.” It’s a business priority that needs buy-in from every department, especially HR and comms. By following these tips and building a strong culture of cybersecurity, you can keep your company’s data safe and your reputation intact.

And if you’re in the market for a secure intranet platform, check out Speakap. We’ve got the compliance, security, and user-friendly features you need to keep your workforce connected and secure.

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