Making Users Mindful of IT Security

Authors

Michael E. Whitman, Kennesaw State UniversityFollow
Herbert J. Mattord, Kennesaw State UniversityFollow

Department

Information Systems

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2004

Abstract

The article discusses ways to make users mindful of Information Technology (IT) security. Security awareness programs ensure that employees understand the importance of security and the adverse consequences of its failure; they also remind users of the procedures to be followed. Awareness training is vital to keeping the idea of IT security uppermost in employees' minds. While federal agencies in the U.S. are required to train employees in computer security awareness, such training is voluntary in the private sector. It is, however, no less vital. Every company should integrate a security awareness program into the IT training program.