While technology plays a crucial role in safeguarding data, it’s not foolproof. Without understanding the human behaviours and attitudes that impact privacy, even the best tools can leave gaps. Embracing "People-First Privacy" means looking beyond technology to understand the people who use it, creating a balanced approach to preventing data breaches.

The limitations of tools alone

Tools can automate processes, detect anomalies, and help monitor risks, but they can’t foresee human errors or replace judgement. Privacy tools require proper usage and adherence to best practices. If people misunderstand how to use these tools or feel they aren’t necessary, breaches are more likely.

Common pitfalls include misconfiguring tools, neglecting updates, or bypassing privacy protocols altogether. These actions often stem from a lack of understanding or differing attitudes towards privacy. Without clear guidance on why and how to use privacy tools, even well-equipped teams can struggle to maintain data security.

Measuring behaviours and attitudes

To bridge the gap between technology and human action, begin by assessing your team’s behaviours and attitudes toward privacy tools. This isn’t about finding faults; it’s about discovering where people need more clarity or support.

Consider asking:

• How do employees interact with tools? Do they follow recommended practices, or are workarounds common?
• What are their attitudes toward privacy? Do they see these tools as helpful, or as obstacles?
• What’s their level of awareness? Are they knowledgeable about how privacy tools reduce risks?

Understanding these behaviours and attitudes can help identify why breaches might occur despite using the best tools available. For example, employees who don’t understand the value of specific tools are more likely to take shortcuts, potentially undermining security.

Identifying gaps and risks

Through this analysis, you may find various issues that reveal gaps in both knowledge and practice:

• Underutilisation: Tools may not be used to their full potential if employees don’t fully understand them.
• Workarounds: Employees may bypass tools if they find them cumbersome or believe they slow down productivity.
• Negative attitudes: A view that privacy tools are unnecessary or burdensome can lead to inconsistent usage.

Recognising these gaps allows you to take targeted actions. For instance, if tools are seen as a hindrance, showing how they support employees in their roles rather than obstructing them can change perspectives and improve compliance.

Tailoring training and support

Once you’ve identified these behavioural and attitude gaps, tailor your training to focus on areas where support is most needed. Effective training should address misconceptions and provide employees with a clear understanding of the role and benefit of each privacy tool.

This could involve:

• Practical training: Demonstrate how privacy tools make their work easier or more secure, focusing on real-life applications.
• Gathering feedback: Involve employees in discussions about tool selection and use to ensure that solutions work for them, not against them.
• Promoting positive attitudes: Share success stories where these tools prevented breaches or streamlined processes, showing the value they add.

When employees feel that tools align with their work rather than adding obstacles, they’re more likely to adopt them willingly and consistently.

Benchmarking and tracking progress

After addressing these gaps through training and support, measuring progress over time is essential. Reassessing behaviours and attitudes after training helps to determine if attitudes have shifted and if the tools are being used as intended.

Key areas to monitor include:

• Tool usage: Are employees using privacy tools correctly and consistently over time?
• Attitude shifts: Has there been an improvement in how privacy tools are perceived within the team?
• Risk reduction: Are fewer incidents occurring due to improved tool usage and adherence to protocols?

Tracking these indicators gives a clearer picture of your privacy culture’s health, and regular measurement provides insights into which approaches work and where further effort is needed.

Understanding the human element

Technology is only as effective as the people who use it. Recognising that people’s attitudes and beliefs shape their behaviour is crucial. For example, if some view privacy tools as unnecessary, they may not prioritise using them, increasing the risk of data breaches.

A balanced privacy culture combines technology with a clear understanding of human behaviour. By fostering a positive attitude towards privacy tools, employees are more likely to engage proactively with technology, viewing it as an aid rather than a burden.

Building a human-technology partnership

Building a robust privacy culture requires an integrated approach where people and technology support each other. Encourage employees to view privacy as a partnership between their efforts and the tools available to them.

• Empower employees: Make them active participants in privacy, not just passive users of tools.
• Encourage feedback: Create channels for employees to share concerns or suggest improvements, making it easier to address any issues with the tools.
• Promote vigilance: Foster a culture of continuous awareness and responsiveness to potential threats.

When employees understand the tools and see their value, they’re more likely to stay vigilant and committed to privacy.

Conclusion

Preventing data breaches requires more than deploying privacy tools; it demands a clear understanding of the human behaviours that interact with those tools. Embracing "People-First Privacy" means focusing on the people behind the technology, understanding their attitudes, and addressing any gaps in knowledge or perception.

By bridging this gap and supporting employees, you create a strong, balanced approach to privacy, where technology and people work hand in hand. With a culture that prioritises both tools and the people who use them, your organisation is better equipped to handle privacy challenges and reduce the risk of breaches.