Traditionally, security investigations have been the domain of cybersecurity professionals. However, with the ever-evolving threat landscape and the increasing importance of a layered security approach, the concept of the “citizen investigator” is gaining traction.

Citizen Investigators: Who Are They?

Citizen investigators are employees from non-security departments who are trained to identify and report suspicious activity. This could include anything from a phishing email to unusual network traffic. By empowering employees to be active participants in security, organizations can significantly bolster their defenses.

Content for the Citizen Investigator:

• Microlearning Modules: Develop short, engaging modules that educate employees on common security threats and red flags.
• Interactive Phishing Simulations: Create regular phishing simulations to test employee awareness and train them to identify suspicious emails.
• “See Something, Say Something” Campaign: Launch an internal campaign that encourages employees to report any suspicious activity they encounter, without fear of reprisal.
• Gamified Security Reporting Platform: Implement a gamified platform for reporting incidents. Award points for valid reports and encourage friendly competition among departments.
• Security Champion Program: Identify and train volunteers from various departments as security champions. These champions can act as liaisons between employees and the security team, providing peer-to-peer support and fostering a culture of security awareness.

Benefits of Citizen Investigators:

• Wider Net of Detection: By involving more eyes and ears, organizations can identify suspicious activity much faster and potentially prevent breaches.
• Enhanced User Education: The training provided can create a more security-conscious workforce, building a human firewall against threats.
• Improved Incident Response: Early detection of suspicious activity leads to quicker and more effective incident response measures.

Creating Compelling Content:

• Focus on Relevance: Tailor the content and training to the specific roles and responsibilities of each department.
• Keep it Engaging: Utilize multimedia elements, interactive exercises, and real-life case studies to keep employees engaged.
• Reinforcement is Key: Deliver ongoing training and refresher courses to maintain employee awareness.

Citizen investigators are a valuable asset in the modern security landscape. By creating engaging and accessible content, organizations can empower their employees to become active participants in their security posture.