Prevent Cyberbullies from Cyber Attacking You or Your Workforce

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM).

It comes with age, I suppose. The older I get, the more ‘into awareness and prevention’ I get.

As NCSAM states, “Our lives are becoming web-based.” 

And, as a result, we need to be aware of potential liabilities and dangers associated with our increased dependence and use of technology both at home and in the workplace.  One such danger to be aware of is called cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is usually defined as the “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones and other electronic devices.” 

In fact, cyberbullying and cyber attacks are growing concerns for the business communities. While cyber attacks are usually associated with hackers and fraud, cyberbullying behaviors are most often associated with young people, usually teenagers.

However, as one highly publicized incident illustrates, some cyberbullies are adults. In this particular case, an adult (a mother, for heaven’s sake) and her cyberbullying e-mails were reported to have contributed to a young girl taking her own life. The case went to trial and a jury found the woman guilty, although a judge later dismissed the case.

Regardless, the case has served to shed light on this very serious issue. I am relieved to learn that schools and law enforcement agencies are waging heavy campaigns to inform the public and to help prevent this very harmful behavior. For instance, the National Crime Prevention Council is waging cyberbullying prevention campaigns in order to “help parents and teenagers get a grip on cyberbullying.”

Many adults will remember how hurtful playground bullies can be. Like that first case of poison ivy, some memories stick with you. What makes cyberbullying particularly problematic for employers is that cyberbullies can post malicious comments anonymously. Technology may soon catch up with them, however. MSNBC recently published a report about a Los Angeles company that has developed technology to track cyberbullies.

So, as they say, some adults never grow up. And, cyberbullying has made its way into the workplace, as well. Some adult co-workers have been known to be participating in cyberbullying behaviors. 

These behaviors can put employers at great risk. Examples include the following: 

1. Forwarding offensive jokes and pictures by e-mail
2. Posting hurtful comments on social networking sites
3. Spreading lies and malicious gossip via social networking sites and e-mail
4. Exhibiting harassing behaviors
5. Sharing personal, private or confidential data

Granted—staying one step ahead of technology today is challenging for employers. Regardless, employers should consult with HR and/or legal counsel to develop rules, guidelines, policies and training regarding the proper use of company-owned technology (computers, cell phones, etc.). Such policies should also include consequences for violations.

In addition, employers will want to develop and set expectations for how employees represent the employer’s organization and their fellow co-workers during “off-the-clock” times. Employers have a right and an obligation to protect their own reputations and to protect their employees.

As noted in a previous HRTools.com Insight about workplace bullying titled, “Wake-up Call: Workplace Bullies Keep Employees up at Night,” I am covering this topic as a series because it is very complex, covers many areas and creates serious risks and consequences for employers.

Additional related online information:

What Businesses Can Do, published by NCSAM

Cyber Attacks: A Growing Concern for US Small Businesses

Cyberbullies can tarnish a good name and demoralize employees.