Transformational Leadership and Cybersecurity Awareness During COVID-19

Interestingly, with the current crisis that is being experienced globally, leadership…especially Transformational Leadership is required MORE than ever for ALL organizations to weather this COVID-19 crisis.  Moreover, a vast majority of organizations have been forced to work remotely, which means individuals must be trusted and leaders must have the ability to transform and inspire their workforce. In addition, Cybersecurity is vital when working remotely; however, a large percentage of workers are not properly prepared (from a cybersecurity perspective) to work remotely.   

COVID-19 has not only changed how business is conducted globally, but it has also altered the Psychology of society. With that said, leaders MUST connect with their employees on a “higher cognitive level” to ensure not only their organization remains profitable, and the REMOTE workforce remains integral and PRODUCTIVE within the organization.  Though there are a plethora of leadership styles, I would argue that transformation leadership is paramount during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Pertaining to cybersecurity during this crisis, there a few recommendations that remote workers can initiate that help to protect themselves and their organizations, such as:

•  Ensure passwords adhere to organizational guidelines (length and special characters)
• Review National Institute of Standards and Technology ( NIST SP 800-53) Managing Passwords
• Use a VPN when logging remotely
• Review National Institute of Standards and Technology ( NIST SP 800-46) Remote Access and Telework
• Be mindful of phishing attempts ( bad actors are still employed during COVID-19)       
• Employ 2FA or MFA to reduce the event of your personal information being breached

 About the author: Dr. Hollis is an IT & Cybersecurity: Strategist ► Thought Leader ► C-Suite Consultant. Dr. Hollis is an Associate Professor in Cybersecurity at University of the Cumberlands(UC); an Adjunct at University Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and Colorado State University Global (CSU Global).  Dr. Hollis holds an Executive Cybersecurity/Risk Management Certificate from Harvard University; a Blockchain Certification  from Blockchain Training Alliance ( BTA) and is also a retired 30 year U.S. NAVY LDO/Information Professional (IP) Officer and is the CEO/President of HollisGroup LLC, which is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business ( SDVOSB) He has an MBA and Ph.D. in Organization and Management; with a Specialization: Information Technology Management. His Dissertation is titled"Leadership Styles: A Phenomenological Study of Transformational, Transactional, and Situational Leadership Styles Employed by CIOs at Military Combatant Commands". He can be contacted via email at Dr. Eric Hollis or his office (813) 333-6503 or 1-877-219-5052. drerichollis.com hollisgroupllc.com