Cyber security training should be part of your IT security policy.
“Have you heard the one about where the boss of an organisation had their bank account emptied because their ‘solicitor’ emailed them to pay the money to their ‘new’ bank account? Oh yeah, it was so obvious, anyone would have spotted that…”
Getting hacked, getting fooled into doing something online you instantly regret. Most of them have either been a victim of this or have had a VERY narrow escape – realising at the last moment that they are being scammed.
This is a crime in a nutshell in the 21st Century. For sure, robust cybersecurity tools and policies will help to reduce the risk of this happening and we encourage you to do so.
However, technology alone cannot shield an organisation from all potential threats; the human element plays a crucial role in maintaining a secure environment. This is where security awareness training steps in as an essential component of an effective cybersecurity strategy.
Understanding Security Awareness Training
Security awareness training is a formal process of educating your team about the various cyber threats they may face and the best practices for avoiding them. It’s not just about teaching them the technical aspects of cybersecurity but also about fostering a culture of security within the organisation. By making them aware of the importance of cybersecurity and their role in ensuring it, organisations can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyberattacks.
Why Every Organisation Needs Security Awareness Training
The points below highlight what and how this training helps your organisation stay safe.
- Mitigating Human Error: The majority of cyber breaches can be traced back to human error, such as clicking on a phishing link or using weak passwords. Security awareness training helps mitigate these risks by educating your people on the importance of cybersecurity and the role they play in safeguarding the organisation’s digital assets.
- Adapting to the Evolving Threat Landscape: Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and what was considered safe yesterday may not be safe today. Regular security awareness training ensures that employees are up-to-date on the latest threats and the best practices for preventing them.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many industries are subject to regulatory requirements that mandate cybersecurity training. By implementing security awareness training, organisations can ensure compliance with these regulations, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.
- Protecting Brand Reputation: A single cyber breach can have a devastating impact on an organisation’s reputation. Security awareness training helps prevent breaches, thereby protecting the brand’s reputation and maintaining customer trust.
Key Components of Effective Security Awareness Training
- Phishing Simulation: Simulated phishing exercises help employees recognise and avoid phishing attacks, one of the most common cybersecurity threats.
- Password Management: Training on creating strong passwords and managing them effectively to prevent unauthorised access.
- Handling Sensitive Data: Educating employees on the correct handling and sharing of sensitive information to prevent data breaches.
- Physical Security: Awareness of physical security threats and best practices, such as securing laptops and mobile devices.
- Reporting Procedures: Training on how to report suspected cybersecurity threats or breaches.
Implementing Security Awareness Training
The key to effective security awareness training is making it an ongoing process rather than a one-off event. Regular updates, continuous learning opportunities, and real-world simulations can help keep cybersecurity at the forefront of employees’ minds. Additionally, tailoring the training to the specific needs and risks of the organisation can make it more relevant and engaging for employees.
There are many online training programs available that can configure simulated phishing attacks (emails that look real and mimic companies your organisation works with which are “clickbait” to see who clicks on them). This can be followed up with video training that reminds them to be cyber-aware.
Remember: humans are responsible for cybersecurity; not technology.
ITGUYS runs security awareness training sessions in your own business with hands-on workshops and simulated phishing attacks.
