Most people like to believe they can spot phishing scams, but the reality is more complex. According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), 85% of breaches are caused by human error.
To reduce this high error rate, consistent cybersecurity training for your employees is key. While this may sound like a daunting task, there are solutions available that make the process efficient and approachable.
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Let’s address some of the most common questions about cybersecurity training:
What’s the Big Deal with Cybersecurity?
In short, cybersecurity is now a top business priority. The Allianz Risk Barometer reports that the threat of cyber-attacks, data breaches, and IT outages has surpassed supply chain issues and natural disasters as the leading concern for businesses globally.
Despite having strong IT systems in place, many organizations still face risks because their employees are unaware of potential cyber threats. In fact, studies show that 25% of employees admit to clicking on phishing emails, and 43% have made mistakes that could compromise security.
The good news? A significant number of cyber-attacks (99.9%) can be thwarted simply by incorporating multifactor authentication (MFA) into your regular cybersecurity protocol. By building a solid cybersecurity training program, you can dramatically reduce your risk of a breach.
Who Should Receive Cybersecurity Training?
The answer is simple: everyone in your organization should participate in cybersecurity training. Regardless of industry, if your company is connected to the internet, your employees need to be trained. For example, in 2021, cyber-attacks on the education sector rose by 75% due to increased e-learning, and healthcare saw a 71% increase in attacks.
This training is no longer just the responsibility of the IT department; cybersecurity is an organization-wide responsibility. Every employee, regardless of their role, has a part to play in maintaining your company’s digital defenses.
How Does Advanced Cybersecurity Training Help?
A study by CISCO found that 40% of small businesses that experienced a cyberattack suffered at least eight hours of downtime—multiplied by every employee. This downtime can be costly, making the need for advanced cybersecurity training even more important.
By implementing a comprehensive training program, you can:
- Reduce the risk of downtime, leading to increased productivity
- Protect your brand reputation
- Strengthen defenses against malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attacks
- Ensure compliance with legislative requirements
Who Requires More Frequent and In-Depth Cybersecurity Training?
- Employees Struggling with Training
Some employees may not fully grasp cybersecurity concepts during initial training. It’s essential to identify these individuals and provide additional support. This can be done through online testing and real-world scenarios to ensure they understand best practices. Regular follow-up training can bring them up to speed. - Employees with Admin Access
Admin access gives employees the “keys to the kingdom,” meaning they can access vast amounts of data. These employees are often the targets of social engineering attacks, making regular and in-depth training vital to ensure they don’t become entry points for cybercriminals. - Employees Handling Incoming Emails
Employees who regularly send and receive emails are at a higher risk of falling for phishing attacks. While every employee should receive cybersecurity training, those managing emails need more frequent training to stay vigilant against phishing schemes and other threats. - Remote Workers
With the rise of remote work, employees working outside the office need specific training to secure their home networks and avoid the risks of public WiFi. Additionally, they must be educated about the dangers of shadow IT—using unauthorized apps that may expose the company to cyber risks.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity training is a necessity for every employee if you want to mitigate the risks associated with human error. However, not all employees require the same level of training. Identifying those who need more frequent or advanced training is key to maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture.
Start training your employees on cybersecurity best practices before it’s too late. Reach out to us today to speak with a rep about next steps.
