Successful cyber-attacks against businesses are becoming more and more common, with companies of all sizes falling victim to data breaches, malware, and other types of attacks. In response to this growing threat, many businesses are investing in security awareness training for their employees.
Security awareness training is an important part of any business’s security strategy. By educating employees about cybersecurity risks and best practices for avoiding them, businesses can reduce the chances of a successful attack.
What are the benefits of security awareness training?
There are some benefits of security awareness training, including:
- Improved security posture – By increasing employee awareness of cybersecurity risks and best practices for avoiding them, businesses can improve their overall security posture.
- Reduced chance of successful attack – Cybersecurity attacks often succeed because employees unwittingly provide attackers with the information they need to gain access to systems or data. By increasing employee awareness of cyber risks, businesses can reduce the chances of a successful attack.
- Compliance with regulations – In some industries, such as healthcare, financial services, and others, there are regulations that require businesses to provide security awareness training to employees. Security awareness training can help businesses meet these regulatory requirements.
- Improved employee morale – Employee morale can suffer when data breaches or other cybersecurity incidents occur. Security awareness training can help employees feel more confident in their ability to protect themselves and the company from attack, which can improve morale.
What should security awareness training cover?
Security awareness training should cover a variety of topics, including:
- Cybersecurity risks – Employees should be made aware of the various types of cybersecurity risks they face, such as phishing attacks, malware, and social engineering.
- Best practices for avoiding risks – Employees should be taught best practices for avoiding cybersecurity risks, such as being cautious about clicking on links in emails and not sharing passwords with others.
- Company policies – Employees should be familiar with the company’s policies on cybersecurity, such as its acceptable use policy.
- Reporting procedures – Employees should know how to report suspicious activity or potential security incidents.
- Response plan – In the event of a successful cyberattack, employees should know what to do and who to contact. The company should have a well-documented response plan that includes employee roles and responsibilities.
Where can businesses get security awareness training?
There are a variety of sources of security awareness training, including:
- In-house – Many businesses choose to develop and deliver their own security awareness training. This can be done using in-house resources or by working with a third-party provider.
- Third-party providers – There are many companies that offer security awareness training services. These companies typically have experience developing and delivering training programs for businesses.
- Online courses – A number of online courses are available that cover various aspects of cybersecurity. These courses can be self-paced or delivered in a live, online format.
- In-person seminars – Some companies offer in-person seminars on cybersecurity. These seminars can be a great way to get employees engaged and motivated to learn about cybersecurity risks and best practices.
- Certification programs – There are several certification programs available that businesses can use to train their employees on cybersecurity. These programs typically include online coursework as well as an exam.
Businesses should consider their needs and budget when deciding which type of security awareness training is right for them. In-house training may be the most cost-effective option for small businesses, while larger businesses may benefit from the experience and expertise of a third-party provider. Online courses and certification programs can be a good option for businesses of any size.
When should businesses provide security awareness training?
Businesses should consider providing security awareness training:
- When onboarding new employees – New employees should receive security awareness training as part of their onboarding process. This will help them understand the company’s policies and procedures and the importance of cybersecurity.
- When changes are made to company policies – Any time there are changes to the company’s policies or procedures, employees should be updated on the changes. This includes changes to the acceptable use policy, password policy, and other security-related policies.
- When there are changes in the cybersecurity landscape – The cybersecurity landscape is constantly changing. As new risks and threats emerge, businesses should update their employees on the latest information.
- When there are incidents of successful cyberattacks – Whenever there is a successful cyberattack, businesses should provide employees with updated information and training. This will help them understand what happened and how to avoid similar attacks in the future.
- On a regular basis – Even if there are no recent changes or incidents, businesses should provide security awareness training on a regular basis. This will help employees stay up-to-date on best practices and be prepared for any potential risks they may face.
Businesses should develop a plan for providing security awareness training to their employees. This plan should include the frequency of training, the type of training, and who will be responsible for delivering the training. By having a plan in place, businesses can ensure that their employees are receiving the information they need to stay safe online.