16TH JUL 2023
Cybersecurity awareness training is more than just a buzzword; it is a comprehensive educational program designed to empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond effectively to potential cyber threats. This training equips individuals with an understanding of common cyber risks, such as phishing, malware, and social engineering, and educates them on best practices for safeguarding personal and organizational data. It can be the best investment you make to keep sensitive information secure. Let us show you why.
Jack, Clara, and Bethany work in three different industries. All of them are hit by a cyberattack on the same day. Sounds like something out of a Hollywood movie? Well, it’s not - it’s very real.
How real are we talking about here? Here are some numbers to give you perspective:
Jack, Clara and Bethany faced a cyberattack due to an error that could’ve been avoided with some training. As a matter of fact, about 95% of digital breaches happen due to human error. And in this increasingly digital world, where cyberattacks are on the rise, cybersecurity awareness training can play a crucial role in promoting safe online practices and protecting sensitive information.
When you hear about cybersecurity incidents at the workplace, they usually involve data breaches, financial losses, and lasting damage to an organization’s professional reputation. In fact, global cybercrime costs are expected to grow by 15% every year.
Today’s cybercriminals are growing increasingly brazen day by day. They have even attacked water supply centers, hospitals, pipelines, and meatpacking plants!
Given these risks, investing in cybersecurity awareness training can significantly contain the damage. According to the Aberdeen Group, companies with a comprehensive security awareness training program experienced a 70% reduction in security-related incidents thanks to alert employees.
Most organizations remain unaware of the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity training program.
In a cybersecurity awareness training program, participants are likely to learn the following:
Phishing Awareness: Recognizing and avoiding phishing emails, messages, or websites designed to steal personal information or spread malware.
Password Management: Creating strong, unique passwords, using multi-factor authentication, and understanding the importance of regularly updating passwords.
Social Engineering: Understanding how attackers exploit human behavior to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Safe Internet Usage: Identifying and avoiding potentially risky websites, downloads, and online activities.
Malware Awareness: Recognizing different types of malware, such as viruses, worms, and ransomware, and understanding how they can infect devices.
Data Protection: Understanding the importance of protecting sensitive data, both personally and professionally, and following data security policies.
Mobile Device Security: Securing smartphones and tablets to prevent data breaches or unauthorized access.
Wi-Fi Security: Identifying secure Wi-Fi networks and understanding the risks of using public or unsecured Wi-Fi connections.
Social Media Safety: Practicing safe habits on social media platforms to protect personal information and privacy.
Email Security: Identifying email scams and ensuring safe email practices, including verifying sender authenticity.
Physical Security: Understanding the importance of physical security measures to protect devices and sensitive information.
Software Updates: Keeping software, operating systems, and applications up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.
Reporting Incidents: Knowing how to report cybersecurity incidents to the appropriate channels within an organization.
Safe File Sharing: Ensuring secure methods of file sharing and being cautious about sharing sensitive data.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policies: Understanding and adhering to company policies regarding the use of personal devices for work purposes.
Safe Online Shopping: Identifying secure e-commerce websites and protecting financial information during online transactions.
Cloud Security: Understanding cloud security risks and best practices for protecting data stored in the cloud.
Cybersecurity Policies: Familiarizing with an organization's cybersecurity policies and procedures.
Recognizing Red Flags: Identifying suspicious activities, emails, or messages that could indicate a potential cyber threat.
Importance of Regular Backups: Understanding the importance of backing up data regularly to prevent data loss in the event of a cyber incident.
The purpose is to improve employees' knowledge and skills in recognizing, reporting, and responding to potential security incidents.
An educated and aware workforce can reduce the likelihood of:
Data breaches
Social engineering attempts
Phishing scams
Malware attacks
Ransomware
IBM estimates that the average data breach costs about $4.45 million, and that organizations could save over $1.76 million with the right training measures and an empowered workforce in 2023.
For the 21st-century generation, there is more than one way to learn essential cybersecurity skills. More importantly, these methods also help you practice until you are reasonably prepared to thwart most cyber threats.
These training methods include:
It's important to choose a method of security awareness training that is appropriate for your business. Consider factors such as the size of your organization, the budget available, and the specific needs of your employees.
According to Statista, more than six million data records have been exposed worldwide through data breaches during the first quarter of 2023.
The lack of cybersecurity skills often contributes significantly to data losses. IBM Security predicts that companies that invest in comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training can reduce the financial impact of a data breach by as much as 76%. Firms can save $5 for every dollar spent on educating employees from falling for common cybersecurity scams.
With cybercrime continuing to rise, the proactive approach of security awareness training is not just an option; it is a crucial imperative to secure your digital future and protect against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
