Smarter End Users Means a Safer Business
Cybercriminals target end users. Ongoing cybersecurity education and training for end users is a must for businesses to stay secure.
Security awareness training is an education process that teaches employees about cybersecurity, IT best practices, and even regulatory compliance. A comprehensive security awareness program for employees should train them on a variety of IT, security, and other business-related topics. These may include how to avoid phishing and other types of social engineering cyberattacks, spot potential malware behaviours, report possible security threats, follow company IT policies and best practices, and adhere to any applicable data privacy and compliance regulations (GDPR, PCI, DSS, HIPAA, POPI etc).
Studies have shown that quick, relevant, and continuous training throughout the employee’s tenure with a company are the best way to arm end-users to become a company’s first line of cyber defence.
Why Businesses Need Security Awareness Training
Although businesses may feel their employees wouldn’t be fooled by something like a phishing scam, cybercriminals still use this attack method because it continues to be successful. In fact, the 2018 Verizon Data Breach Investigations report revealed that 93% of successful security breaches start with phishing.
With regular training for employees that includes phishing simulations, courses on IT and security best practices, and data protection and compliance training, businesses can significantly reduce risk, decrease infections and related help desk costs, protect their reputation by experiencing fewer breaches, and secure their overall cybersecurity investment.