Cybercriminals are getting better at what they do. They’re constantly finding new ways to exploit security vulnerabilities and trick employees into giving them access to sensitive data. About 90% of data breaches are caused by human error.
That’s why it’s crucial for companies to have a robust employee security awareness training program in place. This type of program can educate employees about the latest security threats and how to avoid them. It can also help create a culture of security within the company, where employees are more likely to report suspicious activity and take steps to protect company data.
When implemented correctly, employee security awareness training can be an incredibly effective way to reduce the risk of a data breach. Learn how your company can benefit from this type of training program.
What is Employee Security Awareness Training?
Employee security awareness training is a comprehensive program designed to educate employees about the risks of cyberattacks and how to protect themselves and their company from these threats. The goal of this type of training is to empower employees to be proactive in safeguarding their own cybersecurity and the security of the company as a whole.
Why is it Important?
In today’s online world, employees are the first line of defense against cyberattacks. With so much of our lives and work now conducted online, employees need to be aware of the risks of cyber attacks. By educating employees about cybersecurity risks and how to protect themselves, companies can reduce the likelihood of a successful cyber attack.
What Employee Security Awareness Training Looks Like
Employee security awareness training programs have their own structure, but most include some variation of the following topics:
1. Be Wary of Unknown Sources
Employees should be aware of the risks of clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources via email. These links and attachments could be malicious and may contain viruses or other malware that could harm your computer or company’s network.
2. Never Share Sensitive Information
Employees should never share sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, with anyone online. This information could be used to commit fraud or steal your identity.
3. Keep Your Software Up-To-Date
Outdated software can provide a gateway for cybercriminals to access your computer or company’s network. Employees should ensure that all their software, including their web browser and operating system, is up-to-date with the latest security patches.
4. Use Strong Passwords
To help keep your accounts secure, always use strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your company name. Instead, use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Change your passwords regularly to further reduce the risk of them being compromised.
5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication
When available, employees should enable multi-factor authentication for their online accounts. It’s been proven to prevent over 99% of cybersecurity breaches. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification, such as a code sent to a mobile phone, in addition to the standard password.
6. Identify Potential Risks
Employees should be on the lookout for potential risks, such as suspicious emails or unknown websites. If something seems unusual or out of place, trust your gut and report it to your IT department or company’s security team.
7. Secure Your Devices
Employees should take steps to secure their devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. These devices often contain sensitive information and can be easily lost or stolen. Be sure to encrypt your data and use a secure password to protect your device from unauthorized access.
8. Know How to Respond to a Cyberattack
If your computer or company’s network is compromised by a cyberattack, it’s important to know how to respond. Employees should report any suspicious activity to their IT department or company’s security team immediately. They should avoid fixing the problem themselves, as this could make the situation worse.
How Training Staff Can Protect Your Company
Employee security awareness training not only equips your staff with the tools and resources to keep your company safe, it empowers employees to be proactive in safeguarding your company’s data.
In the event of a cyberattack, employees who are trained in cybersecurity awareness will be better equipped to identify and report the incident, helping to minimize the damage caused by the attack.
This type of critical training will also help boost productivity, reduce IT support costs, and help improve your company’s reputation by demonstrating your commitment to cybersecurity.
Get Cybersecurity Awareness Training with Brightline IT
At Brightline, we offer comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training that covers everything from the basics of cybersecurity to more advanced topics. Our courses are designed to help employees of all experience levels understand the importance of cybersecurity, and how to protect themselves and their company from cyber threats.
We utilize video training, written instructions, and we even host live events to help spread awareness. For more information about our employee security awareness training, contact us today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started with our courses.
