Cybersecurity is a hot topic, and it’s not hard to see why. The threat of cybercrime has grown exponentially in recent years, with hackers targeting everything from your bank account information to the passwords you use on websites. It can be challenging to keep up with all the latest trends, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on some excellent cybersecurity training tips. Below you will find everything you need to plan your next course:

1. Make sure you’re getting proper training for the job

Regarding cybersecurity, there are two types of people: those who know what they need to do and those who don’t. If you’re looking to get into cybersecurity, you should make sure you’re learning about the basics before moving on to more advanced topics. This will ensure that you understand how to protect yourself against hacking attacks and any other threats that may come along.

2. Learn about the different kinds of security breaches

The way that hackers operate varies depending on their target. For example, if you want to learn about phishing scams, then you’ll need to focus on this type of attack. However, if you’re going to become an expert at preventing data theft, then you’ll need to learn about SQL injection attacks instead. There are many different ways that hackers try to gain access to your details, so it pays to learn about them all.

3. Know where to find help

If you’ve been hacked, you will need to contact a professional immediately. But finding one can be tricky. Fortunately, plenty of online resources are available to help you identify the best cybersecurity experts. For example, you could search for companies offering IT support services or ask friends and family for recommendations.

4. Keep up to date with the latest news

It’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments in cybersecurity. You might even want to subscribe to a newsletter that updates you with the most relevant stories. This will allow you to stay ahead of the curve in protecting yourself from cybercriminals.

5. Understand the risks involved

It’s easy to think that the only risk you face online is having your details stolen by hackers. That’s true, but there are also many other dangers that you need to be aware of. For example, plenty of malicious apps on Google Play and the Apple App Store pose a serious threat to your device. To avoid falling victim to malware, you need to be vigilant about downloading apps from untrusted sources.

6. Be careful with social media accounts

Hackers often use social networks like Facebook and Twitter to spread malicious links and messages. As such, you must take extra care when using these platforms. You should always check the source of any link before clicking on it and never share sensitive information via public posts.

 

Why Should You Offer Cybersecurity Training To Employees?

Cybersecurity is a huge concern for companies of all sizes. Hackers are constantly looking for ways into your network, so you must train your employees on what they need to do to keep their systems secure. Hackers could easily take advantage of your system and steal sensitive information if you don’t have any security policies or procedures.

Training your employees on cybersecurity best practices is also a great way to show them that you care about protecting their personal information. It shows them that you trust them enough to give them access to your company’s most valuable asset: your customer base.

Employees who receive cybersecurity training may feel more comfortable using your company’s technology because they know what to expect from it. This makes them less likely to accidentally click on malicious links or open attachments that contain malware. They’ll be able to recognize when something isn’t right with your website or email account so they won’t fall victim to phishing scams.

Employees who complete cybersecurity training will become better prepared to identify suspicious activity on your networks, and they’ll be able to spot potential threats before they compromise your system.

How can I get my employees trained in cybersecurity?

There are many different options available to you as a business owner. Some of these include:

1. Online courses – Many online courses are available that teach basic cyber hygiene skills, such as identifying phishing emails and recognizing malicious websites. These courses are usually free, but some require payment.

2. In-person classes – If you want to go the extra mile and ensure your employees are well-versed in cybersecurity, consider offering in-person training sessions. Many local community colleges and universities offer classes that cover this topic.

3. Self-study programs – Another option is to create a self-learning program for your employees. You can use books, videos, and other resources to educate your staff on the basics of cybersecurity.

4. Workshops – A workshop is another effective method of teaching your employees about cybersecurity. The goal is to provide hands-on experience by having them practice specific tasks on real computers.

5. Webinars – Webinars are live presentations that can be accessed through a computer or mobile device. They’re an excellent way to share knowledge with your employees without wasting time.

6. Conferences – One of the best ways to learn about cybersecurity is to attend conferences. They’re an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and network with professionals in your industry.

7. Websites – Many websites are dedicated to providing cybersecurity education. For example, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) offers a variety of resources, including articles, podcasts, webinars, and even certification exams.

 

Who Needs Cybersecurity Awareness Training?

 

Most organizations need to provide cybersecurity awareness training to all levels of employees within their organization. This includes managers, supervisors, IT staff, and anyone with access to sensitive data or systems. Employees must know what they are doing when accessing sensitive data or systems and have the knowledge to recognize potential threats and take appropriate measures to prevent any damage.

What topics do you cover during cybersecurity training?

It depends on the type of training you want to offer. Some companies focus on a specific topic, such as phishing email scams, while others provide general cybersecurity training. Regardless of the topic, make sure to include these cybersecurity training tips:

1. Know Your Network

You might think that knowing your network means understanding which devices are connected to your network. But this isn’t enough. You also need to know where those devices are located, whether they are physically connected to the network, and what each machine does.

2. Understand How Data Works

When you send an email, text message, or use social media, you don’t think about what happens with your data once it leaves your computer or mobile device. However, there are many different ways that data can travel before reaching its destination. Understanding how data travels through networks is important to identify potential risks.

3. Protect Passwords

Passwords are one of the most common methods hackers use to gain unauthorized access to computers and other electronic devices. Make sure you train your employees on password creation and management.

4. Be Aware Of Social Engineering Attacks

Social engineering attacks are very popular among hackers. They rely on people’s natural desire to help others. Hackers use these tactics to trick users into giving away personal information like passwords or account numbers.

5. Keep Software Up To Date

Software updates are critical to protecting your system against malware, viruses, and other types of malicious software. If you aren’t updating software regularly, you could be vulnerable.

6. Don’t Click On Links In Emails Or Text Messages

Email and text messages are often used to spread malware. Hackers will try to get you to click on links or attachments that contain malicious code.

7. Use Strong Passwords

Most people create weak passwords that are easy to guess. Hackers use automated programs called “password crackers” to quickly break down strong passwords. Ensure you teach your employees to create unique, complex passwords for every online account.

8. Back Up Your Files And Data Regularly

Back up files and data regularly. This way, if something goes wrong, you won’t lose everything.

9. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks

Public Wi-Fi hotspots are convenient but not secure. Hackers can easily intercept data being sent over public networks.

10. Monitor Logs For Unusual Activity

If someone tries to log in from unusual locations or uses strange usernames and passwords, they may be trying to hack into your system. Monitor logs for unusual activity and reports anything suspicious immediately.

 

Make Cybersecurity Training Mandatory For Employees

If you want to ensure that your employees are getting the right amount of cybersecurity training, make sure that it becomes mandatory for everyone. This means that if someone doesn’t complete the course, they won’t be able to do their job correctly. If you don’t enforce this policy, it could lead to a lack of understanding about what is required by law and regulations.

By teaching employees how to identify and avoid potential security risks, the company can reduce the chances of a data breach or other cyberattacks. Regular training can help employees stay up-to-date on the latest security threats and best practices.

Appoint A Cybersecurity Culture Advocate

 

Cybersecurity culture advocates are responsible for promoting and raising awareness of cybersecurity within an organization. They work to educate employees about best practices and help create a culture of security within the workplace. Cybersecurity culture advocates typically have a background in information security or computer science.

 

By adding a CSCA in the office, employees may feel more comfortable communicating with management, as they would have someone to approach with any concerns or questions. Additionally, the CSCA may help to create a more cohesive work environment by facilitating communication between employees and management.

Training Employees On Cybersecurity Needs To Be Carried Out Regularly

Cybersecurity training must be carried out regularly to ensure that employees remain knowledgeable about protecting themselves and the company’s data. As part of the training, employees should learn about the various types of cyber threats and ways to prevent them. For example, employees should know about phishing scams, social engineering, malware, and targeted attacks.

In addition to learning about these different types of threats, employees should also learn basic cybersecurity skills such as using antivirus software and firewalls. These skills can help protect against certain types of cyber attacks, but they cannot stop every threat. Therefore, employees should also learn how to recognize and report suspicious activity.

It is important to remember that cybersecurity training needs to be tailored to each employee’s level of knowledge and experience. This means that some employees will need to receive more intensive training than others. However, all employees must receive at least some form of cybersecurity training.

It is recommended that companies carry out cybersecurity training sessions at least once per year. This allows employees to review new developments in the field and discuss issues related to cybersecurity.

 

Employee Training That Incorporates Workflow Changes

 

As mentioned above, cybersecurity training should be implemented into employee onboarding processes to protect the business against cyber attacks. However, this type of training does not stop once employees are hired. Companies must continue to train their employees on cybersecurity throughout the entire lifecycle of the employee.

This includes educating new hires about the importance of cybersecurity, holding them accountable for their actions, and providing them with the tools necessary to prevent cyberattacks.

The most effective way to ensure that employees receive ongoing cybersecurity training is to incorporate it into the workflow changes that occur during the hiring process. For example, suppose an applicant has been identified as at risk for cybercrime. In that case, the company could implement additional screening measures such as requiring applicants to submit a copy of their social media account logins.

In addition, it is important to ensure that the onboarding process is completed within 30 days of hire. If the onboarding process takes longer than 30 days, then there will be no opportunity to complete the training before the employee begins working.

Once an employee starts working, they must be trained again every 90 days. This ensures that the employee continues to receive cybersecurity training and stays updated on the latest cybersecurity trends.

Remember to take steps to keep the training interactive and engaging, so your team will want to participate. And make sure to provide plenty of practice opportunities, so they can master the new skills they’re learning. With a little effort, you can ensure that your team members are always up-to-date on the latest changes in your business.

 

Design Security Training and Tooling To Meet Employees’ Needs

 

Employees need to be trained to keep their data and the organization’s network safe and secure. This includes understanding how to use strong passwords, encrypt their data, and knowing how to spot phishing attempts. Human error is a big part of why companies lose sensitive data, so it’s critical to design security training and tooling to meet employees’ needs.

One of the best ways to accomplish this is through gamification. Gamification is an approach to designing games and game mechanics into non-game experiences like training programs, sales presentations, and product demonstrations. It involves using badges, leaderboards, and rewards to motivate people to complete tasks.

Gamification has been shown to increase employee engagement, retention, and productivity. So when you’re thinking about how to design security training, consider incorporating gamification techniques.

 

Don’t Forget About Remote Employees

With more and more businesses moving to remote work, you’ll want to ensure your team is safe.

Remote workers often have access to more devices than their office counterparts, which may expose them to more risks. They also don’t have the same level of oversight from management or colleagues, making it harder to identify potential threats.

To address these issues, it’s essential to give all employees access to the right tools and resources. 

 

1. Make sure they aren’t connecting to public Wi-Fi on business devices. Make sure they understand that public Wi-Fi is not secure, especially in coffee shops. And if they’re working remotely, ensure they don’t connect to untrusted networks.
2. They should be using VPNs because they provide a safe and secure way to access the internet. VPNs encrypt your traffic, making it impossible for anyone to snoop on your activities. This means that you can browse the web safely.
3. Ensure they understand the company’s cybersecurity policies and have undergone the same security training and awareness as the rest of the office. The cybersecurity program remote workers receive from the cybersecurity team should, in theory, be more intense, but in practice, it’s not always the case.
4. Send remote workers real-world examples of phishing and social engineering emails quarterly to test them and let them know a few weeks beforehand to prepare. This will let your remote workers know that you are testing their ability to spot and report phishing and social engineering emails and will help them be on the lookout for these types of attacks in the future. These phishing simulators can be tricky to create, so it’s best if you hire someone with experience making them.
5. Ensure they understand that their data needs to be protected, and they need to make informed decisions to keep cybercriminals from stealing it.
6. If something goes wrong, make sure they can execute the cybersecurity plan and know who to get in contact with.
7. Note that your employees are the weakest link to security, and you must ensure they are trained on cybersecurity best practices. They may not know all the risks involved in working remotely, so it’s up to you to educate them.

 

 

Keep Up With Best Security Practices And Trends

 

Many different security trends come and go, and it can be challenging to keep up with them. However, staying informed about the latest security trends is important to keep your employees and business safe. Some of the latest security trends include BYOD, wireless security, multi-factor authentication, and biometrics. By staying up-to-date on these trends, you can ensure that your office is as secure as possible.

Wrapping Up

 

We’ve gone over the most critical cybersecurity training tips, and if implemented correctly with a solid contingency plan, your business should stay safe from:

Phishing Attacks

Social Engineering

Malware & Viruses

Wireless Networking

Remote Work

Security Breaches

Cyberattacks

And Much More!

The key takeaway here is that there are no silver bullets when it comes to cybersecurity. It takes an entire organization to protect itself against cyber threats. If you want to learn more about how to implement a successful cybersecurity strategy for your business, please shoot us a message!