Sick and tired of hearing about the importance of cyber security? You have the best firewall and malware protection money can buy. You even go the extra mile and endure that extra 30-second login process with Multi-Factor. What more can you do?

Unfortunately, as technology keeps advancing, those cyber criminals out there are getting smarter too. They’ve realised that the easiest way to get into an organisation’s data is by targeting the human layer. It’s way simpler to crack an unsuspecting employee than to break through a supercharged firewall!

That’s why we’re here today, diving deep into the importance of security awareness training. It’s a crucial part of your cyber defence strategy that shouldn’t be overlooked.

We’ll dig into what this training is all about, why cybercriminals love targeting humans, the risks involved in such attacks, and how a solid security awareness training program can fortify your defences. Finally, we’ll discuss why we recommend KnowBe4 security awareness training as a reliable solution for all your organisation’s cyber security needs.

Let’s get right on to it!

Targetting the Human Layer

Cybercriminals understand that humans can be the weakest link in an organisation’s cyber security defences. Instead of directly targeting complex technical systems, they exploit human vulnerabilities through various tactics. By targeting individuals, cybercriminals can gain unauthorised access, obtain sensitive information, or manipulate employees into performing actions that compromise security.

Phishing attacks are among the most prevalent and dangerous cyber threats organisations face today. Let’s take a look at the five most common types:

• Email Phishing is the classic form of phishing, where attackers send deceptive emails impersonating legitimate entities. They trick recipients into clicking on malicious links, opening infected attachments, or disclosing sensitive information.
• Spear Phishing is a more targeted approach, where attackers tailor their phishing emails to specific individuals or organisations. By using personalised information, such as the recipient’s name or position, they increase the chances of success.
• Smishing is phishing conducted through SMS or text messages. Attackers send text messages with enticing content or urgent requests, often containing malicious links or phone numbers. Unsuspecting users who interact with these messages can fall victim to the scam.
• Vishing, or voice phishing, involves attackers making phone calls to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or performing certain actions. These calls often impersonate trusted organisations, creating a sense of urgency or importance to deceive the recipient.
• Pharming attacks involve cybercriminals manipulating the domain name system (DNS) or using malicious software to redirect users from legitimate websites to fraudulent ones without their knowledge. This way, victims unknowingly provide their personal information on fake websites, thinking they are accessing genuine platforms.

The Dangers of Attacks on the Human Layer

Successful attacks on the human layer can have severe consequences for organisations. Financial losses resulting from fraud, theft, or ransom demands can be crippling with some studies suggesting they could cost the world $10.5 Trillion annually by 2025. Moreover, such incidents can lead to significant reputational damage, eroding customer trust and loyalty. Organisations may also face legal and compliance repercussions, including lawsuits and regulatory fines, in the event of a security breach.

What is Security Awareness Training?

Before we dive deeper into the significance of security awareness training, it’s essential to understand what it entails. Security awareness training is a proactive approach to educating and empowering employees about potential cyber security risks, threats, and best practices.

The primary goal is to foster a culture of cyber security awareness within an organisation. By providing employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and respond to security threats, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of successful cyberattacks.

To improve the impact of Security awareness training many organisations will include testing through processes like simulated phishing attacks. These let you give a baseline test to determine your company’s risk, give ongoing assessments to see the impact of training and even provide additional training to staff who take the bait and fail the test.

Strengthening Defenses with a Comprehensive Security Awareness Training Program

Implementing a comprehensive security awareness training program is essential to mitigate the risks associated with attacks on the human layer. The following points outline the 4 key considerations for developing an effective training program:

1. Creating a Culture of Cyber Security

Creating a culture where cyber security is embraced as a shared responsibility and a core value within the organisation is crucial. It starts from the top with leadership and trickles down to each individual employee, emphasising the importance of cyber security in their everyday activities.

By fostering an environment where everyone understands and prioritises cyber security, the organisation becomes better equipped to tackle potential risks and protect sensitive information. When cyber security becomes a collective responsibility, the organisation strengthens its defences against cyber threats, ensuring a safe and resilient environment.

2. Tailored Training Curriculum

Taking a personalised approach to security awareness training is preferred as a one-size-fits-all approach may fall short in effectively educating employees. By tailoring training materials to cater to individual roles, responsibilities, and the specific cyber security risks they may face, the program becomes more engaging and impactful.

This customisation ensures that employees can relate the training content to their own work environment, making it more relevant and applicable. As a result, they are better equipped to recognise and respond to potential security threats, significantly enhancing the overall effectiveness of the training program.

If creating a tailored training curriculum sounds too big of a job, you might need to consider partnering with a managed IT service.

3. Interactive and Engaging Training Materials

Ditching the traditional lecture-style training in favour of interactive and engaging methods can significantly enhance employee engagement and knowledge retention. By incorporating elements like simulations, quizzes, and gamified content, training sessions become more exciting and memorable.

These interactive approaches allow employees to actively participate, apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, and receive immediate feedback. As a result, they are more likely to retain the information and develop a deeper understanding of cyber security concepts making them more likely to spot an attack.

4. Regular Updates and Reinforcement

Staying ahead of rapidly evolving cyber threats necessitates the regular updating of training content to align with the latest tactics and reinforce essential cyber security principles. By consistently refreshing the training materials, organisations can ensure that employees are equipped with up-to-date knowledge to effectively tackle emerging threats.

Ongoing training sessions, along with timely reminders and periodic assessments, play a crucial role in reinforcing this knowledge and solidifying its long-term retention. This continuous approach not only empowers employees to adapt to evolving cyber security challenges but also cultivates a culture of vigilance and proactive defence against emerging threats.

What Security Awareness Training Should You Choose?

Here at All Covered IT when we talk about one platform – KnowBe4

It is the world’s largest integrated platform for security awareness training combined with simulated phishing attacks, offering a range of comprehensive solutions for organisations of all sizes. Here are a few reasons why we recommend KnowBe4:

• Comprehensive Training Library: KnowBe4 offers an extensive library of training modules covering various cyber security topics, ensuring that organisations have access to up-to-date and relevant content.
• Phishing Simulations and Assessments: Phishing remains one of the most prevalent attack vectors. KnowBe4 provides simulated phishing campaigns and assessments, allowing organisations to gauge employees’ susceptibility to phishing attacks and tailor training accordingly.
• Reporting and Analytics: KnowBe4’s platform provides robust reporting and analytics capabilities, enabling organisations to track training progress, measure effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement.
• Industry Recognition: KnowBe4 has received numerous industry awards and accolades for its innovative and effective security awareness training solutions. Their track record and positive customer testimonials attest to their expertise and commitment to cyber security education.

Closing thoughts

The human layer of an organisation is a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. By implementing a comprehensive security awareness training program, organisations can significantly strengthen their defences against such attacks.

Remember, cyber security is a shared responsibility, and every employee plays a vital role in safeguarding sensitive information. With the right training, employees can become the first line of defence against cyber threats.

For trusted and effective security awareness training, we recommend KnowBe4 as a solution to enhance your organisation’s cyber security posture and protect against the ever-evolving threat landscape. Get in touch below to learn how you can safeguard your business’s reputation, financial well-being, and overall resilience in the face of cyber threats!