As the world acclimates to digitisation, businesses and individuals are increasingly at risk of data breaches and losing confidential information. According to Google’s VP-Engineering for Privacy, Safety, and Security, Royal Hansen, the first quarter of 2022 saw 18 million cyber-attacks and 200,000 threats daily. This highlights the fact that cyber security training is crucial in data protection.
Companies and individuals rely heavily on software and networks for daily operations, so they are compromised without cyber security. Yet, most employers avoid providing staff with adequate cyber security training to help employees mitigate the risk of cyber-attacks.
What is cyber security?
Cyber security is protecting and recovering computer networks, systems, devices, and programmes from cyber attacks. The evolving danger to sensitive data is a serious concern as cyber attackers use new methods to breach data to gain data security controls. With increased dependence on technology such as Bluetooth and wireless networks, the sophistication of threat increases as well. Cyber security helps protect data while embracing future-ready technology.
You might also be interested to read: Cybersecurity Skills Gap And How To Combat
What is cyber security training?
Cyber security training is an awareness training that companies deploy to provide knowledge about keeping and securing sensitive data. It extends beyond IT professionals and encourages employees to fortify security measures. This helps employees make informed decisions when it comes to using technological devices.
Such training is typically introduced in companies through workshops or training programmes. It includes an array of topics, such as:
- Data management
- Password safety
- Installation procedures
- Use of the internet, mobile devices, and emails
- Cyber security policies and implementation
Providing training programmes is a beneficial way to help employees develop the skills necessary to manage digital information.
Why is cyber security training necessary in the workplace?
- It prevents data breaches: Data breaches cost companies millions. The average data breach cost in the United States is $9.44 million. Attackers are always on the lookout for creative ways to infiltrate the system. Often, they are unintentionally caused by someone within the company by opening suspicious links or emails. Other times, prime contributors to data breaches include:
- Weak passwords
- Access to sensitive data
- Out-of-date software
- An inadequate understanding of device protection
Security training builds a company’s first line of defence against cyberattacks. It equips them with a better understanding of specific factors of cyber security, such as the importance of unique passwords, knowledge of suspicious links or emails, the need for limited access to sensitive data, and regular software updates, among others.
- It builds a culture of security: Building a culture of security means planting security values at the base of your business. It equips every employee with the knowledge of organising, storing, and backing up data. Additionally, awareness training helps staff use the internet wisely, adopt preventive measures such as updating software and antiviruses, using VPN while on public networks and much more. It helps build a culture of security within the company while making trained employees feel more secure in a culture that actively engages in data protection and threat prevention.
- It enhances technological defence: Most attackers don’t bother attacking companies through only technological means. Instead, one of their most significant loopholes is through people, as they give the attackers easy passage into protected networks and data. Training employees on technological defences such as firewalls, security warnings, and software updates help improve your defences against cyber threats. To do so, companies can choose from an array of courses depending on the needs of the employees.
- For example, Heimdal Cyber Security for Beginners is a great course targeted towards general users. The course helps deepen the understanding of cyber security. Likewise, the SANS Cyber Aces Online course focuses on security elements such as networking, operating systems, and system admin.
- It creates a safe space for customers: In the consumer’s mind, companies targeted for phishing attacks, data breaches, compromised endpoint security, etc., raise many red flags. When a customer provides specific information to a company through its website or other mediums, they give away valuable data such as names, phone numbers, credit card information, email addresses, etc. Losing this information can be detrimental to the consumer and the company itself. A company that takes proper precautions to improve its cyber security generates customers’ trust. Trust builds loyalty. Introducing awareness and security training helps customers see you as reliable and responsible, which benefits your business.
- It helps pass compliance: Depending on what type of company you own, your set of cyber security compliance and regulation will differ. For instance, the telecom sector in India requires companies to conduct internal and external audits of their network annually. On the other hand, the insurance sector requires providers to conduct annual vulnerability assessments and pen testing. Proper implementation of cyber security training helps make passing compliance requirements much more accessible.
- Awareness training can help companies see security flaws that may be flying under the radar. Security gaps could later turn into legal disputes, which could be costly for the company. Under the IT Amendment Act, any service provider who fails to comply with the regulation of CERT-In under Section 70B (6) is liable to a fine of INR 100,000 with imprisonment for up to a year. In July 2021, the RBI imposed one of the largest banks in India, Axis Bank, with a monetary penalty of INR 50,000,000. The penalty was imposed for the contravention of provisions of its cyber security framework.
- It encourages team accountability: A company that prioritises cyber security will offer various responsibilities and access to different teams. For example, an intern in an organisation may not necessarily require access to the company’s financials. Security training and awareness help other team employees understand their role in protecting data. Alerting the team of any suspicious links or behaviour in the system, updating reminders, etc., are ways team members can hold each other accountable.
With workshops and training, employees gain clarity in their roles and responsibilities. It helps set clear goals and expectations for access grants, software, password protection, and credentials. Well-trained employees aid in maintaining crucial information about the company, such as credentials, sensitive data, and backup files. In the process, it promotes cyber-ethical responsibilities and accountability among employees.
References:
- India saw 18 million cyber-attacks in the first quarter of 2022: Google’s Royal Hansen | Money control | 25 August 2022
- 7 reasons why security awareness training is important | Cybsafe | August 2022
- 3 reasons cyber security training is essential | ITGovernance | April 2022
- Why cyber security awareness training is more important than ever | Go1 | July 2022
- 7 Best cyber security courses online for beginners | Comparitech | November 2022
- Cyber security compliance and regulation in India | infosecbrigade | December 2021
- Cost of a data breach 2022 | IBM
- Cyber security laws and regulations India 2022 | Iclg
You might also be interested to read: Importance of Cybersecurity in an Organization
