Did you know that nearly 9 in 10 data breaches are caused by employee mistakes? According to Stanford University researchers, 88% of data breaches start with a human error that exposes the business to security threats.
Cybersecurity training is a crucial investment for any organization to equip its employees with best practices and the knowledge to navigate security threats. Creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness is imperative given the vast and growing nature of threats. Let’s dive into these critical areas of concern.
#1 Phishing Attacks – Recognize and Report
Hackers consistently develop new ways to breach systems. Some rely on weaknesses in security networks, while others employ deception to fool employees into revealing sensitive information. Given the increased sophistication of phishing emails, it’s crucial for employees to be trained to detect and report malicious or questionable emails. Many organizations use simulated phishing emails as a training tool, which helps to enhance the organizational resilience against phishing attempts.
#2 Passwords And Multi-Factor Authentication
Cyber attackers often exploit user accounts to access sensitive data. Password security plays a critical role in protecting networks and systems that employees regularly access. Emphasizing strong passwords, discouraging reuse, and using password managers as appropriate is important. Implementing multi-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data.
#3 Remote Work And Mobile Devices
The increasing reliance on remote work and mobile devices offers flexibility but also presents new vulnerabilities.Organizations need to establish clear policies and provide comprehensive training on safety protocols for mobile devices and personal devices. Emphasizing best practices for a remote workforce includes: implementing multi-factor authentication, utilizing malware prevention tools, and conducting ongoing cybersecurity training. This training should include topics such as locking mobile devices when unattended, automatically updating software, and installing anti-virus software. By instilling these proactive security measures, businesses can safeguard their operations and data, even in the remote work environment.
#4 Social Engineering
In addition to the challenges posed by fooling users through phishing, social engineering to gain access and information through phone calls, text messages, in person meetings, and other means of contact are measures used by attackers. Users should be trained to be wary of unsolicited phone calls, text messages, or probing questions requesting access to their system or for organizational information.
#5 Public WiFi
As the workforce becomes more mobile, the importance of educating employees about the dangers of public WiFi becomes paramount. Many remote employees or those traveling for work may not fully understand the risks associated with using public WiFi networks. These connections can leave passwords and sensitive data vulnerable to potential attacks. Hackers often employ tactics like creating fake WiFi accounts to capture private information, making these threats more complex.
Work With Hartman To Build a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness
Hartman’s team of CISOs and cybersecurity experts help implement engaging training programs, making cybersecurity concepts clear and actionable. We assist in crafting cybersecurity strategies and policies specific to your organization’s needs, focusing on proactive defense and continuous improvement.
For more information about our services, contact us today.
