Cybercriminals are constantly devising new ways to steal sensitive information, disrupt operations, and extort money from their targets. These targets include more and more small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This makes cybersecurity a top priority for any SMB owner. While technical safeguards are essential, one of the most effective ways to boost your security posture is through comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training.
What is cybersecurity awareness training?
Cybersecurity awareness training educates employees on the various cyberthreats they may encounter and how to defend against them. It covers a wide range of topics, from identifying phishing emails to understanding the importance of strong passwords and recognizing suspicious activities.
Ultimately, the goal of cybersecurity awareness training is to cultivate a security-conscious workforce that serves as a powerful first line of defense in preventing data breaches and other cyber incidents.
Why is cybersecurity awareness training important?
For SMBs, investing in cybersecurity awareness training offers a multitude of benefits:
- Reduces human error – Cybersecurity awareness training empowers employees to recognize phishing attempts, social engineering scams, and other red flags, preventing them from making costly mistakes that lead to security breaches.
- Protects sensitive data – By training employees in cybersecurity, they gain a strong understanding of data security and proper data handling procedures. This includes being careful about what information they share online and using strong passwords for all business accounts.
- Minimizes downtime – Cyber attacks can cause system outages and disruptions, costing businesses valuable time and productivity. Effective training can significantly reduce the risk of these incidents.
- Builds a culture of security – Regular training fosters a culture of security within the organization and emphasizes the importance of making cybersecurity a shared responsibility within the organization.
Key components of effective cybersecurity awareness training
For maximum impact, your cybersecurity awareness training should have a multilayered approach:
Annual training session
An annual comprehensive training session provides employees with a solid understanding of cybersecurity best practices. It should discuss common cyberthreats, cyber hygiene, your company's security policies, and procedures for reporting suspicious activity
Hands-on practice
Regularly send simulated phishing emails to provide valuable hands-on experience. These emails should mimic real-world phishing attempts, allowing employees to identify red flags and hone their critical thinking skills to avoid getting tricked.
Weekly knowledge booster
Deliver engaging bite-sized video training modules every week to keep cybersecurity top of mind for employees. These short sessions should be visually appealing and informative, covering specific topics such as email safety tips or identifying malware threats. Include quizzes to reinforce key takeaways and track progress.
Platform-specific training
Conduct training sessions that are specifically tailored to the software your company uses, such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. By doing so, your employees will become aware of the security features and potential threats specific to the tools they use daily.
Monthly newsletters
Send engaging monthly newsletters via email to keep your employees updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. These newsletters can cover emerging scams, password security tips, or security software updates.
Employee vulnerability assessments
Regularly assess your employees' cybersecurity awareness so you can identify weaknesses and track improvements over time. You can gamify these assessments to add an element of fun and encourage healthy competition.
Pre-employment assessments
These assessments can help you identify cybersecurity knowledge gaps during the hiring process. Addressing these gaps before onboarding ensures new hires are prepared to contribute to a secure environment.
Fidelis: Your trusted partner in cybersecurity awareness training
Fidelis empowers your organization with engaging and informative security awareness programs. Our training sessions leverage multimedia elements to effectively educate employees on critical cybersecurity threats that impact businesses today. These include phishing attacks, ransomware threats, social engineering scams, and the risks associated with unsecured public Wi-Fi.
Moreover, we make it easy for you to provide comprehensive cybersecurity training for your employees with the PII Protect app. This app seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams, providing easy access to training modules and the company's security policies. With PII Protect, employees can complete their cybersecurity training from their phones or computers, making it convenient to stay informed and compliant.
Aside from cybersecurity awareness training, we also provide a comprehensive suite of security solutions to help you build a robust cybersecurity defense and safeguard your valuable business assets. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help you achieve a more secure future.