Strong cybersecurity programs have become essential for all businesses and organizations. It’s likely that your organization has already created a multitude of security measures, including monitoring, alerting, endpoint protection, and incident response. However, many strategies are missing a critical piece: the human firewall. If any members of your team lack a good understanding of cybersecurity, human error can bring disaster to your organization. Therefore, your cybersecurity program should educate your employees about how to remain protected.
How to Build a Strategy with Cybersecurity Awareness
What is cybersecurity awareness?
In order to ensure effective protection, your cybersecurity program must include training and security awareness. Cybersecurity awareness is, simply put, the ability to make intelligent and mindful choices about security on a daily basis.
Most of your team doesn’t need to know all about technical topics like EPaaS or DDoS, but they should know enough to remain safe online. For instance, they should know about how to safely use the Internet, spot suspicious emails, and avoid common tricks and traps used by cybercriminals. This knowledge will benefit them and your entire organization as well. Why cybersecurity awareness matters
Did you know that 85% of data breaches in 2021 involved a human element? In addition, nearly 95% of malware was delivered directly to users’ email boxes, which massively increases the risk that people may accidentally infect their devices or networks with just a few clicks.
Your team will inevitably encounter hidden threats. To make your users safer, you must take a proactive approach to security training and awareness so they can recognize and avoid danger.
How to increase cybersecurity awareness at your organization
Once you start to view training and awareness as tangible security strategies, implementing them becomes a top priority. Typically, the best way to do this is to arrange awareness and compliance training and workshops hosted by experienced security experts. They have the most up-to-date information, letting them offer practical, action-based steps for your team. This helps make the training a cost-effective investment.
Depending on the needs of your team, you can choose different types of training. Some departments may need more advanced training and workshops, while others may only require basic versions. You can also choose to cover more specific and advanced subjects with certain teams, such as your IT department and/or leadership:
The human firewall is your first line of defense, and ongoing education and training are the best way to ensure it’s ready to face virtually any threat.
Implement Your Cybersecurity Training Efforts Sooner Rather Than Later
Considering the importance of education for cybersecurity, it’s no surprise that the National Cyber Security Alliance and U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have named every October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This annual campaign is meant to teach and empower individuals and organizations, with the goal of preventing cybercrime. Meanwhile, here at Quest, we are devoted to advancing the cause year-round.
Whenever you want to improve your cybersecurity program with education and awareness, Quest is happy to help. Please contact us for more information about our training and workshop programs anytime.
Adam Burke
