A Robust System Of Cybersecurity Services and Educated Employees Help Secure Business Data
Technology is a two-sided coin. When used responsibility, it can help better serve customers, streamline communication, and perform advanced analytical tasks that reveal meaningful insights and opportunities.
Conversely, criminals can leverage technology for nefarious purposes, including data breaches, data theft, doxing, extortion, and other cyberattacks that can damage companies, their workforce, and their customers.
How Can Companies Embrace the Benefits Of Technology While Reducing Their Risk?
Cybersecurity services are effective shields against the proverbial swords that cyberattacks represent. Even a basic level of IT security can deter hackers and malicious actors.
In fact, most successful cyberattacks aren’t due to technical shortcomings in network security. It’s the human element companies must worry about. According to an IBM study, human error causes up to 95% of data breaches. Although this is an alarming statistic, business owners have a simple and easy-to-implement solution.
By conducting cybersecurity awareness training, business owners ensure their employees understand the current best practices of IT security and responsible device use, including how to prevent common mistakes.
Common Human Errors That Lead to Breaches
Employees who have not received training on cybersecurity best practices and responsible IT use are more prone to mistakes, including:
- Using weak passwords: Employees who use easily guessable passwords or the same password for multiple accounts are easy targets. Strong passwords are long, random, and unique.
- Neglecting software updates: Software updates address bugs and security vulnerabilities. Failing to update software and systems leaves weak points open, providing hackers with an opportunity.
- Clicking on suspicious links: Clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources can trigger a domino effect that installs harmful malware and infects the company’s network.
- Poor data handling: Mishandling sensitive information, such as leaving documents unprotected or sharing confidential data over insecure channels, is a common error that puts companies at risk.
- Failure to report incidents: Employees who don’t promptly report potential cybersecurity incidents allow hackers subsequent opportunities to attack them.
The Role Of Cybersecurity Services and Workforce Education
Educating and training employees in cybersecurity isn’t just a good practice; it’s a necessity. Cybersecurity threats continually evolve, and a well-informed workforce is the first line of defense against potential attacks.
When employees are educated about cybersecurity services and common attack methods, they become more vigilant and proactive in protecting sensitive information. By extension, businesses significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and theft.
Cybersecurity education benefits organizations by:
- Enhancing awareness: Trained employees are more aware of potential threats and can recognize suspicious activities.
- Reduced risk of human error: Informed employees avoid common mistakes that lead to security breaches.
- Improved incident response: Educated employees can respond more effectively to security incidents, minimizing damage.
- Compliance with regulations: Proper training ensures that employees understand and adhere to regulatory requirements, avoiding legal repercussions.
Common Cyberattacks and Human Errors
Understanding the types of cyberattacks and the common human errors that facilitate these breaches is essential for implementing effective cybersecurity training.
Common cyberattacks include:
- Phishing: When discussing cybersecurity for businesses, phishing is among the most prevalent types of attack, because companies send and receive so many emails every day. Cybercriminals use deceptive emails or messages to trick employees into providing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links in an effort to collect protected information or gain access to networks.
- Malware: Malware is a catch-all term for any type of malicious software, such as viruses, worms, and ransomware, which can infect systems and steal or encrypt data. There are more than 1.2 billion malicious programs in circulation today.
- Social engineering: Attackers using social engineering manipulate employees into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. Cybercriminals often use the personal information of someone the target knows, such as a co-worker or manager, to lull them into a false sense of security.
- Denial of Service: Attackers overwhelm a company’s network with a sudden surge of traffic, rendering it unavailable to legitimate users.
- Man-in-the-Middle: Cybercriminals eavesdrop, intercept, and alter communications between two parties without their knowledge. This is typically carried out on unsecure Wi-Fi networks or via malware-infected devices.
Incorporating Cybersecurity Services and Training In Your Company
To maximize their defenses, companies should incorporate a robust system of IT security supported by a cybersecurity-aware workforce. Business leaders can tailor workforce education programs to meet their organization’s needs using these tips.
- Conduct a needs assessment: Identify the specific threats your company faces and where employees need the most improvement. Managed IT service providers can assist with the assessment process and serve as on-site consultants.
- Develop a training plan: Create a structured training program that includes various learning modules, practical exercises, and assessments. Training plans should always include IT security best practices and how to recognize potential threats. Start training employees during their onboarding process and provide continual learning opportunities to reinforce knowledge.
- Use multiple training methods: Incorporate a mix of in-person training, online courses, interactive simulations, and workshops to cater to different learning styles and maximize information retention.
- Regularly update training content: Cybersecurity services and best practices are constantly evolving, which means business leaders should invest in continuous learning opportunities to keep their workforce current on the latest threats and attack tactics.
- Promote a culture of security: Cybersecurity for businesses is truly a team effort, so company leadership should encourage a culture of awareness where employees feel responsible for protecting the company’s data.
What Employees Learn During Cybersecurity Training
Workforce cybersecurity training often consists of several modules focusing on the most relevant areas of IT security and responsible device use, including:
- Threat recognition: Employees learn the different types of cyberattacks and how to recognize them.
- Incident response: Now that employees can recognize threats, they learn how to respond to them quickly and properly to keep cyberattackers at bay.
- Safe internet practices: This module teaches employees about secure internet use, including recognizing phishing attempts, avoiding malicious websites, and how to differentiate between safe and unsafe Wi-Fi networks. This is especially important for remote employees who often use less secure or public networks.
- Password security: Employees learn about creating and managing strong, unique passwords for different accounts.
- Data protection: Data is arguably the most valuable asset a company has. In this module, employees learn how to properly handle and protect sensitive information, both online and offline.
- Software management: Using the latest software helps minimize potential threats. The software management module teaches employees how to keep their systems and applications up to date.
Cybersecurity Employee Education Is a Worthwhile Investment
Cyber breaches aren’t a mere inconvenience; they’re also incredibly expensive. IBM reported that the average cost of a single data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million. Considering the frequency of human errors and the potential financial losses, educating your workforce and implementing cybersecurity services could save your business.
By understanding common cyber-attacks, recognizing the human errors that lead to breaches, and incorporating comprehensive training programs, companies can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber threats. Investing in your employees’ knowledge is an investment in the safety and security of your entire organization. The best way to get started is by consulting with a managed IT service provider that specializes in business cybersecurity.