Security Awareness Training Helps You Protect Your Organization
Security awareness training might seem like an unnecessary interruption in a busy workday. However, it plays a critical role in protecting organizations from cyberattacks.
That is because the “human element” is involved in more than 80 percent of security incidents. Rather than trying to break through network defenses, hackers use social engineering to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security.
Phishing is the best-known form of social engineering. Attackers create emails that appear to come from customers, trusted partners or even from within the organization. These emails often include malicious links or attachments and create a sense of urgency. AI is making phishing harder to detect.
Security awareness training is designed to educate users about social engineering threats and teach them techniques for combating them. The typical program provides extensive information on phishing, with examples of actual phishing emails. Some programs even have simulated phishing attacks to test users on their knowledge.
The program should also cover other common attacks, such as business email compromise, along with the latest threats. It should remind users of security policies and the consequences for breaking them, and the process for reporting suspicious activity or incidents.
A good security awareness training program is engaging and relevant to the user’s job role. However, users also bear some responsibility for ensuring the program is effective. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of it.
Pay close attention. Do not just passively absorb the information. Actively listen, read, and try to understand the concepts being presented.
Ask questions. If anything is unclear, do not hesitate to ask for clarification from trainers or colleagues. Understanding the “why” behind the training is critical for retention.
Participate in activities. Engage in any interactive exercises, quizzes or simulations offered during the training. This helps solidify your understanding and identify areas where you might need further training.
Think about real-world applications. Relate the training content to your daily work and personal life. Consider how the lessons learned can be applied to protect yourself and your organization from cyberattacks.
Review the materials. Do not treat the training as a one-time event. Review the training materials periodically to refresh your knowledge.
Stay informed. Keep an eye out for security updates, alerts and news related to cybersecurity, particularly information distributed by your organization. This will help you stay informed about the latest threats.
If your organization does not offer security awareness training, suggest it to your manager. Training should be part of a culture that prioritizes IT security and compliance awareness.