Every business, regardless of size, is a potential target for cyber-attacks. Modern workplaces are rife with sensitive data, interconnected systems, and remote access points – creating a highly complex environment where even a single mistake can lead to a major breach. And while traditional security measures are essential for preventing these incidents, they are not enough on their own. Unfortunately, even the most comprehensive technology solutions still leave gaps that a threat actor can exploit.
So how do you close them? What can your business do to address the vulnerabilities left behind by your current security solutions? The answer is simpler than you might think. In fact, one of your strongest defences may have been sitting right in front of you this whole time. Cyber security awareness training is a powerful way to keep modern threats at bay.
Why Employee Cyber Security Training is Non-Negotiable
When thinking of cyber-attacks, your first mental image may be of highly advanced malware. But this only accounts for a portion of threats. Far more often, a security breach is the result of data mishandling or poor password practices. Compounding this issue, many modern threat actors are taking advantage of the vulnerabilities created by human error. Social engineering attacks, which bypass traditional security measures entirely, are becoming more common.
These factors make employee cyber security training more crucial than ever. Your staff need to understand the part they play in protecting your business, and what can happen if they create unnecessary risk. Unfortunately, many are not joining your workforce with this knowledge already in place. Regular training addresses this critical gap, reinforcing cyber security best practices for employees and ensuring a stronger overall security posture.
How Often Should You Provide Employee Cybersecurity Training?
Threats evolve quickly, as threat actors devise new methods or successfully weaponise emerging technologies. Deep fakes, for example, are making social engineering scams far more convincing – cybercriminals can now create almost perfect replicas of a trusted entity’s face and voice. For this reason, cyber security awareness training must be carried out regularly to remain effective.
At bare minimum, a comprehensive training session should happen at least once a year. This will allow your employees to stay up-to-date with new threats and modern mitigation techniques. However, these longer sessions on their own won’t be enough. You should also run smaller, more regular “micro-lessons”. These may contain brief updates about emerging threats or new best practices, or simply reinforce previous education.
When longer sessions are regularly supported by short refresher courses, your staff will find it easier to retain their knowledge. Over time this keeps security at the forefront of every choice they make, and drastically lowers your risk of experiencing an attack.
How to Prevent Cyber Attacks at Work: 7 Essential Tips for Employees
It’s difficult to teach your staff about cyber security when you may not be familiar with the topic yourself. Here are 7 easy workplace cyber security tips you can pass on. Each of these targets a common threat, providing actionable advice to improve your security posture.
1. Be Skeptical of Unfamiliar Emails, Phone Calls, and SMS Messages
Phishing is still one of the most common methods used to gain access to sensitive data and accounts. Encourage employees to scrutinise all unexpected contact attempts, especially when it includes requests for information, unexpected attachments, or strange links. They should independently verify these messages through a different channel before taking action.
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Weak and reused passwords leave your business completely vulnerable. Even inexperienced threat actors can often gain access to sensitive accounts by using information gleaned from social media, or even trying basic placeholder credentials such as “Password123”. All staff members should follow these simple rules:
- Passwords should be long and complex
- They should not reference personal information, particularly if it’s easy to find online
- The same password should never be used across multiple accounts
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access. Even if a password is compromised, MFA adds an extra step that makes it significantly harder for attackers to gain entry.
4. Lock Devices When Not in Use
Threat actors only need a few seconds to take advantage of an unattended computer or phone. Train your team to lock their screen every single time they step away, even if they plan to be back shortly. This is especially important if your business offers remote or hybrid work, due to the much higher risk of an unauthorised individual accessing the device.
5. Update Software Regularly
Outdated software is often used as an attack vector, due to unpatched vulnerabilities that don’t take much effort to exploit. Instruct staff to enable automatic updates where possible, and to use strong patch management practices in all other cases.
6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Work
Public Wi-Fi is typically unsecured, allowing threat actors to easily access company devices. Encourage employees to use private Wi-Fi whenever possible, avoid sensitive activities while using public networks, and implement precautions such as virtual private networks (VPNs).
7. Report Incidents Immediately
The faster a potential cyber incident is reported, the better your chances of mitigating the damage will be. Create an atmosphere where staff feel comfortable coming forwards, even if they’re at fault. Teach them about the importance of prompt reporting, and how they can help protect your business by spotting threats.
Not sure how to secure your business? Learn how managed services can help
Teach Employees How to Prevent Cyber-Attacks At Work, Before Your Business Pays the Price
It’s important to remember that while technology solutions are valuable for preventing cyber-attacks, they should only be one part of a comprehensive whole. Employee cyber security training is an essential step that addresses existing gaps and mitigates some of your biggest risk factors. By reinforcing cyber security best practices for employees, you increase your chances of success and reduce the likelihood of a major breach.
Cyber security is a complex topic, with many moving parts. The team at National IT understands that keeping up isn’t always easy, which is why we provide resources to help. Read our ultimate guide and learn everything you need to know.
