Modern technology is revolutionising the way business is conducted in all different industries, with more workflows and processes becoming digitised than ever before. This offers room for more streamlined and efficient operations, but unfortunately, it also opens up the potential for cyber crime to disrupt the corporate landscape. And, with cyber threats looming larger and more sophisticated than ever, empowering your workforce with cyber security training is now a necessity. 

Committing to cyber security training shouldn’t just be seen as a matter of pressing play on a series of videos. With criminals constantly discovering new ways to breach security measures, it calls for an ongoing discussion and regular briefings around the latest recommendations. Doing so will help to turn employees into more vigilant guardians of your confidential business information, protecting every aspect of your digital presence.

In this blog post, we’ll decode the critical ways in which cyber security training can sharpen the instincts of your workforce, enabling them to spot – and stop – threats before they escalate into crises. Whether you’re a start-up or an international conglomerate, educated employees are your strongest ally in the relentless fight against cyber threats.

Understanding the different types of threats 

Cyber threats come in all different guises, with modern criminals using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick people into giving away valuable information. When employees are properly trained on the different types of dangers businesses are commonly faced with, they will better understand how cyber attacks can manifest themselves in the real world. Training provides your team with not just the ‘what’ but also the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of potential cyber attacks. Examples of common cyber security risks include:

• Phishing. Phishing attacks most commonly manifest themselves in the shape of an email, text message or website, where victims are prompted to share private data or inadvertently download malicious viruses. 

• Denial-of-Service. Often referred to as DoS attacks, criminals will use this type of attack to target company networks to disrupt processes and workflows. They can prevent employees from completing everyday tasks, costing businesses time and money. Motivations behind this type of cybercrime can include political agendas, holding companies ransom or to affect a business’ reputation.

• Man-In-The-Middle. This intrusive style of attack will see criminals eavesdrop on internal communications by positioning themselves virtually between the two parties. This can result in hackers directly being able to hear and steal sensitive information that can be manipulated for their own benefit. 

Identifying red flags

Once staff members are aware of what different attacks might look like, they’ll be better placed to spot potential red flags before they turn into a more significant issue. Training employees to be able to identify and promptly report on these red flags is the most effective way to bolster your company’s digital defences, whether your team is working in an office or at remote locations. 

There are lots of common concerns that might suggest something isn’t quite right. Often, employees will notice spelling mistakes or typos, or there will be a distinct sense of urgency from criminals. Also, it’s important to pay close attention to phone numbers, email addresses and names attached to any communications you receive. If there’s any doubt about whether or not the person at the other end might not be who they say they are, it’s always best to hang up and get in touch with them directly through contact details you’ve collected yourself. 

Creating a culture of security

When cyber security becomes a recurring topic of discussion and education in your organisation, it fosters a culture that prioritises safe practices. This cultural shift means that maintaining and optimising security measures becomes a shared responsibility, with every team member actively participating in safeguarding the company’s assets. It empowers everybody – from the most senior members to new starters – to make informed decisions when they encounter potential threats, with each member of the business having a crucial role to play. 

At one time, cyber security might have been seen as simply the responsibility of the IT department or the most senior members. However, through effective training, cyber security starts to permeate through every team and department within the business, making it everyone’s duty to uphold proper practices. Not only does this benefit team members, but when security becomes a key part of your company’s culture, clients and prospective customers are given reassurance that you are a trustworthy organisation, boosting your brand image. 

Regular training sessions help reinforce the best practices that should become second nature to every employee. These include using strong passwords, recognising suspicious emails, and understanding the company’s protocols for handling sensitive data. By ingraining these habits, your workforce can act as a cohesive guard against cyber incursions.

Utilising real-life scenarios

Including real-life scenarios as part of your training is one of the most effective ways to educate employees. Cyber criminals rarely take a templated approach when looking to compromise a company’s defences, and these exercises can help to contextualise abstract threats, making them more tangible and easier to understand as and when they appear for real. When employees see how their actions can directly impact the safety of the organisation, they are more likely to take their role in managing cyber security seriously.

Cyber threats are continually evolving, which means your workforce’s training must also evolve. Ongoing training ensures that your team stays up-to-date with the latest security trends, tools, and best practices. It prepares them to anticipate and respond quickly to emerging threats.

Commit to continual training 

Equipping your workforce with cyber security training helps to safeguard your business going forward. Not only does it foster a proactive stance towards potential threats, but it also strengthens the organisation’s overall security. With such high stakes for businesses large and small, investing in the continuous security education of their workforce is not just a strategic move – it’s an essential one.