While cyber security is constantly changing and evolving, one thing stays consistent – the crucial role of employees. Although advanced security technologies and robust IT infrastructures are crucial, one of the most effective ways to safeguard a business against cyber threats is through comprehensive employee training. Afterall, if employees aren’t trained in knowing what to look out for when it comes to cyber security, then they can end up being your biggest weakness. 

Here’s why employee training is essential for a business’s cyber security.

Cyber criminals love human error 

If programmed correctly, technology is unlikely to make mistakes. However, the same cannot be said for humans – and cyber criminals know this. That’s why attackers will purposefully target your employees, in the hopes they won’t have cyber security training and will fall for their tricks. 

Criminals exploit basic human mistakes, such as clicking on phishing emails, using weak passwords, or inadvertently downloading malicious software. However, by training your employees, you can drastically reduce the risk of a successful attack. 

Awareness training educates staff about the latest phishing tactics, social engineering scams, and best practices for password management. This can turn potential liabilities into first lines of defence.

Creating a cyber-aware culture 

Building a culture of cyber awareness is essential for any business. When employees understand the importance of cyber security and how their actions impact the business’ safety, they are more likely to adhere to security protocols.

Regular training sessions, workshops, and simulated cyber attack exercises can help reinforce the importance of staying cyber-aware. By creating a culture that supports this awareness, you’re encouraging employees to be proactive, report suspicious activities, and continuously improve their cyber hygiene.

Compliance 

Many industries must adhere to stringent cyber security regulations and standards, such as GDPR, and non-compliance can result in severe financial penalties and damage to a company’s reputation. Employee training ensures that all staff members are aware of and adhere to these regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance. Regular training sessions can help employees stay updated with the latest regulatory changes and understand their roles in maintaining compliance.

Minimising insider threats 

Insider threats, whether malicious or accidental, pose a significant risk to businesses. Employees with access to sensitive information can become targets for cyber criminals or may inadvertently cause data breaches. However, whether it’s an accident or not, the outcome is the same – devastating. 

Training can help employees understand the implications of insider threats and the importance of safeguarding sensitive data. By educating staff about secure data handling practices and the potential consequences of data breaches, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with insider threats.

Employees’ responses to cyber security breaches

Even with the best preventive measures in place, cyber incidents can still occur – but how a business responds to these incidents can determine the extent of the damage. 

Training employees in incident response protocols ensures that they know what steps to take in the event of a cyber attack. Quick and efficient incident response can minimise any downtime, protect critical data, and reduce financial losses.

Encouraging continuous improvement

Cyber security is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Regular training keeps employees informed about the latest threats and security practices. It encourages a mindset of continuous improvement, where employees are always looking for ways to enhance their security practices. 

Cyber security with SupPortal 

At SupPortal, we work with small businesses to prioritise their cyber safety, training their staff to ensure a high level of cyber-awareness. 

Whether it’s a security breach from cyber criminals, viruses, malware or even an accidental employee breach, we can help. We provide a range of CSaaS solutions including Managed Cyber Security subscriptions, Cyber Security Assessments, Cyber Security Awareness Training, Cyber Incident Response and Disaster Recovery.

If you’d like to talk further about how SupPortal can help keep you and your business safe, chat to us.