Have you ever wondered what causes a whopping 70 percent of data breaches? Is it some sophisticated hacking technique involving complex codes and algorithms? Surprisingly, no. The answer lies in something more common yet often overlooked – human error.
Cybersecurity 101: Why Employees Can Be Your Greatest Asset and Your Greatest Risk
On the one hand, your employees are your greatest assets. They drive innovation, make connections, and propel your organization forward. But on the other hand, they can unintentionally become the chink in your digital armor. This can happen due to:
- Lack of Awareness: Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to cybersecurity. Employees who are unaware of the latest threats and best practices are like city guards who need to be adequately armed against invaders. Without proper training and education, they become easy targets for cyberattacks.
- BYOD and Remote Work Challenges: The rise of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies and remote work structures introduces new complexities to cybersecurity. Personal devices and home networks may lack robust security measures in corporate environments, making them vulnerable entry points for cyber threats.
- Unintentional Mistakes: Despite their best intentions, employees can click on suspicious links, download infected files, or fall for phishing emails. These innocent mistakes can pave the way for cybercriminals to break into your network and steal all kinds of data.
Bad actors know this. They know they don’t need to crack complex computer code to get into your network. They just need to convince an unsuspecting employee to open the gates for them. How? Via social engineering. A social engineering attack manipulates employees into divulging confidential information by preying on emotions like fear, urgency, and curiosity via deceptive emails, fake websites, or even a friendly phone call.
And they work incredibly well. So much so that the number of social engineering attacks has doubled over the last year alone, with an average loss of $130,000 per attack. But there is a way to shore up your defenses and prepare your employees to deflect these attacks as soon as they occur – awareness training.
Phishing accounts for over 60 percent of all social engineering attacks, making it one of the top four entry points for cybercriminals.
Cybersecurity 101: How to Create a Human Firewall Using Awareness Training
To stand fast against the growing tide of cyber threats, organizations must fortify their first line of defense – their employees. Enter cybersecurity awareness training, a proactive approach that empowers individuals to become the human firewall against cyber-attacks. This “cybersecurity 101” will empower them to:
- Recognize Phishing Attempts: Employees learn to identify and thwart phishing attempts and avoid malicious links, two of the most common tactics cybercriminals use to gain unauthorized access.
- Establish Proper Password Hygiene: Awareness training emphasizes the importance of strong, unique passwords. Employees learn how to create and manage passwords effectively, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
- Practice Safe Browsing: The internet is vast, and not all corners are safe. Training educates employees on safe browsing practices, steering them away from potentially harmful websites and downloads.
- Shore Up Their Device Security: From laptops to smartphones, employees are educated on how to secure their devices against unauthorized access and any other potential data breaches.
- Be Aware of Common Social Engineering Scams: Employees learn to recognize and resist tactics used by cybercriminals who exploit human psychology to gain access to sensitive information.
But remember – cybersecurity is constantly changing and evolving with each new scam. So be sure you’re giving your employees regular updates, so they stay informed about emerging threats. And they are equipped with the knowledge to combat them.
Employees of small companies (100 employees or less) will experience 350 percent more social engineering attacks than employees at bigger corporations.
Xtel’s Approach to Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Xtel’s program covers a wide range of topics, from identifying phishing attempts to secure password practices. The training is accessible and engaging, ensuring employees retain and apply the knowledge effectively. It includes:
- Simulated cyber-attacks and real-world scenarios to replicate threats
- Multi-factor authentication and dark web hygiene
- Continuous monitoring and vulnerability alerts to address emerging threats promptly
- 24/7 support and monitoring
- Gamification incentives to encourage user engagement and participation in training activities
- And more!
Xtel understands that every organization is unique. Their awareness training is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it is tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring the training is always extremely relevant and incredibly practical.
At the end of our courses, you’ll be able to:
- Mitigate Human Errors: By educating employees about common cyber threats and tactics, awareness training reduces the likelihood of falling victim to phishing, social engineering, and other human-related errors.
- Create a Culture of Security: Xtel’s awareness training continues beyond imparting knowledge. It builds, and supports, a culture of security within the organization, making cybersecurity a shared responsibility among all employees.
- Adapt to Emerging Threats More Easily: Cyber threats are ever evolving, and so should your defense mechanisms. Xtel’s training keeps employees updated on the latest threats, ensuring that your organization remains ahead of the curve in cybersecurity.
Every minute you spend with untrained employees is another minute your system is vulnerable to a preventable breach. So, don’t wait! Reach out to us today, and we’ll start designing your “cybersecurity 101” training program right away.
