Cybersecurity Awareness Training

Cybersecurity is a bigger threat than ever before, costing companies of all sizes millions of dollars when protection measures aren’t up to par. Small businesses aren’t immune to the damage, either; the average breach costs small businesses $200,000, causing many to close their doors for good.

While proper security practices behind the scenes are a key part of keeping a business safe, there’s another big piece of the puzzle many companies ignore: their employees.

In many instances, breaches start from the inside, not the outside. Your entire system can be opened up to an attack if an employee:

• Clicks on an unverified attachment in an email
• Goes to an unsafe site
• Attempts to download fraudulent software from the internet

Most employees mean well and act without knowing their choices are harmful, but good intentions can’t stop dangerous activities. With cybersecurity awareness training provided by Shock I.T. Support, you can make sure your team knows best practices, red flags to watch, and what steps to take when potential risks arise.

What Is Cybersecurity Awareness Training?

Cybersecurity awareness training is a form of employee training that covers cybersecurity basics for non-IT specialists. This kind of course delves into the risks associated with cyber crime, the potential consequences, the primary sources scammers use to attempt to penetrate system defenses, and tips for how employees can minimize risk. These classes can be one-time seminars or exist as ongoing programming to keep employees’ skills sharp.

For those with adequate computer knowledge, some of the most common advice, like not opening attachments in emails from unknown senders, seems like common sense. However, not everyone understands the basics of security and may unfortunately be positioned to fall victim to even the most basic of traps. With a cybersecurity awareness training course, team members at all levels can:

• Learn everything necessary to avoid risky activities
• Identify potential security threats in real time
• Supply evidence to the proper channels

Cybersecurity awareness training classes can be in person or virtual via an informational webinar followed by test questions to ensure all material is understood.

Cybersecurity awareness training covers a number of common topics, including:

Phishing Emails

Phishing is among the most common forms of cyber attack, and, unfortunately, is one of the most effective. Phishing emails look like genuine emails with important links or attachments but are actually from spammers looking for a way to easily break into a computer or network. A more sophisticated form of phishing called spear phishing can be even more problematic as these emails are often personalized, making them seem even more legitimate.

An awareness training class will teach employees how to identify phishing emails as well as how to handle them based on organizational policies.

Spam

Spam emails aren’t always dangerous, but some may contain dangerous links or attachments. Further, spam now includes messages on sites like LinkedIn and Facebook, creating a wider net of problematic places. Training classes can outline signs of spam across email and social media platforms, as well as how to report these risks.

Software Downloads

Software downloads from the web are among the easiest ways to infiltrate a system. Some seemingly-legitimate software programs are anything but, leading employees to download malware directly onto their computers.

Most companies implement blocks on downloading any unapproved software, but these can be circumvented, whether intentional or inadvertent. This kind of training will reinforce corporate policies as well as review the potential risks of downloading programs from a dubious source.

Malware Training

Malware comes in all shapes and sizes, from Trojans to Ransomware. Cybersecurity training classes will go over the different kinds of malware, including how they may penetrate a system, signs that something is wrong, and how to act if it appears a virus may be present. This section of training can involve both general information as well as who to report to within an organization if it appears malware may have affected a device.

Mobile Devices

Mobile devices are less susceptible to cybersecurity threats than computers, but infecting a phone or tablet is still possible. Awareness training will teach employees common methods for targeting mobile devices as well as signs of an attack and how to keep business information secure.

Refresher Training

An initial training program is a great first step, but over time, it’s not uncommon for employees to forget the basics. Refresher training can help keep skills sharp, further reducing the likelihood that employee error will lead to a costly attack.

Refresher training can include the same level of depth as an initial training class or can be a simple review of the highlights. A refresher training class may offer live examples or a quiz format to ensure employees still remember everything they need to know.