Cyber security is a rapidly growing field - and as we've shifted to a society that lives, works and almost breathes through the internet, it's easy to see why.
Once you factor in the countless malicious outsiders - or hackers - constantly looking for new ways to breach defences, cyber security goes from being a buzzword to a necessity.
And, as hackers strive to find a way through your defences, the weakest link could be right under your nose - your staff. But, before you rush to try and replace your workforce with AI for added security, why not consider the easier - and more logical - solution, which is to train them in all things cyber?
So, how can training help secure your organisation from threats?
The first step on this journey is to recognise the importance of cyber security. Your employees must be alert to the dangers and understand how cyber security works.
Years ago, hackers had a misconception of being people working in their parent's basements, tapping away at their screens in a dimly lit room with their hoods up.
Whilst we can't speak on the living situations of hackers - particularly in the current financial climate - we can safely say threats are severely more sophisticated, designed to beat any defences you may already have deployed.
Now, hackers work in groups or organisations - with mainstream collectives including the likes of Anonymous and The Lizard Squad. And worse yet, when they strike, they can reap millions as a reward for their crimes. For example, within the last week of this blog's publication, a malicious actor has drained $6m (£4.9m) from accounts linked to the Solana crypto network.
Whilst some organisations could bounce back from losing millions in a post-COVID world - it could be the killing blow for countless others. Businesses can invest thousands in state-of-the-art systems designed to secure their infrastructure. But, all it can take is one successful phishing attempt to the right target, and hackers have a license to do whatever they see fit.
Training is a crucial facet of any cyber security strategy. It can help teach staff how to spot cyber attack attempts, how to avoid them entirely and provide guidance on effectively responding to an attack that has taken place.
According to the UK Government, phishing makes up an estimated 83% of cyber attacks. And as attempts become even more carefully crafted, this figure could get even higher, as seen in the case of Microsoft, which issued a warning regarding a large-scale phishing campaign targeting over 10,000 organisations since September 2021.
If your staff are unaware of how to spot phishing attacks, it could only be a matter of time before you're in serious trouble - and it's not just phishing you have to be wary of either.
Different types of attacks require different responses, so staff must be trained to respond to an incident safely without putting themselves or others at risk.
With clear guidelines or policies in place, employees can quickly get up to speed with the ever-evolving threats out there, helping reduce the risk of cyber attacks and protecting your business from potential losses.
Due to the relevancy of cyber security, countless training courses are available. Throughout COVID and the lockdowns, we all faced an online-only world, meaning webinars emerged as an efficient way to learn about cyber security.
For larger organisations, many find that training is best delivered through webinars or public seminars - especially if your staff need to keep updated with the latest developments. Equally, in-person presentations can inform staff of the latest threats, help spot potential weaknesses or how to prepare their computer for protection against malicious attacks.
However, it’s worth noting this kind of training can often be time-consuming to organise and deliver yourself, which is why it could be the perfect time to call in the professionals.
MSPs such as Fifosys thrive on helping organisations and individuals be alert to the latest trends. Typically, we spend a day in your office educating groups of staff on everything they need to know about implementing cyber security measures in their organisation. Throughout our sessions, we'll look at topics such as:
We can also point you in the direction of supporting online courses that can help bolster knowledge and keep you secure or run simulated attacks. Such methods offer an insight into where your gaps are and establish the areas we can work on with your employees.
If you’re looking for somewhere to start, reach out to our team of experts who can get an understanding of your organisation, what you're trying to achieve and where you are in your cyber security journey. We can then work with you to provide vital information on how to put the basic cyber security measures in place and establish a plan that will last the test of time.
When it comes to training, it’s always important to be clear about what you want to achieve and why. By taking the time to consider what your organisation needs and how best to achieve it, you can ensure that cyber security training is delivered safely and effectively - and from a provider who can work with your organisation to fill in any gaps.
Do you want to learn more about cyber security training - or how Fifosys can help secure your organisation and boost your employees' skillsets?
Click here to get in touch.
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