How Often Do You Need to Train Employees on Cybersecurity Awareness?

Even if your team feels ready to spot phishing, problems can still happen. For instance, six months later, someone at the company accidentally let in ransomware. They managed to recover, but it was costly. Regular cybersecurity training might have prevented this.

Many organizations review security information often, but they still face incidents. The problem may not be a lack of knowledge, but not having regular training. Without frequent reminders about best practices, employees can get careless or forgetful online.

People easily forget what they have learned if it is not reinforced. This makes it hard to create and keep new habits unless training happens regularly.

Training your team every four months helps keep their cybersecurity skills current. This routine leads to steady and lasting improvements in IT security.

How can we stay alert and protect ourselves and our data from cyber threats?

Recent studies presented at USENIX SOUPS security conference revealed an interesting correlation – individuals trained on phishing awareness and IT security every four months were far more likely to detect suspicious emails than those who had less frequent sessions. This brings new insight into the importance of continual education when it comes to online safety.

Employees took phishing identification tests at several different time increments:

1. 4-months

2. 6-months

3. 8-months

4. 10-months

5. 12-months

After their first anti-phishing training, employees were good at spotting harmful emails. But their skills faded over time, with a steady drop in correct phishing identification after six months.

Employees are central to a strong cybersecurity strategy. Keep them informed and up to date with regular training so they can help protect your data. Refresh their security awareness often to keep them ready.

Building a cybersecure culture in the workplace is essential.

With so much of our lives and information online, security is increasingly more important. That’s why creating a cybersecure culture in the workplace should be paramount – ensuring that everyone understands their part to play when it comes to safeguarding sensitive data, recognizing potential phishing scams, and keeping password protection top-of-mind.

Even though cyberattacks are common, research shows that poor security habits are a main cause of network problems. According to Sophos’ 2021 Threat Report, many organizations still do not focus on key safety steps, leaving them at risk.

The report states the following, "Neglecting proper security protocols has proven to be an alarmingly common factor in some of the most destructive cyberattacks".

A well-prepared workforce is essential for any business seeking to safeguard itself against cyber threats. Instead of dedicating a full day of cybersecurity training, mixing up delivery methods can be an effective way to ensure employees are properly equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to protect their organization.

Here are some engaging ways to train employees on cybersecurity. You can include these in your training plan:

1. Self-service videos that get emailed once per month

2. Team-based roundtable discussions

3. Security “Tip of the Week” in company newsletters or messaging channels

4. Training session given by an IT professional

5. Simulated phishing tests

6. Cybersecurity posters

7. Celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October

Teaching employees about phishing is important, but there are other threats to cover too. A complete awareness program gives staff the knowledge to stay safe online. Covering topics from cybersecurity basics to social engineering helps everyone keep up with new safety tools.

As technology improves, cybercriminals also find new ways to attack.

Cybercriminals have expanded beyond email phishing to more sophisticated tactics, such as smishing and social media-based attacks. To stay one step ahead of the game, it’s essential that employees learn how to spot a scam so they can protect themselves from malicious schemes.

Keeping our credentials and passwords secure is vital today.

Many companies now use cloud-based platforms for their data and operations. Unfortunately, these tools are often open to credential theft, which is the easiest way for attackers to access SaaS environments.

Credential theft is the main threat businesses face in data breaches. Your team should follow security steps, like using strong passwords and a business password manager, to help protect their information.

When it comes to safeguarding your data

Today’s workplaces rely more on mobile technology, letting employees do many tasks from anywhere. Organizations now look for solutions that work well in our always-connected world, especially through good mobile apps.

Protecting your business data and applications from security threats starts with taking a few key steps. By implementing passcodes on employee devices and ensuring they are always up to date, you can ensure the highest degree of protection against potential vulnerabilities.

Keeping data safe is a must these days.

As technology changes, so do the rules about data privacy. Companies need to keep up with new requirements to stay compliant with complex laws.

By investing in continual training on data handling and security, you can help safeguard your organization against the heartbreaking costs of a potential breach. Guarding your company’s sensitive information will ensure it remains safe from any unexpected compliance penalties.

Don’t let your team slip up on cyber safety.

We can create a custom training program for your team, so you can focus on other work. This course will help your staff build good cyber habits and become more secure. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation!