The Importance of Employee Training in Cybersecurity

The Importance of Employee Training in Cybersecurity

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for businesses of all sizes.

Are your employees equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to defend against cyber-attacks?

As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals.

This means that even the most robust cybersecurity measures can be rendered ineffective if employees are not adequately trained.

So, don’t just stand there. It’s time you invested in your employees’ training on cybersecurity.

After all, they’re the knights guarding your castle in the digital world.

Read on so you can understand why employee training in cybersecurity is so important and what you can do to get started.

Employees: The First Line of Defense

Every day, hackers are finding new ways to infiltrate your systems, and they’re not just targeting large corporations. Small and medium-sized businesses are equally at risk.

The cost of a data breach goes beyond just the financial implications; it significantly impacts business reputation and customer trust.

For context, in 20211, Malaysia registered more than 20,000 instances of cybercrime, resulting in victims losing RM560 million.

In addition, cybersecurity incidents could potentially cause an economic loss2 of RM49.15 billion.

As employees, they are the first line of defence3 against cyber threats in your organisation.

This is primarily because they are the ones who interact most frequently with the systems and data that need to be protected.

However, the role of employees as the first line of defence also highlights the importance of training in cybersecurity.

If employees are unaware of the potential threats and do not know how to handle them, they can inadvertently become the weakest link in the security chain.

Researchers at Stanford University have found that human error is responsible for 88% of all data breaches so far.

https://online.stanford.edu/big-breaches-what-we-learned-some-worlds-most-disruptive-cyberattacks

For instance, an employee who unknowingly clicks on a malicious link or is deceived into giving away sensitive information can open the door to cybercriminals.

A well-informed and vigilant workforce can significantly reduce the risk of a security breach, making them a robust first line of defence.

Importance of Cybersecurity Training For Employees

Prevents Data Breaches

Employees who are well-trained in cybersecurity practices are less likely to make errors that could lead to a data breach.

Moreover, they will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify potential security threats and respond appropriately.

For example, they can recognise phishing emails or suspicious activities that could indicate a data breach.

Enhances Compliance with Regulations

In recent years, companies must comply with these regulations to protect personal and sensitive data. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal penalties.

Additionally, employees with cybersecurity training will be more aware of the latest updates to these regulations. They can implement changes to the company’s data security practices accordingly.

Builds Trust with Customers

Customers are more likely to trust companies that take data security seriously, with 70% believing4 that businesses are not putting enough effort into cybersecurity.

By training employees in cybersecurity, companies demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer data.

Also, employees with cybersecurity training can provide better service to customers regarding data security. They can answer customers’ questions about data security and provide reassurance about the company’s data protection measures.

Increases Employee Confidence

Cybersecurity training can also empower employees by increasing their confidence in dealing with technology.

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is integral to many job roles. However, the complexity of cybersecurity can be daunting for some employees.

By understanding cybersecurity practices, employees can use technology more confidently and effectively.

Implementing An Effective Employee Cybersecurity Training Program

Implementing an employee cybersecurity training program5 in an organisation involves several steps:

1. Identify Goals

The first step is identifying what you want to achieve from the training program.

Do you want to protect sensitive data, prevent phishing attacks, or just improve overall cybersecurity hygiene?

Your goals will shape the content and structure of your training.

2. Assess Employee Knowledge

Before starting the training, assess your employees’ current knowledge level about cybersecurity.

This helps you know where to start and how to plan your training.

3. Develop the Training Program

The next step is to develop the training program. This could be done in-house or by hiring a cybersecurity training provider. 

The content should be understandable and relevant to your organisation’s needs. It should cover areas like password security, email and internet safety, social engineering, mobile device security, etc.

4. Use Interactive and Engaging Methods

The training should not be a boring lecture.

Use interactive and engaging methods like seminars, workshops, and games to make the training exciting and memorable.

5. Regular Training Sessions

Cybersecurity is not a one-time thing.

Regular training sessions should be conducted to keep up with the changing cybersecurity landscape. This could be monthly, quarterly, or yearly.

6. Test Employee Knowledge

After the training, test your employees to see if they have understood and can apply what they have learned.

This could be through quizzes, simulations, or even testing through real-life scenarios.

7. Provide Ongoing Support

After the training, provide ongoing support to your employees. This could be through help desks, FAQs, or regular updates on new cybersecurity threats.

8. Upper Management Support: Without the buy-in and support from senior management, the program may not be effective. Leadership needs to reinforce the importance of cybersecurity and provide the necessary resources for the training program.

9. Encourage a Security Culture

Lastly, make cybersecurity a part of your corporate culture. Encourage employees to be vigilant and proactive in protecting the organisation from cyber threats. Reward employees who show good cybersecurity behaviour to reinforce positive actions.

Implementing employee cybersecurity training should be mandatory for all employees, regardless of their role or department.

This ensures that everyone in the organisation understands their responsibility in maintaining cybersecurity.

10. Evaluating the Success of the Cybersecurity Training Program

Are you aware that, typically, individuals can only remember 90%6 of what they learned from training after a month?

Evaluation helps determine whether the training was practical and whether it met its objectives.

This could involve conducting assessments at the end of the training sessions to measure the employees’ understanding and retention of the information.

In Short,

It’s clear that employee training in cybersecurity isn’t a luxury but a necessity. You, as an organisation, are only as strong as your weakest link.

By equipping your team with the proper knowledge and skills, you’re not just defending your business but also empowering them.

So, invest in cybersecurity training; it’s worth every ringgit.

And if you think you can’t manage the training on your own, let us at Grayscale Technologies help.

We have a team of experts who can provide you with the best cybersecurity training program that fits your organisation’s needs. No more worrying over the cost or time spent; we have you covered.

Get in touch with us today at enquiries@grayscale.my to find out more!

References

1 Griffiths, C. (2023, December 1). The Latest Cyber Crime Statistics (updated December 2023). AAG. Retrieved December 21, 2023, from https://aag-it.com/the-latest-cyber-crime-statistics/

2 Singh, K., & Wong, G. (2018, July 13). Cyber-security threats to cost Malaysian organisations US$12.2bil in economic losses. Digital News Asia. Retrieved December 21, 2023, from https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/cyber-security-threats-cost-malaysian-organisations-us122bil-economic-losses

3 Callahan, D. (2021, January 21). The first line of defense: Why employees are the key to stronger cybersecurity. Security Magazine. Retrieved December 21, 2023, from https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/94027-the-first-line-of-defense-why-employees-are-the-key-to-stronger-cybersecurity

4 Arcserve. (2020, May 19). Consumers Sound Off: The Impact of Ransomware on Purchasing Behavior and Brand Loyalty. Arcserve. Retrieved December 21, 2023, from https://www.arcserve.com/blog/consumers-sound-impact-ransomware-purchasing-behavior-and-brand-loyalty

5 Updyke, D. (2023, May 25). Building an Effective Cybersecurity Training Program. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved December 21, 2023, from https://hbr.org/2023/05/building-an-effective-cybersecurity-training-program

6 IT Governance. (n.d.). Cyber Security Awareness Training. IT Governance. Retrieved December 21, 2023, from https://www.itgovernance.co.uk/staff-awareness