One of the weakest points in the security of any organization is the human factor. From falling for phishing attacks to accidentally downloading malware, human error is most often the root cause of data breaches.
There are various technical controls that can be put in place to help prevent human error. However, one of the most effective things you can do is to train your staff with Security Awareness Training.
What is Security Awareness Training?
Security Awareness Training is an educational program designed to teach the following:
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What threats face your organization
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How to identify those threats
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How to prevent those threats from successfully breaching your organization
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Where employees should go for help
Security awareness training is not intended to teach your employees to be cybersecurity experts. Instead, your employees should be "aware" of the cybersecurity threats to your organization and what to do about them.
How do you Implement Security Awareness Training?
The most common approach to implementing security awareness training is the use of educational videos and presentations. However, it's essential to understand that security awareness is something that takes place year-round - not just during a training event. Some other common training supplements include:
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Live presentations by security professionals
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Posters and other printed materials to reinforce secure practices
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Email phishing simulations
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Attending cybersecurity webinars
The intention is to go beyond a single training and to build a more security-aware culture and mindset in your organization.