Cyber threats are getting harder to detect and smarter, especially with artificial intelligence (AI). Security Magazine research reported there are over 2,200 attacks daily, almost one cyberattack every 39 seconds.
More than 90% of cyberattacks are enabled, due to human error, also known as employee error in businesses. Sadly, no company is safe from cyber-attacks; even the nearby local shop may have an online presence and is at risk.
However, businesses can do their part with cyber security training to educate employees and try their best to avoid cyber negligence.
Employee cyber security training can change how professionals use the internet and significantly reduce the chance of cyber-attacks. As a result, more and more companies are making this training part of their core employee training.
Although, what should employee cyber security training and development include? Many cyber safety skills can help avoid employee errors that result in cyber-attacks. Hence, the article will highlight the top 5 cyber security training strategies employees must use to reduce cyber-attacks.
What Are Cyber Attacks?
Cyber-attacks are digital threats that steal, misuse, expose or destroy data in an unauthorised and malicious process. Cybercriminals perform attacks from one device to another device or network.
Businesses are usually the main target of cybercriminals due to the amount of data and funds. However, every business could be affected by cyber-attacks, regardless of size. Common cyber-attacks include phishing, malware, ransomware and new AI attacks.
Each one of these cyber threats can sneak in due to staff/human errors and disrupt the whole business. Hence businesses must have the proper cyber security, employee cyber security training and cyber insurance.
Top Employee Cyber Security Training to Reduce Cyber Attacks
Increase Cyber-Knowledge
The number one cyber security training strategy is to educate employees about cyber security and cyber threats. Employees lacking cyber knowledge can lead to clicking on malware links, trusting phishing emails and visiting malicious websites. In addition, employee errors due to a lack of knowledge can result in a data breach, malware spreading on servers, and severe website block (ransomware).
Every company should provide frequent training to keep employees knowledge up to date and ensure they understand the topic. By the end of the training, they should understand the different types of cyber threats, how to spot them, cybercriminal’s strategies and actions when infected.
Employees should not fear reporting cyber-attacks before it’s too late. Hence, they should also learn about how reporting instantly can help reduce the damage, and they will not be held liable.
Strategically, companies can send out test phishing emails to measure employee cyber security training knowledge. Well-trained employees will not click on the test email link; if they do, they must attend another training session.
Phishing Detection Training
Phishing is one of the most common cyber-attacks worldwide. In fact, phishing emails increased by 569% in 2022 and will keep growing. Phishing emails are malicious emails that intend to convince the target to either click a malware link or share information/funds. AI technology has made phishing emails more convincing, personal and dangerous. Therefore, detecting phishing emails is becoming increasingly important to companies and must be part of employee cyber security training.
The training will help employees understand phishing attacks and how to detect them. The main factors employees should look out for are sender & email name, bad grammar/spelling, email layout and, most importantly, if the request is oddly urgent. However realistic the email is (even AI emails), with adequate knowledge and tips; employees will be able to detect small details.
By the end of the training, employees should be able to study every email they receive before clicking or replying. Phishing detection training can greatly reduce employee errors, cyber-attacks and malicious viruses entering company servers.
Update Cyber Security Software
Cyber security (antivirus) software is crucial to any business that uses the internet. The software is installed on devices to detect cyber threats before it’s too late. The software warns users about malicious emails, websites and scans files. Regrettably, cyber security software may not stop all attacks, but a large amount of common attacks.
Part of cyber security training should include instructions about cybersecurity software and what they provide users. Downloading the software should be mandatory for each employee. In addition, employees must be taught to update frequently and run antivirus checks weekly.
The security software can help reduce human error and alert employees before clicking on infected material. Furthermore, the business is responsible for purchasing high-quality software and providing easy access to each employee.
Better Passwords
Strong passwords on the internet are crucial and help protect data and personal details. Many cybercriminals have digital toys that help them crack passwords. The weaker the password, the easier and will take less time to crack. When employees’ passwords have been compromised, the criminal can access unlimited business data and secrets.
Data breach due to password hacking is a common tactic for cybercriminals. Hence businesses should include password strategies in their cyber security training. Employers should inform employees to create complex passwords that they do not digitally store anywhere. Company staff should use different passwords for each account to increase cyber security in case of a cyber-attack.
It is better to make passwords long and avoid sharing them with anyone. Businesses may also suggest/purchase password manager software that helps create and protect passwords with strong encryptions.
Work From Home Regulations
70 % of people globally work remotely, at least once a week, while 53 % work remotely for at least half of the week. However, the remote work style has some serious risks. One of the risks is that the working style enables cyber threats.
These threats are mainly due to employee errors and a lack of work-from-home measures. Cyber security training should include work-from-home cyber safety regulations. Some regulations can consist of using secure WIFI, antivirus software on the device, not sharing the device and limiting working from cafes. Additionally, companies can provide company laptops to avoid remote working cyber threats further.
Employees will apricate cybersecurity responsibilities with the proper company cyber security training. It promotes cyber safety for employees and the company.
Why Should Cyber Insurance Be Part of Cyber Security Training?
Cyber threats are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated and can drastically impact businesses worldwide.
There are points the above strategies are still not enough, and cyber-attacks find a way to infect the business. The innovative AI cyber-attacks have a higher chance of getting through cyber security, no matter the precaution. Such cyber risks are why businesses need cyber insurance.
Cyber insurance will help protect organisations from financial and reputational damage caused by cyber-attacks. The insurance provides expert protection by providing specialist advice, cyber actions, third-party communications, data retrieval costs and financial loss.
Businesses must include cyber insurance knowledge in cyber security training. Cyber insurance is an essential aspect of a cybersecurity strategy, and employees need to be aware of its importance and how it can help protect the company.
To Learn More about cyber insurance and protect your business from cyber risks in Hong Kong & Asia, contact Red Asia Insurance.
