Is one-off cybersecurity awareness training enough?
As cyber-attacks grow in frequency and sophistication, cybersecurity training has become a non-negotiable for businesses. In fact, a recent survey shows that 76% of large organisations now train staff to strengthen their defences from the inside out – a 62% increase since 2021.
However, for training to be effective, it must go beyond one-off sessions; it needs to be frequent, engaging, and built into company culture. Like going to the dentist regularly, rather than waiting until you need a major treatment, cybersecurity awareness training must be preventative.
Ultimately, employees are your first line of defence, and so equipping them with the necessary skills to spot and act on threats like phishing tactics and social engineering techniques is critical. Cyber threats are continuously changing, and training must keep up.
Why regular cybersecurity awareness training is key
Looking around at the fallout from recent high-profile attacks, including at M&S and Co-op, businesses often ask us how often should cybersecurity training be done. The answer is little and often, from the moment a new employee joins your organisation. Initial onboarding training is crucial for establishing a foundational understanding of your company’s security policies and procedures.
This early education should cover essential topics like spotting phishing scams, password best practices, and sensitive data handling. Setting clear expectations from day one empowers new hires to become immediate assets in your defence against cyber threats.
Beyond this initial phase, ongoing training is essential. Quarterly or monthly sessions are highly recommended. Regular training will reinforce key practices and means it can stay relevant by being fine-tuned to the evolving threat landscape. Modules can revisit topics like the latest phishing techniques, secure file-sharing protocols, data protection regulations, and new social engineering tactics.
This continuous education ensures that your entire workforce remains vigilant and equipped with the most current knowledge to protect your organisation’s valuable assets. But how can you make sure the knowledge sticks, especially when it sits outside of an employee’s daily work and area of expertise?
How to keep employees engaged with cybersecurity training
With the type of frequency we’re talking about, it’s vital to keep employees actively engaged when they attend sessions. But how?
Gamification strategies
One effective strategy for cybersecurity hands-on training is to embrace “gamification” and interactive learning. Instead of providing pre-recorded lectures, you can incorporate quizzes, real-world scenarios, and interactive content. This method challenges employees, making learning fun and significantly improving knowledge retention. It changes a potentially dry or abstract topic into an engaging experience.
Real-world simulations
Complementing this, regular phishing tests and real-world simulations are popular. Of businesses or charities that experienced a breach or attack in the last 12 months, phishing attacks remain the most prevalent type of threat – 85% of businesses experience them. Under constant fire from phishing, businesses can’t afford for employees to be caught out. Realistic phishing exercises and simulations can empower employees to recognise potential malicious threats and improve their response times in a safe environment.
Employee feedback
It’s also a good idea to actively encourage employees to share their thoughts on the training. By asking staff for feedback on how you can improve, and keeping your eye on the latest cyber risks, you can adjust and refine your training modules to ensure they are always down-to-earth and relevant.
The benefits of frequent cybersecurity training
Reduce the threat of cyber attacks
At the end of the day, cybersecurity training for employees leads to a dramatically reduced risk of cyber incidents. When your team is consistently educated on the latest threats and best practices, they become your most robust defence. This is because education translates into fewer accidental clicks, minimised data exposure, and reduced likelihood of a successful cyberattack or a costly data breach.
Boost employee confidence
What’s more, practical training can boost employee confidence. When staff feel well-equipped to recognise and handle potential cyber threats, they will feel less stressed out that they might make a costly or embarrassing mistake. The knock-on effect could also improve productivity and job satisfaction, as employees feel empowered and secure in their daily tasks.
Compliance and legal safeguarding
Lastly, from a corporate standpoint, consistent cybersecurity training is crucial for compliance and legal safeguarding. Many industry regulations, and data protection laws like GDPR, mandate comprehensive staff training on data security. Implementing and documenting training will help your organisation meet these obligations. In the unfortunate event of a breach, having a robust and ongoing training program can significantly mitigate your organisation’s liability and protect its reputation in the market.
Invest in continuous cybersecurity awareness
We can help you implement a robust and regular cybersecurity training program. Contact Cyber Security Awareness today to get started.
