Almost 90% of data breaches are caused because of a human errorEvery enterprise is at risk of a cyber attack, especially if it’s employees are not given cyber security awareness and training

As the world advances in technology, hacking techniques and cyber criminals are advancing too. The rise in cyber crimes is showing no signs of slowing down and no one can say they are safe from cyber attacks anymore. Enterprises can therefore no longer depend on the obsolete traditional cyber security infrastructure. 

Nor can they afford to overlook the importance of security awareness training for the employees. It has become essential to enforce the best cyber security practices to combat cyber threats. So, how well is your organization prepared to stop cyber attacks? Are your employees equipped with the means to protect themselves and your business from cyber threats?

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and a few minutes of cyber-incident to ruin it.” – Stephane Nappo

Research shows that most cyber attacks rely on exploiting the human factor with the help of creative and innovative phishing techniques and other attack vectors. Almost 90% of all data breaches are caused due to human error. Therefore, even if an organization has a robust cyber security infrastructure in place, the absence of cyber security awareness among employees can leave a huge gap in its cyber security framework. This gap can be easily exploited by cyber criminals to launch various types of cyber attacks.

“As we’ve come to realize, the idea that security starts and ends with the purchase of a prepackaged firewall is simply misguided.” – Art Wittmann

Cyber Awareness

Hence, cyber security awareness and training are very much needed for any enterprise to secure it against cyber attacks. Here are the five major reasons why enterprises should provide cyber security training to their employees:

#1. Prevents Cyber Attacks

First, let’s begin with the obvious reason. One thing every enterprise needs to understand is that the cyber security framework of an organization is only as strong as its weakest link. Moreover, employees are considered as the weakest link in an organization’s cyber security chain. Therefore, it is essential in strengthening them by providing the best cyber security awareness and training available out there in the market.

Additionally, employees are also an organization’s first line of defense against cyber attacks, hence, they need to be well prepared. Security awareness training provides every employee with the knowledge and experience they need to combat the existing and emerging cyber threats. It also gives them a fundamental understanding of the prevailing cyber threats and their responsibility in protecting the organization.

Cyber security memes

#2. Creates Cyber Resilient Work Culture

A cyber resilient work environment has always been the holy grail of an organization’s cyber security. However, it is very difficult to achieve. Cyber security awareness and training can go a long way when it comes to achieving this goal.

I believe that many employees in every organization still don’t know the risk of sharing passwords in the workplace. There are several other basic security protocols that most employees are not aware of. In order to create a healthy cyber environment, these basic practices need to be enforced and prioritized. This can be achieved only when the employees understand the importance of these security protocols and the consequences of not following them.

“As cyber security leaders, we have to create our message of influence because security is a culture and you need the business to take place and be part of that security culture.”  — Britney Hommertzheim

#3. Maintains Customers’  Trust

If organizations are aware of the increasing rate of cyber attacks, so are the customers. So, in order to build and maintain customer trust, organizations need to take measures to strengthen their cyber security framework. The customers must believe that your organization is capable of keeping their valuable data secure.

Cyber incidents like a data breach or a ransomware attack can break this trust and lead to loss of customers, financial losses, damaged brand reputation, and disruptive legal battles. 

“The knock-on effect of a data breach can be devastating for a company. When customers start taking their business—and their money—elsewhere, that can be a real body blow.” – Christopher Graham

#4. Saves Money

A successful cyber attack can impact a business in several ways such as:

  • Damage to brand reputation
  • Loss of clients
  • Disastrous lawsuits
  • Disruption in business operations
  • Compromised data and sensitive information

In fact, if we talk about money, a data breach can cost an organization millions of dollars. When you look at the big picture, you’ll realize that providing cyber security awareness training is relatively inexpensive and can save your organization from massive damage. 

#5. Boosts Employee Confidence

Since cyber security awareness and training equip employees with the knowledge needed to combat cyber threats, it empowers them to make smart security decisions when such a situation arises. Moreover, employees gain more confidence through the training and are likely to avoid making any mistakes that can result in a cyber attack.

“Education has always been a profit-enabler for individuals and the corporation. Education, both conception and delivery, must evolve quickly and radically to keep pace with the digital transition. Education is a part of the digital equation.” Stephane Nappo

 

Interesting Statistics Organizations Should be Aware of

According to a report from Pensar:

    • Cyber risks are reduced by 70% when organizations provide cyber security awareness and training for their employees
    • 93% of cyber security experts agree that organizations should focus on both humans and technology to detect and respond to cyber threats
    • Most cyber security training programs result in a 37-fold Return on Investment (ROI)

I hope this blog helps you in understanding why cyber security awareness training is important. Comment down below to share your own thoughts on why organizations should provide their employees with this training. You can also follow our other blogs to stay up-to-date with the latest cyber security news and trends.

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