Top 5 reasons your team needs security awareness training ASAP

In the past six months, there has been a significant increase in cyber-attacks worldwide. The vast majority of workforces have had to become flexible and work from different remote locations, often on personal devices or networks. Cyber security was an issue before flexible work locations came into play – it doesn’t take much consideration to realise how much more vulnerable staff, devices and data now are.

Whether your team are working in a shared office space in the months to come, or in various locations, ensuring that they are well-equipped to prevent cyber attacks is crucial. The leading cause of successful cyber breaches is human error. Hackers are getting smarter, and they can fool even the best-intentioned and loyal employee to click a ‘phishy’ link or download a file that has catastrophic consequences for the whole organisation.

Take a look at 3 of the most significant recent ransomware attacks for a glimpse into these devastating results for cybercrime victims.

The best way to prevent attacks – is to train up your workforce. They’re your first line of defence. They should be your top priority to protect.

Rolling out Security Awareness Training for every end-user will ensure that your bases are covered, and your business has the best possible chance of preventing cyber threats.

Here are 5 reasons why it will make all the difference:

1. Cyber crime isn’t going anywhere

Cyber threats have dramatically increased in recent months, and sadly there’s no indication that they’re going anywhere—quite the opposite. CyberCrime Ventures estimates that, in 2021, cyber crime will cost around $6 trillion (roughly £4.6 trillion) annually. These are sobering figures. Cyber attacks are now less of a ‘potential looming threat’ and more of an inevitable reality. The sooner your staff are equipped to face developing cyber threats, the better.

2. Flexible and safe systems

Providing secure access to flexible work environments is essential in today’s society. Working from home due to COVID-19 isn’t over yet, and the reality is that even post-pandemic many people will choose to maintain flexible work patterns. Ensuring that your systems, programs, devices and networks are secure no matter where they’re being accessed is crucial. If your staff are trained, you’ll be able to trust that consistent procedures are taking place across your remote workforce.

3. Empowered employees

Security Awareness Training isn’t just something to protect your business as a whole; it’s valuable knowledge and experience for your staff. Seeing it as an investment in their development, skillset and awareness will result in empowered employees who feel confident in their work. If your staff are trained well, they will be able to work much more productively knowing they are secure and that they are equipped to handle potential threats.

4. Security for the future

Investing in efficient security measures now is an investment in the long-term success of your business. As your business grows in the years to come, your security protection needs to develop and evolve with it. Putting security awareness at the centre of your team culture will make your business safe and diligent across the board for years to come.

5. Software isn’t enough

While it is imperative to have comprehensive IT security software and services implemented in your organisation, there is only so much they can do. Unless your software is incredibly advanced and targeted, the chances are that it won’t cover every blind spot. The software cannot prevent human error. As well as this, cyber threats are continually evolving, and some software just can’t keep up with the new strands of viruses. Keeping your staff aware and up to date, accompanied by a robust security software solution is the best way to ensure full protection.

Cyber threats are real, relevant and are not picky with who they target. Any organisation or individual could be a potential cyber crime victim. You may think that you know what there is to know about cyber threats, but the unfortunate reality is that they are changing so often, it is hard to keep up without the proper training.

If you are not sure that your security solution is up to scratch, OryxAlign has a team of cyber security experts on hand 24/7 to help.

Book your free Security Awareness consultation today.