What do you consider to be ‘key’ to keeping your data – and your business – safe? Amazing software? Constant monitoring? Sure, these are both important. But don’t overlook the power of your people.
Most businesses already know that their people are one of their biggest security risks. While external factors like phishing still account for the majority of all security incidents, employee behaviour and other internal factors are believed to be responsible for 35% of them. And that figure is always growing.Â
This shows just how critical a role employees play in maintaining cybersecurity.
The good news is that many businesses are already embracing employee training to make sure their staff have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to identify potential threats – and implement measures to prevent them. This is an important step, and we’re heading in the right direction.
Unfortunately, while businesses are taking action, it’s not always the most effective kind. Many organisations train their staff once and then put a nice big tick in the ‘training’ box. But what we all need to remember is that cybersecurity is an incredibly fast-moving field. This means that the information that was considered correct and relevant yesterday may be less helpful tomorrow.
To stay ahead of evolving threats, continuous employee training is essential.
The fast-paced world of cybersecurity
The world of cybersecurity is rapidly changing. There are two main reasons for this:
1. Evolving threats
Back in the 1980s, the Morris Worm was probably the biggest thing we had to worry about in terms of cybersecurity. What did it do? Well, it slowed computers down to a snail’s pace, and delayed emails. But it didn’t steal any data, or destroy any files. Imagine that today; it would be a welcome alternative to what we’re currently dealing with!
Today’s cyber threats have become far more sophisticated and damaging. Think about the breach that exposed the personally identifiable information of around 500 million Marriott hotel guests, or the ransomware that crippled port systems and brought 30,000 shipping containers to a halt. Modern attacks like these show the increasing complexity and impact of cybercrime. These threats are about causing significant financial and reputational damage.
2. Evolving responses
As the types of cyber threats we’re dealing with have evolved, so have the responses. Technology has advanced significantly with artificial intelligence and machine learning, transforming how organisations monitor and respond to cybersecurity threats. These technologies allow companies to analyse huge amounts of data to help identify security incidents, enabling a more proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Businesses today are relying on IT more and more, increasing motivation for criminals to develop new ways to access valuable information. This means that cybersecurity professionals must continually create innovative strategies and tools to counteract new threats. Together, these factors are making the cybersecurity landscape a constantly shifting battleground.
The rate at which cybersecurity is evolving is creating a gap between what employees are trained on today, and what they need to know tomorrow to maintain a high level of security. The key to bridging this gap is continuous employee training that helps develop well-rounded knowledge.
What is continuous employee training?
Continuous employee training is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a way of transforming one-time training into consistent, ongoing education. It’s not about learning something in a classroom and then moving on, but about embedding cybersecurity awareness into employees’ daily activities, ensuring they stay up to date with the latest advances and best practices in the field.
Continuous training helps employees to manage today’s risks while preparing them for tomorrow.
While continuous training might sound daunting, it’s easier with the right partner. At Reliable, we believe that your employees are one of your most powerful assets in the fight against cybercrime. That’s why we’re committed to supporting them with security awareness training, ongoing support, and a range of services tailored to your needs. We aim to make cybersecurity a natural, integral part of your daily operations, enhancing protection for your data, people, and business.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you build a robust, continuous training programme that keeps your organisation safe in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.
Turn Your Biggest Risk Into Your Strongest Defense
Don’t let outdated, tick-box training leave your business vulnerable. Contact Reliable Networks today to build a continuous security awareness programme that empowers your team to confidently spot, stop, and report evolving cyber threats.
