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As organisations face rising cyber threats, cybersecurity awareness becomes essential. Beyond technology and remote work considerations, companies need proactive strategies, effective training, and clear policies to empower employees against cyber risks.
Read on for insights into the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity practices.
Cybersecurity awareness in the modern workplace
Cyberattacks continue to grow in sophistication, targeting not just systems but employees as entry points. A security-aware workforce is a critical line of defence against threats like phishing, social engineering, and ransomware.
We undertook a survey of our customers to benchmark cybersecurity awareness among employees. It highlighted a training and knowledge gap in most areas, particularly in social engineering and phishing. The numbers indicate the Net Preparedness Score of employees across 26 companies for each cybersecurity risk.
How to improve cybersecurity awareness and compliance
For a robust cybersecurity program, organisations must prioritise both knowledge and accountability through tailored training, engagement, and clear policies.
Regular and targeted cybersecurity training
Our research suggests that effective training goes beyond annual refreshers, advocating for continuous engagement through methods like:
- Microlearning - Short, focused sessions on specific topics like phishing or password management that are easily integrated into daily workflows.
- Scenario-Based Training - Real-life simulations enable employees to practice threat responses in controlled settings, preparing them for actual risks.
- Gamification - Training modules with quizzes, challenges, and rewards can boost engagement, making critical concepts more memorable.
These techniques create ongoing awareness and encourage employees to apply cybersecurity principles in real time.
For more information on this subject, watch our free webinar on cybersecurity training. Expert panellists included Katharine Leaman of Leaman Crellin, CIFAS Chief Product Officer Mark Courtney, Strategic Fraud Prevention & Behavioural Lead at UK Finance, Paul Maskall and Natwest Boxed Chief Information Security Officer Kevin Fielder.
Define and communicate comprehensive cybersecurity policies
Clear, enforceable policies are vital to guiding employee actions. A well-rounded cybersecurity policy should cover:
- Password management - Mandate complex, regularly updated passwords and encourage the use of secure password managers.
- Data management and access control - Define rules for data access, storage, and sharing, ensuring sensitive information is only available to authorised personnel.
- Incident reporting - Clearly outline procedures for reporting potential breaches or suspicious activity to reduce incident response times.
These policies should be easily accessible and reinforced regularly to keep employees informed of best practices.
Foster a culture of accountability and vigilance
A proactive cybersecurity culture requires organisations to instil responsibility across all levels. By integrating cybersecurity into the corporate culture, companies reinforce that security is everyone's job.
- Management involvement: Leaders can reinforce policies and model best practices, showing that cybersecurity is a top organisational priority.
- Incentives for best practices: Recognising employees who consistently follow security protocols or perform well in training can encourage broader adherence.
- Regular benchmarking and feedback: Assessing the effectiveness of awareness programs through metrics such as phishing success rates, incident response times, and training completion rates can reveal areas for improvement.
Stay updated on emerging cybersecurity trends
Cyber threats evolve quickly, and staying informed on the latest trends can help organisations adjust their defences. There is a pressing need for cybersecurity leaders to monitor emerging risks and update training content accordingly. Some essential updates include:
- New phishing tactics
Phishing remains the top cyber threat, with attackers using more sophisticated techniques to deceive employees. - Ransomware defences
Training employees to spot early signs of ransomware can prevent costly breaches. - Social media risks
Educating staff on safe social media use, including privacy settings and suspicious connections, adds a layer of personal security that extends to corporate data protection.
Enhancing remote work cybersecurity practices
While cybersecurity policies should be universally applied, remote work environments pose unique challenges that warrant particular focus.
Cybercriminals are aware of these vulnerabilities and are increasingly targeting remote workers. A study by IBM found that the number of cyber attacks targeting remote workers increased by 72% in 2022.
As employees operate outside the office network, additional practices can fortify remote setups.
Strengthening remote cyber hygiene
Encouraging employees to secure their home networks and devices is crucial. Essential practices include:
- Regular software updates and patches - Ensuring all systems are updated minimises vulnerabilities.
- Using VPNs and firewalls - A VPN encrypts network connections, while firewalls add a layer of defence against external threats.
- Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) - Enforcing 2FA provides an additional security step for remote access, reducing the chances of unauthorised entry.
Protecting devices and data
Remote workers should follow strict data handling protocols. For instance:
Data encryption
Encrypting sensitive data protects it from unauthorised access in case of device loss or theft.
Regular backups
Regular backups to secure, organisation-approved locations ensure data integrity and accessibility even if a device is compromised.
These practices can significantly reduce risks associated with remote work.
Measuring and reinforcing cybersecurity awareness effectiveness
Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of awareness programs helps refine cybersecurity efforts, ensuring they stay relevant and impactful. Make sure to set benchmarks to track improvements and identify weak spots:
Implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
KPIs provide insights into program success. Useful KPIs include:
- Phishing test results -Tracking employee response to simulated phishing attacks reveals training effectiveness and areas for additional focus.
- Response times to security incidents - Monitoring how quickly employees report incidents shows their preparedness and awareness.
- Training completion and engagement rates - High completion rates and feedback indicate program resonance and relevance.
Regular surveys and feedback loops
Surveys allow employees to share their perspectives on training content, while regular feedback loops ensure that training remains dynamic and addresses the latest threats. This process supports continuous improvement and helps maintain a strong security posture across the organisation.
Building a resilient cybersecurity programme
In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity awareness is essential for organisational resilience. These recommendations underscore that through comprehensive policies, continuous training, and proactive cultural changes, organisations can empower employees to serve as their frontline defence against cyber threats.
CyberFocus training package
With our CyberFocus solution, we've reimagined cyber awareness training, moving beyond traditional e-learning to create an engaging and adaptive experience for modern workforces.
Our approach combines real-time adaptive learning with bite-sized microlearning modules, allowing busy professionals to easily integrate training into their schedules. Gamification elements enhance the learning process, while realistic simulations build practical skills.
Rather than relying on annual sessions, we provide continuous assessments to keep cyber awareness current, with personalised dashboards for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.
Ultimately, our comprehensive, flexible, and engaging cyber awareness programme empowers employees to actively contribute to their organisation’s cyber defence strategy.
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