Why is cyber security awareness training so important for businesses?

As October is Cyber Security Awareness month and we live in a world where cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and damaging to businesses, cyber security awareness training has never been more critical. Cyber attacks can have devastating consequences for individuals and organisations. In this insight post, we’ll be exploring the reasons why cyber security awareness training is so critical for organisations and how it can help protect your data, privacy, and overall security.

The growing threat of cyber criminals

As cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated and advanced, they can be harder to spot. Cyber attacks can be in many different forms including malware, phishing, ransomware, and social engineering. During 2022, Over the past year, GOV.UK estimated that across all UK businesses, there were approximately 2.39 million instances of cyber crime and approximately 49,000 instances of fraud as a result of cyber crime. 

How employees play a part in cyber security

Often, the weakest link in the cyber security of an organisation is the people that have access to data. Sometimes data is leaked by employees falling victim to phishing or social engineering whereby hackers use deception and manipulation to gain access to sensitive data and business networks. However, occasionally data is leaked maliciously by inside sources. Cyber security education can inform members of the organisation on how to stay vigilant to threats, along with educating them on the disastrous implications to the business and individuals involved in data leaks.

What are the benefits to cyber security awareness training?

• Risk Mitigation: Reducing the likelihood of successful cyber attacks across the organisation.
• Data Protection: Educating employees on how to safeguard sensitive information from untrustworthy sources.
• Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements or industry standards of employee training.
• Reduced Costs: Minimising financial losses associated with data breaches with the investment in cyber security education.
• Reputation Management: Preserving trust and reputation of your business by minimising the likelihood of cyber criminal activity.

Education is the key to a security-conscious work culture

Awareness training empowers individuals with knowledge about common cyber threats, phishing, malware, and best practices. This education can help people recognise and respond to cyber threats effectively, preventing them from causing serious negative effects to your organisation. Having access to this kind of training is vital to creating a security-conscious organisational culture.

Cyber security awareness training materials

At Central Technology, as part of our Managed IT Support package we offer CT Knowledge, a platform of over 100 three-minute training videos designed to improve your team’s IT skillset. Training your employees in cyber security best practices has never been easier! Along with cyber security, CT Knowledge also includes training on Office 365, Sharepoint, Windows 10 and Excel. There are also important bite-size training videos covering management skills and mental health training.