Cyber security awareness training and testing

Cyber security awareness training for employees involves using a combination of e-learning, educational videos, workshops, and ongoing communication efforts. Here is the process of outlining the needs of a business when training employees for security awareness:

1. Assessing business needs: Begin by assessing the specific security risks and needs of an organisation: what it its size, industry requirements, legislation in place, etc. This helps in tailoring the training program and outlining other security services that may be required to address the most relevant threats and vulnerabilities.
2. Developing Training Materials: We create comprehensive training materials that cover various security topics, such as phishing, password protection, data protection, and safe browsing practices. These materials can include presentations, videos, interactive modules, and written guidelines that will be provided to your employees.
3. Simulating Attacks: The cyber security awareness training service regularly simulates phishing or social engineering attacks to test employees' awareness and response. This helps identify areas that need improvement and reinforces the importance of remaining vigilant.
4. Reinforcing Knowledge: If employees are still indicating a potential risk after taking the training your account manager will provide ongoing communication and reminders to reinforce security practices. This can include regular newsletters, email updates, posters, or internal messaging systems to keep security awareness top of mind.
5. Encouraging Reporting: Emphasize the importance of reporting any suspicious activities or potential security incidents. We will help establish clear channels for reporting with our support teams or alternatively this can be done in house using a dedicated email address or designated point of contact.
6. Continuous Education: Cyber threats are evolving all the time, so it's crucial to provide regular updates and additional training sessions to keep employees informed about emerging threats and new security measures. We regularly update our training videos, tests and other material to ensure your employees stay up to date with the latest threats.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation: It is important to regularly assess the effectiveness of the training program through surveys, quizzes, or other evaluation methods. Our e-learning will provide employees with quizzes to ensure the learning has been effective and our reporting tool will provide feedback about how they are getting on.

A successful cyber security awareness training program is an ongoing effort that requires commitment from both employees and the organisation. By investing in training and promoting a culture of security awareness, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats.

Cyber security awareness training covers a comprehensive range of topics to effectively educate employees about a wide range of potential cyber threats and promote secure behaviour. Here are some key areas that are be covered:

1. Phishing and social engineering: This teaches employees how to identify phishing emails, suspicious links, and deceptive tactics used by cybercriminals to trick them into revealing sensitive information or performing harmful actions.
2. Phishing Password security: Educate employees on the importance of creating strong, unique passwords and utilising multi-factor authentication services to prevent 3rd parties gaining access to restricted accounts. This will provide guidance on password management tools and techniques to help them protect their accounts from being hijacked.
3. Phishing Data protection: This emphasises the significance of safeguarding sensitive data, both at work and in personal contexts. Train employees on secure data handling practices, encryption methods, and the proper use of removable media. This will also stress the importance of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and how to ensure you keep personal data safe and secure.
4. Phishing Malware awareness: Educates employees about different types of malware, such as viruses, ransomware, and spyware. Teach them how to recognise and avoid downloading malicious files or visiting compromised websites. Additionally you can look at implementing web security content filters to prevent access to prevent access sites deemed a potential threat.
5. Phishing Mobile device security: Provide guidance on securing employee mobile devices, including setting up strong passcodes/patterns, enabling device encryption, setting up fingerprint recognition and being cautious when downloading apps or connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
6. Phishing Social media and online privacy: Raise awareness about the risks associated with sharing personal information on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, X and other online channels. Teach employees how to manage privacy settings and avoid oversharing their information online.
7. Phishing Incident reporting: Encourage employees to promptly report any suspicious activities or potential security incidents to the appropriate channels within the organisation or service providers. Provide clear guidelines on how to report incidents and assure employees that they will not face repercussions for reporting.
8. Phishing Ongoing training and updates: Cyber threats are always evolving rapidly across every industry, so it's crucial to provide regular cyber security awareness training updates and refresher sessions to keep employees informed about emerging threats, new attack techniques, and evolving best practices.

Remember, the specific content and delivery methods of cyber security awareness training may vary depending on the industry, size, and specific security requirements of a business. Training is tailored to address the unique risks and challenges a business can face.

Cyber security awareness training (SATT) equips employees with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to potential cyber threats. It helps them understand the tactics used by hackers, such as phishing emails or social engineering, and empowers them to take appropriate actions to protect themselves and the organisation.

An online attack can result in your business being exposed to viruses, data breaches, malware, loss of connectivity and, in many cases, a financial impact. Your reputation is also at risk if data is compromised so it’s critical you reassure customers your business goes above and beyond to protect their personal data. As a result of this SATT has become an essential tool for businesses looking to reduce the risk of human error and mitigate the risks of data breaches caused by employees.

On average cyber security awareness training takes about an hour to complete, the frequency of this will depend entirely on the specific needs of the organisation.

It is important to note that cyber security awareness training is an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Regular reinforcement and updates are necessary to keep employees informed about the latest threats and best practices.