Technology drives today’s business operations, from devices to software and apps that ensure we have the tools to stay connected, on task, and achieving more. By now you know this needs to go hand in hand with robust cyber security measures to prevent downtime and protect your data, but did you know you also can’t have technology without training? It may surprise you that the real last line of defence when it comes to stopping costly cyber attacks is often your employees. If you haven’t got this covered yet, don’t stress – there’s a simple solution in the form of Security Awareness Training.
If you’re a Ballarat business, keep reading! We’re a local Managed Services Provider (MSP) and today we’re taking you through trending online threats, what Security Awareness Training is and how it will empower your staff and strengthen your cyber resilience, and how our team of experts can help you to get started today.
The Current Digital Landscape and Exploiting Human Error
First, let’s look at some of the trends in the cyber security threat landscape businesses are facing.
- Since COVID-19, there has been an increase in decentralised workplaces with the adoption of hybrid and work from home models, and this continues to become more common. This is a change cyber criminals are exploiting, as remote workers typically have fewer cyber security defences in place.· Since COVID-19, there has been an increase in decentralised workplaces with the adoption of hybrid and work from home models, and this continues to become more common. This is a change cyber criminals are exploiting, as remote workers typically have fewer cyber security defences in place.
- Ransomware attacks are on the rise. This began during the pandemic, with attacks becoming more complex and frequently using phishing emails as a delivery method.
- Social engineering is becoming more sophisticated. These targeted attacks, which include phishing, involve researching individuals or their workplace and using this to craft legitimate seeming communication that encourages recipients to trust the sender and provide sensitive information.
The recurring theme? They prey on and exploit the likelihood of human error to succeed. This is where Security Awareness Training comes in, which has never been more important for businesses.
What is Security Awareness Training?
A huge 90% of cyber attacks are made possible by human error. This means that even if you’re ticking all the right boxes when it comes to security software and programs, it could all be useless if your staff aren’t prepared with the right skills.
At Lateral Plains, our Security Awareness Training involves:
- Informative and engaging videos
- Interactive lessons
- Simulated phishing campaigns, which look realistic and are deployed in increments for ongoing testing and training
- Analytics and reporting to track your staff’s progress
These empower your team with fundamental security principles so they can identify and appropriately react in the face of threats and understand best practices. Alongside this, Security Awareness Training’s company-wide practice makes perfect approach fosters a stronger cyber security culture that means staff are more likely to implement their learnings and stay vigilant online. In other words, you’ll create security converts who can also take these skills home to better protect themselves and their families online.
How Will It Benefit Your Business?
Security Awareness Training has a wealth of benefits. This includes:
- Allowing your staff to become your strongest line of defence with the ability to prevent potential disasters.
- Preventing phishing scams. Over 90% of cyber attacks start with phishing, and a crucial aspect of this training is teaching your team to spot and avoid these scams.
- Significant financial benefits, with 69% ROI for small businesses and 562% ROI for large businesses. Investing now in this preventative strategy could also ensure you aren’t paying a lot more in future as you’re less likely to fall victim to a cyber attack.
How Can Lateral Plains Support Your Business with Security Awareness Training?
Are you looking to build a better security culture, transform your team’s cyber awareness, and reinforce your business’ defences? We’re a local Ballarat MSP ready to help with Security Awareness Training that empowers your staff. Remember, you can’t have technology without training, so get in touch with us today to learn more.