It’s often said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. This phrase rings true when it comes to protecting your network from outside intruders and cybercrime.
The last line of defense against the most sophisticated cyberattacks is the most likely to be overlooked: your employees. Humans are the primary cause of up to 90% of cyberspace security incidents and breaches.
Far too many companies believe that user education and awareness programs are a waste of time and energy. However, cybersecurity training programs can significantly impact an organization’s overall cyberspace security posture, especially when they are deployed consistently over time and use various techniques to engage employees.
This article will provide an overview of user security awareness— what it is, why it matters, and how you can implement a successful program at your organization.
What Is User Security Awareness?
User security awareness is the level of preparedness and knowledge employees have about cybersecurity threats in their simplest form. It also includes their understanding of the steps to take for a quick response in the event of a data breach.
User security awareness is crucial for organizations because it reduces the chance of human error contributing to a data breach or other cyber attacks.
Companies Without Cybersecurity Are An Easy Target For Cyber Crime
Cybercriminals target employees who lack training on how to avoid common security errors. This is because they know that those individuals will be easier to trick into clicking on a malicious link, opening an email attachment, or providing confidential information.
When employees know your organization’s cyber security policies and procedures, they can help protect your company against data breaches and other cyber attacks. An effective security awareness program gives employees the resources and information they need to reduce the risk of a cyber attack — no matter their position within your organization.
2 Common CyberAttacks Your Employees Should Be Aware Of
Phishing Emails
Phishing emails appear to be from a legitimate source but are sent by hackers to steal your information. These emails often contain fraudulent links or attachments that can install malware on your computer or steal your passwords.
To protect yourself from phishing attacks, always be suspicious of unsolicited emails, and never click on any links or attachments unless you’re sure they’re safe.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files until you pay a ransom to the attacker. To protect yourself from ransomware, always keep your computer updated with the latest security patches, and use a good antivirus program.
Cybersecurity Training – An Ongoing Process
To help your organization stay safe online, consider the following tips for cybersecurity training:
- Train employees on how to identify phishing emails and other scams.
- Educate employees about the dangers of using public Wi-Fi networks.
- Remind employees not to share confidential information via email or text message.
- Instruct employees to use strong passwords and change them frequently.
- Urge employees to be vigilant when browsing the internet and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
- Advise employees to keep their operating system and software up-to-date.
A well-informed employee is your best defense against cybercrime. With user security awareness, you can rest assured that your employees are doing everything they can to protect your organization from data breaches and other dangers in cyberspace.
Don’t Let Cybercrime Take A Toll On Your Business.
At Upstart Cyber, we firmly believe that user security awareness is one of the most important aspects of cybersecurity. After all, the best way to protect your organization from cyberattacks is to make sure your users are aware of the risks and know how to defend themselves.
Our security engineers provide users with continual stimulation and cybersecurity training to grasp the latest attack strategies, spot minor indicators and assist in averting email fraud, data loss, and brand damage.
