The Importance of Regular Cybersecurity Awareness Training

The Importance of Regular Cybersecurity Awareness Training 

You've just completed your annual phishing training, and you're feeling confident that your employees are equipped to spot phishing emails. However, 5-6 months later, your company falls victim to a costly ransomware infection due to a phishing link click. You're left wondering why your training didn't stick. 

The problem lies in the frequency of your training. People can't change behaviors if training isn't reinforced, and they can easily forget what they've learned after several months. So, how often is often enough to improve your team's cybersecurity awareness? 

The "Sweet Spot" for Cybersecurity Awareness Training 

Research suggests that training every four months is the "sweet spot" for consistent results in IT security. A study presented at the USENIX SOUPS security conference found that employees who received training every four months were able to accurately identify and avoid phishing emails. However, their scores started to decline after six months. 

Why Regular Training is Crucial 

Regular training is essential to keep employees well-prepared and to develop a cybersecure culture. This culture is one where everyone is aware of the need to protect sensitive data, avoid phishing scams, and keep passwords secure. According to the 2021 Sophos Threat Report, a lack of good security practices is one of the biggest threats to network security. 

Tips for Effective Cybersecurity Training 

To develop a cybersecure culture, you don't need to conduct a long day of cybersecurity training. Instead, mix up the delivery methods to keep employees engaged. Here are some examples: 

• Self-service videos emailed once per month 
• Team-based roundtable discussions 
• Security "Tip of the Week" in company newsletters or messaging channels 
• Training sessions given by an IT professional 
• Simulated phishing tests 
• Cybersecurity posters 
• Celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October 

Key Topics to Cover 

When conducting training, make sure to cover the following key topics: 

• Phishing by Email, Text, and Social Media: Employees must know what phishing looks like to avoid falling for sinister scams. 
• Credential and Password Security: Discuss the need to keep passwords secure and the use of strong passwords. 
• Mobile Device Security: Review security needs for employee devices that access business data and apps. 
• Data Security: Train employees on proper data handling and security procedures to reduce the risk of a data leak or breach. 

Get Help with Cybersecurity Training 

Take training off your plate and train your team with cybersecurity professionals. We can help you with an engaging training program that helps your team change their behaviors to improve cyber hygiene.