5 Topics to Include in Security Awareness Training

NEW YORK, May 19, 2022 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Cyberattacks are ever-evolving, and criminals are becoming savvier with their tactics every day. The best way to combat attempts by cyberattackers trying to compromise your organization's system is by investing in a security awareness training program that works for your team.

A company's network is at risk when an employee falls victim to an attack. Educating employees on best practices for the cybersecurity of your workplace can reduce the chances of human error, help employees avoid data breaches, and promote a security-aware workforce.

1. Phishing

Phishing is a type of cybersecurity threat that involves a cyberattacker fraudulently sending a message to someone that appears to be from a trusted party. This is often done via email, which is why it is one of the most common topics in security awareness training sessions. 

Phishing emails appear to be believable, except they typically include misspellings in the email body or the domain name, a sense of urgency to act on a very common request, or a generally odd email address. 

Security awareness training for phishing mainly involves teaching users how to identify potential phishing schemes. Recognizing these red flags in malicious emails is crucial to educating users on how to avoid the possibility of giving away sensitive data and other critical information. 

2. Malware

Cyberattackers can deploy malicious software known as malware in many different ways. Malware can make its way onto a user's device and potentially onto an organization's network. Malware can spread simply by an employee clicking on a suspicious link which directs users to a phony website. 

It's important for employees to know how to spot and stop various types of malware, such as ransomware, and the best defenses against a potential malware attack.

Since malware can cause an extraordinary amount of damage to any network, it is important to defend your organization with security awareness training.

3. Working Remotely

Remote work poses an increased threat to cybersecurity when no security awareness training on the risks of remote work is provided. Wi-Fi, for example, is widely accessible. However, employees may not realize that weak security connections, such as those offered with public Wi-Fi, are not safe for handling sensitive data. 

The move to remote work has made this one of the more essential topics during security awareness training sessions. Employees should be aware of best practices for working remotely, including the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). 

4. Removable Media

Removable media such as USB drives, external hard drives, and other portable devices can be a risk factor for infecting an organization's network. Therefore, employees should know how quickly such devices can impact security.

Educate employees on what to do if they find a USB drive. They should mainly know not to connect an unknown device to any computer and report the occurrence to someone who can further investigate. 

5. Physical Security

Physical security means protecting secure areas that require privileged access. Ensuring that employees know the proper procedure for their personal desk, visitor policy, and other access management policies is another key way to combat data compromise. Including this in security awareness training helps employees understand the risks associated with leaving unattended documents, computers, and revealed passwords around the office space or home.  

All companies have different security needs based on their specialty. A cybersecurity awareness course that suits your organization's goals is vital to getting the proper training for your staff. 

Source: iQuanti, Inc.