The cybersecurity employee training checklist
By 2019, it’s estimated that cybercrime will cost more than $2 trillion and affect businesses across the world. The numbers indicate how serious this issue is. However, what many business owners don’t realize is what their biggest risk actually is.
Effective cybersecurity employee training is an essential step when it comes to protecting your company. After all, a secure business is a protective one.
Creating, planning and executing cybersecurity training can seem daunting; however, with the tips here, it doesn’t have to be.
What employees need to know to protect your data
While cybersecurity employee training is imperative. And the foundation for network security training is simple. You need to make sure your employees fully understand their role in this.
Some of the things employees should know in include:
- They have a responsibility to protect company data.
- Proper document management practices need to be used, along with notification procedures.
- Passwords need to be strong and secure, so they are not easy to guess.
- Ensure employees understand that they are not allowed to install unlicensed software on any of the company’s devices.
- Internet use needs to be restricted to sites that are known to be safe.
How to ensure your employees receive proper cybersecurity training
You almost certainly have anti-virus software, intrusion prevention systems and a strong firewall to protect your network. And even with all of that, isn’t possible to block every single threat out there.
As a result, you have to be able to rely on your employees to keep the network safe.
After all, these are the individuals who are on the front lines. They’re determining whether or not they should download that mysterious email attachment, or click on that oh-so-tempting pop-up ad. One of the best ways to ensure they make the right decision is with quality, cybersecurity employee training.
Provide ongoing cybersecurity training
Cybercriminals and hackers are always looking for new and innovative ways to “trick” even the most experienced users into downloading malware or responding to a malicious email. If you want to ensure your workers don’t fall for these tricks, it’s essential to let them know these threats exist.
Not only do you need initial training when you first hire a new employee, but also ongoing training to ensure that your network is protected from the latest threats out there.
There are some businesses that even send out daily security tips via email to their workforce. Not only is this beneficial in keeping everyone informed, but it helps to keep cybersecurity top of mind.
Make security something personal
When you have employees who aren’t directly involved in your company’s technology efforts, then network security may seem like a foreign concept. However, most of your employees have purchased something from their home computer with a credit card.
You can use this very practical, relatable example to help make your business’s security more personal for your employees. They’re likely careful with their credit card number. They need to be careful with company data, too.
Help them understand that their information is best protected when they follow certain security policies that have been designed to keep the network safe.
Be accessible to employees
Part of cybersecurity training for your employees should include letting them know who to turn to if they experience any type of network security incident, or if there are any questions about cybersecurity. If you don’t have an IT support team on-site, be sure your employees know how to get support and help from your service provider.
Keeping your data safe
If you want to ensure your small business’s network is secure, it starts with proper cybersecurity employee training. Be sure to play your part. Protecting your company’s sensitive information is serious business.
If you need additional help with your cybersecurity employee training, consider reaching out to a security expert. Most managed services providers can help you achieve an optimal level of security and protection.
