Regular cyber security training is vital for everyone, no matter the role you play or the industry where you work.
Cyber Security threats are growing and evolving faster than ever. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), a single breach can have devastating consequences—not just financially but also in terms of reputation and customer trust. Approximately 60% of SMBs close in the six months following a breach.
What security training do you take? How often do you refresh them? Why do you have to take these trainings at all?
Phishing Training and Simulations
Phishing training educates you about the various forms of these attacks, including email, SMS, and social engineering. It teaches how to recognize suspicious messages and avoid falling victim to these traps.
Phishing is one of the most common ways criminals access sensitive information. By participating in regular phishing training, employees learn to identify potential threats, reducing the risk of data breaches. Studies show that well-trained employees are significantly less likely to click on malicious links or provide personal information to scammers.
To properly ward off the latest and worst phishing tactics, your workplace might send you fake emails or messages that mimic real-world phishing attempts. The goal is to see how many people recognize and report the simulation versus how many fall for it and click on links or provide sensitive information. Based on those results, organizations can provide targeted cyber security training to employees who struggled with the simulation, reinforcing best practices for recognizing and avoiding phishing attacks.
Cyber Security Training Awareness Training
You should take an updated Security Awareness Training course every year. These cover a broad range of topics, from password management and secure browsing practices to the importance of keeping software up to date and recognizing insider threats. We must retake them each year because the digital threat landscape changes so rapidly; in fact, it’s important to stay updated on cybersecurity news and best practices weekly and even daily because new threats and defenses are invented every day.
Employees like YOU are the first line of defense against cyber threats. When you understand the importance of your actions—like creating strong passwords or being cautious about the websites you visit—you become proactive in protecting the organization. This annual training thereby fosters a culture of security awareness, where everyone feels responsible for safeguarding company data.
Role-Based Cyber Security Training
You may need to attend sessions that tailor cybersecurity education to the specific needs of different job functions within your organization or industry. For example, IT staff might receive advanced training on system vulnerabilities, while HR personnel learn about protecting sensitive employee information.
Why does this matter? Not all employees face the same risks. By providing tailored training, organizations can ensure that each team member understands the unique threats relevant to their job position. This targeted approach increases the effectiveness of training, enabling you to respond appropriately to specific scenarios that you might encounter.
CMMC Training
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) training prepares organizations—particularly those in the defense supply chain—to comply with the U.S. Department of Defense’s cybersecurity requirements. This training focuses on the processes and practices necessary to protect sensitive information.
For SMBs that work with government contracts, CMMC compliance is not just a checkbox; it’s a requirement. This certification also signifies to consumers that they’re equipped with government-grade security defenses.
Proper training helps employees understand the significance of cybersecurity protocols and ensures that the organization meets compliance standards. Beyond compliance, it fosters trust with clients and partners by demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity.
Regular cybersecurity training is essential for protecting your business and its data. Security awareness can reduce your risk of a breach by up to 70%!
The training mentioned here—phishing training, security awareness, role-based education, and CMMC compliance—are just a few examples of the many options available. By empowering your employees to become informed defenders against cyber threats, you foster a company-wide commitment to cybersecurity.
Remember, cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of the IT department—it’s a company-wide commitment. By prioritizing training, you’re taking a crucial step toward safeguarding your organization and building a resilient cybersecurity culture.
Together, we can create a safer digital environment for your business.
At Commonwealth Sentinel, we can evaluate your existing IT security and work with your team to improve it. We can also provide a complete array of services. At Commonwealth Sentinel, we stay focused on cyber security so you can focus on other things. Contact us today or sign up for a free consultation.
At Commonwealth Sentinel, we stay focused on cyber security so you can focus on other things.