No matter the business size, the opportunity for a cyberattack is real. In fact, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are proving to be more vulnerable than large businesses, as 61% of SMBs were targets of cyberattacks in 2021, making it critical for companies to boost their first line of defense through ongoing employee training.

Cybersecurity Basics

Creating a safe and secure cyber environment begins with understanding the basics of cybersecurity. A good place to start is by developing a policy document that clearly outlines the requirements and roles of each team member. This includes basic principles, such as password management, privacy settings and malware protection. It also means defining the education that employees need to properly identify threats and react appropriately when faced with suspicious behavior.

Employee Training

Training is essential to help protect against cyber threats. It’s also a must for companies with cyber liability insurance, as policy documents often mandate employee training requirements that must be substantiated should a company ever experience a breach.

Companies should provide regular and relevant training beginning at onboarding. Staff should know about current and emerging attack trends and email phishing schemes. A solid understanding of cybersecurity basics can help team members better understand their role in defending against threats. Basic topics that should be covered include:

• Email phishing
• Secure passwords
• Safe internet browsing
• Social media
• Software installation & updates

Along with general knowledge, companies should also offer training programs focusing on the specific cybersecurity risks their business may face. Further, it’s beneficial to conduct simulations, such as sending employees a phishing email, to see how they respond to potential threats.

Ongoing Training

Employee education will be an ongoing need as cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field and threats evolve daily. Businesses need to stay ahead of the curve, and more and more companies are accessing cost-effective strategies to keep staff informed. Learning management systems (LMS) offer access to an extensive library of engaging training programs that detail cyber safety policies, best practices and tips on spotting a phishing or malicious email and other potential threats.

An LMS can also ease the training burden while allowing real-time tracking and reporting that provides insights into employee learning progress. Such monitoring will be helpful if a company ever needs to substantiate its training program. It also aids in incentivizing teams to complete security tasks; this creates a culture of attentiveness that is key to creating a secure online environment. In addition, regularly scheduled cybersecurity-focused meetings can help keep the lines of communications open and employees updated on the latest risks and cybersecurity trends.

Businesses, regardless of their size, are vulnerable to numerous cybersecurity threats that can jeopardize their safety and reputation. It’s crucial to have a comprehensive plan that includes providing regular cybersecurity training to employees and equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to defend against these threats. These elements are essential components of a strong cybersecurity framework. Thus, investing in cybersecurity training is no longer a choice but a requirement for companies to succeed and expand in today’s digital world.

Connect with us to learn more about how an LMS can help you administer and track cybersecurity trainings.