Employee mistakes with technology have been found to be one of the most common ways in which cyberattacks can occur. John Shackleton, Head of European Systems & Support Services at Sharp, looks at how protecting your business, and your staff, with regular security awareness training from Sharp can reduce the risk of cyber exploitation.
The threat of cyber-attack for businesses of all sizes is increasing, evolving, and becoming more sophisticated every day. In 2023, the European Digital SME Alliance reported a 57% increase in cyber-attacks across Europe, with an especially notable increase in ransomware attacks. It is not just ransomware that is an issue, as from advanced malware incidents through to phishing and other social engineering attacks, cybercriminals are becoming ever more adept at exploiting vulnerabilities in business software and systems. Sharp’s own research found that 36% of respondents said IT security was one of their biggest challenges for the next 12 months.
Secure systems and networks are only one part of the security equation as even the most advanced security solutions can be rendered ineffective if an organisation's greatest vulnerability – its employees – are unprepared. Research reports have found a large percentage of security breaches (Tessian research placed it at 88%, while IBM believes the number to be closer to 95%) are the result of employee action, whether by social engineering, weak passwords, or simply through human error. A single lapse in judgment, or moment of carelessness, can have devastating consequences, exposing not only an SME’s sensitive data and intellectual property, but also risking financial and reputational damage.
Fortunately, organisations across Europe are becoming increasingly conscious of the need to use an integrated approach to safeguarding their assets and business properties from cyberattack. One such way is through a security awareness training program, which educates employees on the latest threats, best practices for cybersecurity, and how to identify and respond to potential attacks.
The Need for Continuous Training
Cybersecurity threats are not static; they evolve and adapt to avoid the latest defences. As such, it's crucial for organisations to adopt a proactive approach to security awareness training, ensuring that employees are continuously educated and prepared to face emerging threats.
That is why we introduced Sharp Security Awareness Training as we understand that an SME’s digital defence is only as strong as its employees’ knowledge. Using a cloud-based training platform, businesses can bolster cybersecurity awareness and minimise the risk of successful attacks. With it, employees will find it easier to identify phishing emails, attack simulations, and avoid clicking on potentially hazardous social engineering links.
Cyber-security training for employees is nothing new. However, many take the form of annual updates and refresher courses that have often been criticised for being time consuming and complicated. We believe that more regular, ongoing training is essential to keeping security at the forefront of employees' minds and to address new threats as they arise.
To make training ongoing and more a part of an everyday routine Sharp Security Awareness Training uses a micro-training approach without sacrificing productivity. Such bite-sized training modules that can be completed in a matter of minutes and offer a solution that minimises disruption to work while keeping employees engaged and reinforcing their knowledge.
How Sharp Security Awareness Training can Help Your Business
Sharp Security Awareness Training does not end there, our service includes simulated phishing and social engineering attacks, tailored to the user and organisation that they work in, to continually test the users’ understanding and training effectiveness. Such ongoing training can allow organisations to gauge the effectiveness of their training programs and identify areas for improvement.
By continuously measuring training completion rates and assessing individual performance, organisations can fine-tune their training strategies and ensure that employees are prepared to defend against cyber threats.
As with many other areas of business, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is helping transform the way training content is delivered, making it more direct, engaging, and shaped for the individual. No longer do employees need to sit through a one-size-fits-all session when AI-powered training can analyse an individual's learning patterns, behaviour, and areas of weakness, tailoring the content and delivery method to maximise knowledge retention and engagement.
Ultimately, the success of any security awareness training program relies on empowering employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and respond to potential threats. By prioritising security awareness training, organisations not only protect their sensitive data and intellectual property but also create a workforce that has the tools, knowledge and means to identify and defend against cyberattacks before they can cause significant damage.
To find out more about the Sharp Security Awareness Training and how we can help your business transform its greatest vulnerability into their greatest asset, CONTACT US.
