7 Key Topics To Include In Your Next Employee Security Training

Your employees are your greatest strength. Without them, you wouldn’t have the practice you do today.

Your employees are also one of your biggest risks.

Business today revolves around information. Your network, data, physical assets, and reputation are all at risk when an employee falls victim to a cyberattack. And unfortunately, statistics show that employees have little awareness of their roles in cyber security:

  • 24 percent of workers believe that clicking on suspicious links or attachments carries little risk
  • 31 percent believe allowing family or friends to use work devices carries serious risks
  • 31 percent believe that using a default password represents significant risk
  • 22 percent of healthcare workers can confidently describe the negative impact of cybersecurity risks to senior management

Clearly, there is work to be done to ensure data safety. 

Does this describe your practice? If so, it’s time to build a training program to increase awareness and give your assets greater protection. Educating them on cybersecurity will raise security awareness, reduce human error, avoid data breaches, and become a more secure workforce.

Want some help with what topics to include?

Phishing

Phishing attacks are among the most common methods criminals use to gain access to an organization’s network. They’ve grown quite sophisticated in their tactics as awareness grows. Training should include teaching users how to recognize suspicious behavior to avoid giving away sensitive data.

Malware

Malware is malicious software designed to steal sensitive data, such as credentials or financial information, and use it to access a system for personal gain. It can be delivered in a variety of ways, including emails, websites, texts, and other media.

Passwords

It may come as a surprise, but the most common passwords continue to be things like “123456789” and “password”. Most employees use dozens of online accounts, often with a username that’s their work email address. That makes it pretty easy for a criminal to start guessing. Password security should begin at the top - do you use multi-factor authentication and other methods to increase security? This is also a chance to connect with users and remind them of the importance of password protection.

Mobile security

Today’s world operates from smartphones and tablets. That increases risk of loss and theft as we adjust to being a mobile society. BYOD policies must be reviewed and updated as people move between devices to accomplish their work. Create strong policies that cover the full spectrum, from use to loss or theft, and ensure your employees understand the processes.

Social media

Social media is a powerhouse for people to connect and share. Unfortunately, cybercriminals hang out there too because they can find easy targets. Phishing attacks occur on social media regularly. Cybercriminals can also impersonate trusted brands. Employees publishing the wrong information on social media can leave you vulnerable to an attack. And the possibility of a HIPAA violation.

Updating

Patches and updates seem to be an annoying problem that never goes away. Yet these pesky reminders can be the difference between vulnerability and risk. Remind workers that the best way to stay secure is to update as soon as possible.

Incident reporting

Security training is often heavy on what might go wrong, leaving out essential steps to follow in the event something does. Sometimes accidents happen, and strong guidelines are your best way out. Ensure employees aren’t scared to step forward, and that fast action is always the best course of action.

This is your starting point. There are many other items to include in your security awareness training.

Employees have a crucial role in ensuring your practice stays safe. You may pay the price if you neglect training them on the perils cybercriminals pose to your business.

You can do something about it now. Training is the best protection to stop cybercrime before it begins.

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