.png)
Cybersecurity threats constantly evolve, and cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attack methods. As a result, companies need to prioritise cybersecurity training for their employees to help protect against these threats. However, one common question we often get asked is, “How often employees should be trained in cybersecurity?”
In today’s IT Soho blog post, we will explore this question and determine the appropriate frequency for your cybersecurity training.
We will also discuss the importance of regular training and provide best practices. By the end of this post, you will better understand how often your employees should be trained in cybersecurity to help safeguard your company's data and reputation.
Understanding the threat landscape
In recent years, the threat landscape for cybersecurity has become increasingly complex and sophisticated. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to breach security defences and gain unauthorised access to sensitive data. This includes methods such as phishing scams, malware, ransomware, and social engineering tactics.
The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be devastating for your company. In addition to the financial costs of remediation and recovery, the damage to your company's reputation can be severe. Customers may lose trust in your company's ability to protect their data, leading to lost business and revenue.
Furthermore, the threat landscape constantly evolves, with new threats emerging regularly. Cybersecurity professionals continually develop new defences and strategies to stay ahead of cybercriminals. For example, here’s what Microsoft is doing about cyber threats in 2023. It means that companies like yours must stay informed and up-to-date on the latest threats and best practices for cybersecurity.
The importance of regular cybersecurity training
One of the key benefits of regular cybersecurity training is that it can help employees stay informed about the latest threats and best practices. This can include training on phishing scams, password security, and data protection.
In addition, regular cybersecurity training can help create a culture of security within your company. When employees understand cybersecurity's importance and role in protecting company data, they are more likely to take protection seriously and follow best practices.
It also prepares employees to respond effectively during a cyberattack. This can involve educating them on incident response procedures, which entail reporting a suspected breach and taking measures to contain and minimise the impact of an attack.
Determining your frequency of training
Determining the appropriate frequency for cybersecurity training will depend on various factors, including;
your company's risk profile
the type of data the company handles
and the level of employee turnover.
One key factor to consider is the company's risk profile. Companies that handle sensitive data or operate in industries with a high risk of cyberattacks may need to provide more frequent training to ensure that employees are adequately prepared. Similarly, companies that have experienced previous breaches may also need to provide more frequent training to help prevent future incidents.
Another factor to consider is the type of data your company handles. For example, a healthcare company may need to provide more frequent training on topics such as data compliance and patient privacy. Similarly, a company that handles financial data may need to provide more frequent training on data encryption and fraud prevention issues.
Finally, the level of employee turnover can also impact the frequency of cybersecurity training. New employees will need to be trained on cybersecurity best practices when onboarded. Ongoing training may be necessary to ensure all employees are up-to-date with the latest information.
It’s also essential to think about employee offboarding so you know how to walk leaving employees through safe transitions that don’t leave you exposed.
In general, cybersecurity experts recommend training each employee at least once a year, with more frequent training for high-risk industries or sensitive data. However, your training frequency should be tailored to your company's needs.
Best practices for effective cybersecurity training
To ensure that cybersecurity training is practical, there are several best practices that companies should follow:
Make training engaging - Effective training should be engaging and interactive. Consider using real-world scenarios or simulations to help employees better understand potential threats and how to respond to them.
Use various training methods - Employees learn differently, so it's essential to use multiple training methods to ensure everyone can understand and retain the information. This can include in-person training, online modules, and interactive workshops.
Tailor training to specific job roles - Different job roles may have different cybersecurity responsibilities, so it's important to tailor training to specific job functions. For example, IT staff may need more technical training on network security, while non-technical employees may need more general training on password security and phishing scams.
Provide ongoing training - Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, so it's essential to provide ongoing training to ensure that employees stay up-to-date with the latest information.
Measure the effectiveness of training - To ensure that training is practical, measuring its impact is crucial. This can include conducting surveys or assessments to evaluate employee knowledge and behaviour before and after training.
By following these best practices, you can ensure that your cybersecurity training is effective.
Your next step in cybersecurity training…
Bringing in experts is always the best advice in this situation. Cybersecurity training is complex and must be tailored to your company's needs. An expert can do this quickly and efficiently, backing up their training with the latest advice and best practices.
IT Soho works in the greater London area across multiple industries. We understand compliance and data protection and always keep ourselves up-to-date with the latest threats and solutions.
If your company needs robust and regular cybersecurity training, contact Eric today!