Why cybersecurity training is essential for every business

Despite the significant rise in cybersecurity spending over the past few years, data breaches and cyberattacks are only getting more complex and costly. In fact, according to IBM, 2021 had the highest average cybersecurity cost in 17 years.?

While most people believe that investing heavily in technology alone minimizes the chances of falling victim to cyberattacks, that's not the case. Debunking this myth, a Boston Consulting Group study found that 23% of security breaches are as a result of inadequate cybersecurity technology, while 77% are as a result of human error.?

That said, with the rapid rise of remote work, businesses have become more susceptible to cyberattacks, given that threat actors are targeting the remote workforce. Factor in the increasing cases of phishing scams, remote hacking, and insecure data storage, and the state of cybersecurity looks even more grim. In spite of all the above, cybersecurity training is often overlooked.

This post will discuss why cybersecurity training is important, and the strategies business leaders (CISOs, CIOs, CTOs, CEOs) can use to create an effective cybersecurity training program.?

Importance of cybersecurity training?

Training business team members to adhere to cybersecurity best practices and to be alert for scams can be challenging. Even so, it's essential. Here's why:?

1. It helps prevent data breach?

A data breach can be costly, and it's the last thing any business needs. According to the IBM Security Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021, the average cost of a data breach is $4.24 million. Besides the financial costs, it can tarnish a business's reputation. Training team members to identify and eradicate any form of social engineering, phishing, and other forms of cyber threats can help secure data.?

2. It ensures regulatory compliance?

Businesses in certain industries are required to implement cybersecurity training by regulators. Industries that handle financial information, personally identifiable information (PII), or personal health information (PHI) are required to comply with data protection regulations. To meet and comply with these regulations, most businesses establish robust cybersecurity measures.?

Cybersecurity awareness training is another mandatory compliance regulation in some industries. For instance, PCI DSS mandates team member security training as one of its requirements for the protection of consumer data. Depending on the sector in which a business operates, team member training on cybersecurity best practices may be part of the compliance requirements.?

3. It builds customer trust?

As we mentioned earlier, reputational damage is one of the consequences of data breaches. Customers expect businesses to protect their data and lose trust in a business that can't do this. According to a recent study, 81% of consumers stop engaging with a brand following a data breach. What's more, data breach also impacts customer satisfaction and retention.?

When team members are trained on cybersecurity best practices, businesses can mitigate cyber threats before they cause damage. In case of a data breach, cybersecurity-informed team members are better placed to contain the attack. This helps strengthen business-customer relationships.?

4. It improves firewall defenses?

Cybersecurity awareness training helps create a human firewall (a concept where team members are committed to following best practices to prevent data breaches). Just like with a regular firewall, cybersecurity-informed team members can help businesses mitigate threats. Such team members can also serve as a makeshift response team to contain data breach events.?

5. It ensures that businesses keep up with the ever-changing cybersecurity threat landscape?

Cybercriminals and hackers continue to come up with new ways of gaining unauthorized access to systems. Frequent cybersecurity training can keep team members updated on the latest control measures as well as the latest threats and vulnerabilities to guard against.?

The above benefits are some of the reasons why businesses should create and offer effective cybersecurity training programs. So how can businesses achieve that? That's what is covered next.?

How to create a cybersecurity training program for team members?

Creating a cybersecurity training program needs to be carefully thought out and planned. The training should address the current security concerns and make team members cautious and alert so that they can identify threats and prevent data breach events. Irrespective of the size of the business (startup, small-medium business, or a large enterprise), here is a strawman blueprint that can help businesses create an effective cybersecurity training program.

1. Define the preliminary scope of the program?

The scope of the training program will depend on the number of team members, their level of cybersecurity awareness, the time frames, and the available budgets. It may be good for businesses to create a cybersecurity program that constitutes two or more levels. Here are some levels to include:?

• Basic level: This level is ideal for startups and team members who use IT systems daily but have limited experience or knowledge. The training scope should explain various types of scams and how to spot them, the importance of strong passwords, why password rotation is vital, and reasons for conducting regular patches.?
• Leadership and Managerial level: Go beyond the basic things (101 training). The training at this level should be tailored to assist executives who oversee teams to address any team member security questions and concerns. Managers should be able to work with IT teams to address security concerns.?
• IT and Support staff level: IT personnel need a deep dive into cybersecurity training, given that they'll be tasked with helping other team members resolve security issues. IT staff should be trained on ways of detecting and mitigating various threats and how to utilize security tools like penetration testing, vulnerability scanners, and network mapping and monitoring tools.?

2. Engage stakeholders and create a core team?

Getting approval and support from the leadership is crucial for the success of a cybersecurity training program. It also validates why it's necessary. By getting the support of different business unit leaders for cybersecurity training, one will have an easier time having the budget approved, as well as earmarking team member time and resources. Ensure that the core team includes representatives from every department.?

3. Build a workable program with measurable and definable goals?

Once the training aspects have been defined, the next steps will be to prepare materials, decide on the time frame, and establish training metrics to use in measuring success.??

The training programs can be prepared in different formats, including presentations, videos, quizzes, daily tips, podcasts, and posters. Strive to keep the training materials informative, engaging, and easy to digest.?

4. Implement, measure, and optimize?

Implement the program in a phased manner to enhance comprehensibility. Start with the basic topics and then gradually move on to advanced topics as team members seek more cybersecurity information.??

Ensure that the program is implemented in an engaging manner. This can be done by conducting poster competitions or quizzes, rewarding team members who show good cybersecurity hygiene and designating security champions. It is also recommended that businesses periodically send cybersecurity newsletters that cover the latest cybersecurity trends and send daily or weekly email or instant messaging tips to their team members.?

Assess how successful the training program is by using metrics such as team member behavior toward security aspects with respect to identity and data protection, simulated phishing email click-through rates, and the percent increase or decrease in security incidents reported. Seek feedback from team members and other key business stakeholders to optimize the training program.?

Who coordinates cybersecurity training?

The chief information security officer (CISO) is usually in-charge of organizing cybersecurity training programs. Every business may have to create their own cybersecurity training program. CISOs usually work with the chief technology officer (CTO) and chief information officer (CIO) if they exist, to develop and implement information security programs, policies and training that fits the business. In startup businesses, which may not have a dedicated CISO, the CTO and the CEO usually need to take up the responsibility of setting up the cybersecurity program.

Resources for cybersecurity training

Businesses can leverage a variety of online resources for crafting cybersecurity policies and training in no time. Listing a few, in no order of preference below.?

• CISA – Cybersecurity Training & Exercises https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-training-exercises
• NICCS – Federal Virtual Training Environment https://niccs.cisa.gov/training/federal-virtual-training-environment-fedvte ?
• SANS Cyber Aces https://www.sans.org/cyberaces/
• Cybrary free training https://www.cybrary.it/catalog/
• CIS Cybermarket SANS training https://www.cisecurity.org/services/cis-cybermarket/training
• Living Security Training https://www.livingsecurity.com/
• Proofpoint Security Awareness Training https://www.proofpoint.com/us/products/security-awareness-training
• Inspired eLearning Security Awareness Training https://inspiredelearning.com/security-awareness/
• Compliance Forge professionally written and editable cybersecurity policies, standards et al https://www.complianceforge.com

Wrapping up?

Traditionally, it's recommended that businesses conduct cybersecurity training at least once every year. Even so, it's advisable to have an ongoing cybersecurity training program, given how rapidly the cyber threat landscape is changing especially in a post COVID remote work world.?

In addition to cybersecurity training programs, it is recommended that businesses identify additional security solutions that can help team members improve their cybersecurity hygiene as well as implement zero trust. These include solutions such as password managers, endpoint security, VPNs (virtual private networks), single sign on (SSO), identity access management (IAM), multi-factor authentication (MFA) and identity governance & administration (IGA). The following posts give an overview of some of these additional solutions.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/cybersecurity-post-covid-remote-work-world-subbu-rama/

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/zero-trust-organizations-subbu-rama/

These in combination with a strong cybersecurity training program can keep businesses safe and sound today.