Over the last month, there have been more news headlines about cyber security, as some of the UK’s largest retailers have fallen victim to hackers. Although these were very large companies (including the Co-Op and Marks & Spencer), businesses of all sizes are potential targets.
We don’t know the full details of those particular attacks but it has been publicised that they started with socially engineering members of staff to act on the attackers behalf.
One of the biggest IT security risks is the people working within an organisation. The inadvertent click on a dodgy link or attachment, or the giving away of login credentials, is often the way that a hacker gains access. This can put your data and your money at risk!
Cyber security is the responsibility of everyone in an organisation and it is crucial that everyone is vigilant and knows what they should be looking out for.
Many businesses provide their people with a cyber security training course – often as part of an induction programme when they first join the organisation. However, initial training alone is not enough. The most effective training, which is more likely to “stick” with people, is done through an ongoing programme.
Why cyber security training needs to be an ongoing process
- A one-off training course can be forgotten over time.
- Repeated exposure to training material builds habits that become second nature, strengthening security across the board.
- Cyber security threats aren’t static – they change and become more sophisticated. Cyber criminals constantly adapt their methods, from phishing scams to ransomware tactics. Without regular reinforcement, employees may fail to recognise emerging threats.
How to keep cyber security training engaging
The most effective cybersecurity programs keep employees engaged, interested, and active in their learning. Here are some strategies to help keep the focus on cyber security awareness.
- Interactive training sessions: Use interactive, hands-on training sessions which might include phishing simulations, quizzes, or problem-solving.
- Publish results in a league table, showing how many courses each person has completed. Consider rewards for correctly identifying threats or completing cybersecurity quizzes, helping make learning memorable.
- Regular threat awareness updates: Send out regular updates on current cyber threats and scams making headlines. This keeps cyber security relevant, reminding employees that threats are real and evolving.
- Monthly security check-ins: Conduct brief monthly check-ins or training refreshers that focus on specific areas, such as secure password management or safe browsing habits. These bite-sized sessions reinforce knowledge without overwhelming people.
- Encourage team challenges: Create team-based cyber security challenges where employees work together to identify simulated threats. As well as promoting teamwork, this reinforces security concepts in a practical and memorable way.
For details of appropriate training courses for your team, please call us or enter your contact details here and we will contact you.