October 12. Training: Empowering your human firewall
Technology alone will not fully protect an organisation; people are often considered the weakest link or biggest vulnerability in the security chain, but they can also be the strongest. Cyber security training is not just an option, but an absolute necessity.
Regular cyber security training is essential for everyone, from employees to family members. It equips individuals with the knowledge to recognise threats like phishing, understand safe browsing habits and follow security procedures and protocols. Effective training should involve real-world examples, be engaging and repeated regularly to reinforce key messages.
Investing in cost-effective cyber security training is one of the best investments you can make.
Effective training goes beyond simply telling people what not to do. It aims to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to:
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Recognise Threats: Help them identify common attack vectors like phishing emails, smishing texts, vishing calls, and malicious websites. Training often includes simulated phishing exercises to build practical recognition skills.
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Understand Risks: Explain the potential consequences of security lapses, both for individuals (identity theft, financial loss) and for organisations (data breaches, financial penalties, reputational damage).
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Follow Best Practices: Educate on secure habits, such as using strong passwords, enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), securely handling sensitive data, and using secure Wi-Fi.
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Report Incidents: Clearly define the process for reporting suspicious emails, unusual system behaviour, or potential security incidents, fostering a culture of proactive reporting.
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Comply with Policies: Ensure employees understand and adhere to the organisation's cybersecurity policies and procedures.
Key elements of effective training:
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Regular and Ongoing: Cybersecurity threats evolve constantly, so training shouldn't be a one-off event. Regular refreshers keep knowledge current.
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Engaging and Relevant: Use real-world examples, interactive modules, and relatable scenarios. Generic, boring training is ineffective.
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Tailored to Roles: Different roles have different risks. Tailor training to address specific responsibilities and access levels.
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Reinforcement: Use awareness campaigns, posters, newsletters, and regular communication to reinforce key messages.
Investing in robust and continuous cybersecurity training transforms your human workforce from a potential vulnerability into a formidable line of defence, significantly strengthening your overall security posture.
All staff should regularly do data protection training, and cyber security awareness. If you are a school or multi academy trust, the DfE says you must train anyone that has access to your network annually. However, this is good practice for any organisation. Review the DfE Digital Standards to understand more about how to train your staff.
💡Today's Cyber Tip: Raise cyber security awareness today!
Raise cyber security awareness in your organisation today by putting up some posters today. We have some free ones you can download: https://harrythehacker.co.uk/
Alternatively review the NCSC
Consider including a phishing campaign as a part of that training exercise.
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Watch our free micro learning video about why training your staff is so important:
DPE Knowledge Bank Guidance and Support:
For schools and colleges, six of the DfE Digital Standards are now mandatory. We have a DfE Digital Standards Tracker tool help you track your cyber resilience and your progress:
Review our Cyber Security Best Practice Area for micro learning, support, guidance and policies:
Why not have a look at our 'specialist' trainer Harry the Hacker :
