The Human behind Cyber: how cyber awareness training can make your business more secure.

Cyber Security is one of those topics that never cease to spark debate, especially when it comes to concerns on how to address it. While many people understand the challenges of Cyber Security, equally many are blissfully unaware.

To help people's understanding of this subject, a blog on Cyber Awareness for World BackUp Day seemed a great idea!

Working in technology, I always try to find smarter, more efficient ways of doing things.

So, I turned to AI to help me craft this blog. Here’s what OpenAI ChatGPT came up with when asked about Cyber Security:

“In today’s digital age, Cyber Security has become a crucial aspect of our lives.

With the rise of online activities, Cyber Criminals have also increased their efforts to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the significance of cyber security and the measures you can take to protect yourself.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. It involves a combination of technologies, processes, and policies that work together to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital information.

Why is Cyber Security important?

Cyber security is critical because it protects sensitive information such as personal data, financial records, and confidential business information from falling into the wrong hands.

The consequences of a cyber-attack can be severe, ranging from financial losses to reputational damage and legal liabilities.

Cybercriminals can use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities that can harm individuals and organisations alike.”

How to stay safe online?

Here are some best practices to help you stay safe online:

1. Use Strong Passwords – Always use strong passwords that are unique and difficult to guess. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.

2. Keep Your Software Up to Date – Keep your software up to date to prevent vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

3. Be Cautious of Suspicious Emails – Be wary of suspicious emails, especially those asking for personal or sensitive information. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.

4. Use Two-Factor Authentication – Use two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) – Use a VPN to encrypt your online activity and protect your privacy while browsing the internet.

6. Use Antivirus Software – Install antivirus software on your devices to detect and remove malware that can compromise your security.

7. Back Up Your Data – Regularly back up your data to protect against data loss due to malware or hardware failure.”

8. And last but not least – Train your employees, all of them, on best Cyber Safety practices.

Why should you train your people on Cyber Security?

Your employees will always be your first line of defence against Cyber Attacks.

While having the right software protection and security measures in place are the right things to do, your businesses will always be as safe as the weakest link amongst your employees.

Cyber security is an essential aspect of our lives that we cannot afford to ignore. While best practices might seem straightforward, creating cyber awareness amongst your team takes time and ongoing training, as cyber criminals find new exploitation approaches every day.

AI is another tool used to exploit businesses into falling victims of cyber-attacks: it’s been used to trick the Google reCAPTCHA function when completing an online form and is also used to create those lovely (not so much!) phishing emails we all receive letting us know a long-lost relative has left us $2.67B!

According to IBM data*, more than 80% of Cyber Attacks are made possible, to some extent, by human error.

 Remember, prevention is better than cure, and taking proactive measures to secure your digital life can save you from potential losses and damages.

This is why a cyber-aware workforce and continuous and role-specific training on cyber awareness, can make a difference to your business protection.

Working with a training provider to identify the best Security Awareness Training for your employees, will help:

1. Make your Security defence more robust.

2. Give your customers the confidence that their data is safe. 

3. Ensure you align with regulation requirements on compliance.

4. Improve your employee well-being: Cyber awareness will make them safer at work and in their personal lives too.

So, on World Backup Day, let’s all stay safe and Cyber Aware!

#cybersecurity #cybertraining #worldbackupday

This article has been written by Alan Shacklock, Head of Digital Development at The Motivation Agency.

*Sources:

https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach

https://www.ibm.com/reports/threat-intelligence

**The Motivation Agency and The Motivation Agency Online are Cyber Essential Certified.