Cyber Safe and Sound: IT Support Company Training
Defending Against Password Pirates
Imagine a single click on a malicious link compromising an entire company’s sensitive data. This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario—it’s a reality many businesses face daily. In fact, according to “Cybersecurity Stats: Facts And Figures You Should Know”, 90% of data breaches are caused by human error, and the average cost of a data breach in 2022 was a staggering $4.35 million. Businesses that never once considered cyber security insurance are now implementing policies out of necessity. 58% of medium businesses, 66% of large businesses and 47% of high-income charities have a formal cyber security strategy in place.
IT Support Company: A Crucial Component
The tools used to detect and prevent a security compromise have grown exponentially, both in scale and quality over the last several years. Anti-virus programs, firewalls, email filtering are all essential tools in the fight against cyber criminals. However it’s important to note that while these tools can help keep your organization safe, the first and best line of defense is a human component: the employee. An IT support company can provide crucial guidance in setting up these defenses, but employee training remains indispensable in protecting your network infrastructure and all digital assets.
Too often we think that we have the right software in place, or the latest hardware installed. We assume these protect us from failure or attack. It isn’t always the cybercriminal lurking ‘out there’ that is the greatest threat to your business. By investing in comprehensive cybersecurity training and collaborating with a reputable IT support and services provider, organizations can empower their employees to safeguard not only company data but also their reputation and financial stability. Let’s delve into why cybersecurity training is not just a necessity but a critical investment for every modern workplace.
“Uh, Is This Spam?”
Most who are well versed in the field of IT support and services hear this phrase more often than any of us care to admit. It’s second nature for us to review suspicious emails in question and react; ranging from the eye-rolling “no, you didn’t win a new car. Don’t pay $500 for shipping.” to the alarming “did you click on this link?!” When trained in the subtle art of spotting scams, employees can quickly identify potential threats. With the right education, your employees can identify a nefarious email in less than a minute. That minute can mean saving your business from a very expensive mistake.
So, where to start? Most experts recommend a baseline employee cybersecurity assessment for all employees. This is typically a multi part quiz designed to test an individual’s knowledge of basic digital safety, from social networking to password hygiene. An IT support company can assist in creating and administering these assessments, helping businesses pinpoint cybersecurity strengths and weaknesses and determine where additional training may be needed. Knowing where to start begins with knowing who to start with.
With a clear view of where each employee stands, businesses can develop and implement training initiatives that are tailored to address areas of opportunity. For example, if most employees lack knowledge about how to create a secure password, you can focus on implementing a strong password security policy. This proactive approach can mitigate cyber incidents and minimize potential damage to the business.
Keeping on Course
Once you’ve established a baseline for your business and implemented training initiatives, it’s essential to keep an eye on employees’ progress. Tracking trends and identifying persistent weaknesses can help you cater this training, so its value increases the longer it’s applied. The ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape makes it so that what you knew six months ago may not be true six months later. Compliance and regulatory requirements also change to keep up with current threats; with many industries being subject to compliance and regulatory frameworks that require businesses to implement adequate cybersecurity measures.
According to “HIPAA Explained”, an article in The HIPAA Journal, for example, healthcare institutions are subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Their primary objectives focus on provisions related to privacy, security, and breach notification rules. These regulations protect sensitive patient health information and set national standards for its safeguarding. HIPAA changes periodically, and while the exact frequency is not specified, industry best practice recommend annual refresher training for healthcare employees to ensure ongoing compliance. Partnering with an IT support company can help keep your training up to date and ensure you meet compliance requirements.
Complacency is the enemy of success. Ongoing training helps educate employees about the latest threats, techniques, and standard operating procedures. This empowers them to identify and respond to potential risks effectively. Doing this can set your organization apart in the market as reliable and secure partners.