Discover the Six Key Benefits of Security Awareness Training
In our highly connected digital landscape, businesses of all sizes are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats as they become more advanced and sophisticated. From phishing to ransomware, cybercriminals are constantly evolving their attack strategies to exploit unidentified vulnerabilities in your network security.
To mitigate these risks, businesses should not only implement robust cyber security measures but also involve their employees to proactively combat cyber threats. Human error is a leading cause of data breaches, meaning Security Awareness Training has become essential in managing the human risk factor. It’s also a crucial tool for protecting critical data, safeguarding your reputation, and securing your bottom line.
Below we explore how establishing an ongoing Security Awareness Training programme can empower your employees to serve as a final line of defence against advanced cyber threats.
Did You Know
95% of cyber security breaches are caused by human error.*
89% of businesses have experienced a phishing attack.**
60% of businesses fail 6 months after a cyber attack.***
What is Security Awareness Training?
Security Awareness Training helps educate employees to spot, understand and avoid potential cyber and social engineering threats. Depending on the platform, training can be delivered in many forms including short informative videos, simulated email phishing tests or online quizzes. Deploying frequent cyber security training using bite sized lessons means users are better prepared on how to deal with potential cyber threats. This approach gives users a holistic skill set and learning experience, enabling them to safely manage data and navigate online activities, thereby reducing your vulnerability to cyberattacks.
What are the Benefits of Security Awareness Training?
Training shouldn’t be a tick box exercise, it should be considered a vital component of your organisation’s strategy to secure your data and networks. Investing in a comprehensive security awareness program offers significant benefits. Here are the six key benefits:
> Helps Prevent Cyberattacks and Data Breaches
Providing Security Awareness Training helps employees to identify and respond appropriately to threats like phishing emails, suspicious links, and social engineering attempts. Having a workforce who can spot the red flags of the latest security threats can be the difference between preventing a costly data breach or falling victim to a devastating cyberattack. A well-trained and informed workforce is your last line in defence against your sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.
> Enhances Risk Management and Compliance
The risk management of your business is greatly improved when your team can proactively identify and address potential security vulnerabilities. Investing in Security Awareness Training ensures that your employees are up to speed with industry regulations such as The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance and Accountability Act (HIPPA), and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). Providing regular training means your business is compliant with the latest laws, helping to avoid large fines and legal repercussions.
> Creates a Culture of Security
Security Awareness Training plays an important role in creating a positive culture of security within your business. Cyber security awareness becomes second nature to employees that receive regular training. With the same collective mindset and commitment to your organisation, staff are more likely to take extra care in following policies and reporting issues quickly.
> Reduces Financial Loss
Being hit by a cyberattack can be a costly experience both in financial terms and reputational damage. According to a study by IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.88 million. This sum incorporates costs that include recovery of data, legal fees, lost revenue, and reputational damage. The expense of implementing Security Awareness Training is a wise investment when weighed against the cost of a successful cyberbreach!
> Improves Incident Response and Crisis Management
Having a team that understands the importance of security policies and how they should respond to potential cyber threats will make your business more resilient. Investing in Security Awareness Training will help employees to spot the first signs of a security breach, enabling them to act quickly and with composure, helping to minimise damage and reduce down-time.
> Builds Trust with Customers and Partners
A successful security breach can destroy the trust you have built with your customers. Enrolling your employees on a comprehensive Security Awareness Training program will demonstrate your commitment to data security, both to your customers and partners. This level of trust can differentiate your organisation from your competitors and will further develop the long-term loyalty of your business relationships.
Empower Your Users to be a Last Line of Defence Against Cyber Threats
Security Awareness Training is no longer a luxury consideration for businesses, it’s an essential choice. Providing employees with the crucial knowledge and skills to spot potential cyber risks allows you to create a safer work environment, reducing the risk of cyber attacks that could destroy your business’s reputation and financial stability.
The benefits of training speak for themselves. From preventing data breaches to ensuring regulation compliance, it’s a proactive investment that’s hard to ignore.
Croft now offers innovative Security Awareness Training that can be personalised for each user depending on their role within your business. This modern platform continually educates your users, helping to strengthen your security culture.
Discover more on how we can support you to create a more secure workplace by contacting us to book a meeting.
