CDEXOS Overview: Employees play a crucial role in maintaining the security of an organization’s data and systems. They need to be aware of the latest cyber threats and know how to prevent them. However, many organizations struggle to provide their employees with the necessary cybersecurity training. In this article, we will explore three effective actions organizations can take to train their employees in cybersecurity awareness…Enjoy!

3 Steps to Cybersecurity Savvy Employees

According to a recent study, the average cost of a data breach in 2022 is $4.35 million, a 2.6% rise from the 2021 amount of $4.24 million.

Employees play a critical role in maintaining the security of an organization’s data and systems. They need to be aware of the latest cyber threats and know how to prevent them. However, many organizations struggle to provide their employees with the necessary cybersecurity training. 

Here are the three actions organizations can take to help train more cybersecurity savvy employees:

1. Provide Regular Cybersecurity Awareness Training

One of the most effective ways to train employees on cybersecurity is to provide regular cybersecurity awareness training. This training should cover the latest cyber threats and best practices for avoiding them. It should be interactive, engaging, and include hands-on exercises.

Organizations can choose to deliver this training in-person or online. In-person training is more effective as it allows employees to ask questions and interact with trainers. Online training is more convenient, and employees can complete it at their own pace.

Some organizations choose to provide annual or bi-annual cybersecurity awareness training, while others choose to provide more frequent training. The frequency of the training will depend on the nature of the organization’s operations and the level of risk it faces from cyber threats.

2. Incorporate Cybersecurity into Employee Onboarding Process

Employees who are new to an organization are often unaware of the cyber threats they may face. Incorporating cybersecurity training into the employee onboarding process can help ensure that all employees are aware of the cyber risks they may face.

Organizations can use a combination of in-person and online training to provide new employees with the necessary cybersecurity training. It is also important to provide new employees with a cybersecurity policy and guidelines to follow.

During the onboarding process, new employees should be introduced to the organization’s cybersecurity policy, which should outline the measures that employees are expected to follow in order to maintain the security of the organization’s data and systems. The policy should be clear and concise, and it should explain the consequences of not following the policy.

In addition to the cybersecurity policy, new employees should also be given training on the organization’s specific cybersecurity procedures. This might include training on how to handle sensitive information, how to identify and report cyber threats, and how to use the organization’s security systems and software.

Incorporating cybersecurity into the employee onboarding process also helps organizations to establish a culture of cybersecurity awareness from day one. By making cybersecurity a priority from the start, organizations can create a work environment in which employees understand the importance of cybersecurity and are equipped to protect against cyber threats.

3. Make Cybersecurity a Part of Employee Performance Evaluations

Making cybersecurity a part of employee performance evaluations can help ensure that employees take it seriously. Organizations can use this as an opportunity to assess employee understanding of cybersecurity and provide additional training if necessary.

Employees who understand the importance of cybersecurity are more likely to take it seriously and follow best practices. Regular performance evaluations can also help organizations identify employees who may be at a higher risk of falling for phishing scams or other cyber threats. Employees should be evaluated on their adherence to the organization’s cybersecurity policies and procedures. This might include assessments of their knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, their ability to identify and report cyber threats, and their overall behavior when it comes to protecting the organization’s data and systems.

In addition to evaluating employees on their adherence to the organization’s cybersecurity policies, performance evaluations should also provide opportunities for employees to receive feedback on their performance and receive additional training where necessary. This can help employees to continue to develop their cybersecurity skills and become more cyber-savvy over time.

Making cybersecurity a part of employee performance evaluations also sends a clear message to employees that the organization values cybersecurity and considers it an important aspect of their work. This can help to reinforce the importance of cybersecurity and create a culture of cybersecurity awareness within the organization.

CDEXOS Summary

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for organizations and employees need to be aware of the latest cyber threats and best practices for avoiding them. By providing regular cybersecurity awareness training, incorporating it into the employee onboarding process, and making it a part of employee performance evaluations, organizations can help train more cybersecurity savvy employees. Organizations that prioritize cybersecurity and invest in employee training will be better prepared to protect their data and systems from cyber threats. With more and more cyber-attacks occurring each year, it is crucial that organizations take action now to ensure the safety of their data and systems.

Let CDEXOS provide you with a complementary Cybersecurity Assessment by completing our request form today!

Sam Palazzolo, Founder/CEO