A recent study conducted by Fortinet has revealed that the growing sophistication of cybercriminal tactics is putting organizations at higher risk of being breached than ever before. According to the research, ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operations are becoming increasingly sophisticated, while unique exploits, malware variants, and botnet activity are on the rise. This surge in cyberattack tactics has resulted in a significant impact on businesses worldwide, with the study finding that 84% of organizations experienced at least one breach in the past year.
To combat these threats, organizations must implement a comprehensive strategy to detect and prevent cyber incidents. However, one crucial factor in this effort is often overlooked: the role of employees. While a staggering 80% of organizations claim to have security awareness training programs, a majority of them (56%) believe that their employees lack critical knowledge about cybersecurity best practices. This is a significant concern since last year, 74% of breaches involved some form of human error.
Employees can serve as the first line of defense against cyber threats when equipped with the proper knowledge. However, the success of any cybersecurity awareness program largely depends on how it is created and maintained within an organization. These initiatives should not be treated as a “one-off” training exercise but rather as change-management efforts that require buy-in from the highest levels of the enterprise.
One crucial step in implementing a successful cybersecurity awareness program is to articulate the program’s vision and communicate it frequently to employees. The program should not be a static effort but an ongoing part of organizational policy. It is important for learners to understand the objectives and importance of the program, making them active participants in the change rather than passive recipients of yet another mandated training program. This vision should be shared by the security team and other leaders within the organization.
Another critical aspect of creating an effective cybersecurity awareness program is designing it to meet the unique needs of the organization. There is no “one size fits all” approach to security awareness training. The content covered should be relevant to the organization’s specific industry and address the current threat landscape. It should also consider the different groups within the organization and provide customized modules for each group to better understand their role in protecting the business. Long-term engagement is also crucial, as cybersecurity education requires ongoing effort and should be seen as a change-management endeavor.
Cybersecurity awareness education is more than just a training program; it is a genuine change-management initiative that involves a significant amount of training. Organizations often overlook the importance of offering cybersecurity awareness education to all employees, focusing solely on their security teams and technologies. However, as cybercriminals continue to advance their strategies, it is crucial to provide employees with the knowledge to identify and mitigate potential attacks. By establishing a clear vision and articulating goals, organizations can gain buy-in from peers and executives, build employee trust, and create a successful program that strengthens the organization’s security posture.
Fortinet offers various programs designed to address the cybersecurity skills gap and prepare the workforce of tomorrow. These programs, such as the Training Advancement Agenda (TAA) and Training Institute, provide certifications, academic partnerships, and education outreach to bridge the gap between the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals and the available talent pool.
In conclusion, as cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations need to prioritize cybersecurity awareness education for all employees. By implementing a comprehensive program that articulates the vision, meets the unique needs of the organization, and goes beyond traditional training programs, organizations can empower their employees to be an effective defense against malicious actors.