One thing is for sure: there is no shortage of cybersecurity threats out there. The real question is, how do you defy them all and come out as a winner from the mess? A simple yet effective method to counter the advent of online dangers is to attend cyber security training that can make a difference.
In the words of most experts, an epidemic of online threats is slowly but surely compromising everyone’s data. From customer information to confidential enterprise data, cybercriminals aren’t sparing anyone.
The recent Facebook and LinkedIn data leaks only contribute to the overall mayhem. Even though it is usually these giants that get the most media attention, we present you a few other major enterprise data leaks that went unnoticed:
- OneClass online learning platform, with data of over a million North American students exposed on an unsecured server.
- BlueKai, owned by US tech giant Oracle, holds one of the largest banks of web tracking data. Billions of records were left exposed on a server without a password.
- Postbank in South Africa was forced to replace more than 12 million bank cards because employees stole an unencrypted master key.
All of this begs the question: Are your data actually safe? Especially if you own, manage or work in a company?
According to credible reports, cybercrime will likely inflict damages totaling USD 6 trillion in 2021 alone. The issue most companies face is a gaping hole in their cyber security training programs. In many cases, a complete lack thereof. Namely, their employees and management consistently fail to attend practical and necessary training.
In the best-case scenario, they go through superficial and dull training sessions that in no way prepare them for the all-present dangers.
Outsourcing or Insourcing
Your managerial team or the everyday employees need not be on the cusp of becoming proficient cybersecurity experts. However, we recommend that they start adopting basic skills to handle critical situations better.
Suppose you are unsure if your internal company structure is mature enough to manage your firm’s cybersecurity and overall systems. In that case, you may want to consider outsourcing. Companies like SCS offer security consulting services that enhance your organization’s peace of mind for good.
On the other hand, you can do a lot by training your staff. For instance, consider creating an environment where everyone is in sync on your cybersecurity procedures and policies.
Top Skills to Obtain at Any Cyber Security Training
Unlike what you may have heard, cyber security training doesn’t strictly entail hard skills. In fact, it also centers around team communication and attention to detail.
Actually, the number one ability to look for in cyber security training is problem-solving skills. If your regular employees or IT department are to excel at their work, they need to find creative ways to address complex information security challenges.
More often than not, these individuals will have to take on existing and emerging digital environments and technologies to get ahead of malicious actors.
Number two on our list of necessary qualities of cyber security trainings is attention to detail. To be able to detect risks and vulnerabilities, your team must be detail-oriented and alert. Furthermore, quick identification of trouble and coming up with real-time security solutions constitutes an invaluable skill.
An inseparable element of this type of training ― and number three on our list ― is technical aptitude. In this line of work, there is no way around maintaining, troubleshooting and updating information security systems. In order to perform the daily duties of cybersecurity professionals, it helps to be technologically savvy.
Pro-tip: Cybersecurity is not restricted to computers only. Those in charge must be comfortable using various computer and operating systems, cloud and wireless networks, and mobile devices.
The last valuable ability one needs to possess to be proficient in this domain is having a basic understanding of hacking. In plain terms, the people in charge will need to explore how your systems can fall prey to exploitation in the first place. In fact, it is for this reason that many cybersecurity professionals must learn how to hack their own systems ethically.
Penetration testing is one way to do it.
Adopting Cybersecurity Knowledge That Matters
Since we have established the components comprising a relevant training program, let us explore the methods to develop them. Yes, possessing a natural inclination for technology and analytical thinking is essential. Nevertheless, your staff needs to develop hard skills by attending formal training or education.
The best way to move forward in this regard is to obtain a degree in cybersecurity. This type of educational background provides knowledge and skills in the following fields:
- Digital forensic investigation,
- Programming and development,
- Overview of security across various platforms,
- The principles of cybersecurity, and
- Specific technical skills, as they relate to computer and operating systems and networking.
It may sound like a lot of work, but training your staff to counter perceived and actual threats is a major advantage. By doing so, you will get the upper hand in case the need arises. And sooner or later, it will.
Pro-tip: Almost 90% of data breaches happen due to human errors. If your company’s staff constantly reinforces its cybersecurity skills, it can be less prone to tricks and giving into malicious attacks. Although people are the weakest link, they can do a lot to be more resistant, starting from attending cyber security training and staying on top of trends.
In Conclusion
Pretending your company is resistant to cyber risks means you are doing yourself and your employees a massive disservice.
The modern threat landscape is unrelenting, and assuming your company will be an exception to the rule is misleading. Provided you have now developed your awareness surrounding this issue, start making the first steps in ensuring your staff attend cyber security training.
Whether it is deflecting a highly creative and luring phishing attempt or addressing other threats, your employees will be better off with concrete soft and hard skills under their belt. No matter if you outsource or insource your firm’s cybersecurity, doing it now rather than later is the difference between improving or sabotaging your company’s future.
