As an entrepreneur, you want to secure your small business from cyber threats. While that seems easy on paper, it requires a more aggressive and proactive stance, primarily because hackers and scammers are constantly using new means and ways to attack SMBs. There are obviously a few basic ways to address security concerns, like using antimalware software, focusing on password protection, and reviewing cybersecurity measures from time to time. However, nothing really beats cybersecurity training for employees. This is, in fact, one of the best steps that work for all businesses, large and small alike.
The frontline defense
One of the key reasons why your business needs to spend on cybersecurity training is because employees are on the frontline of ensuring security. They are the ones who are handling your business resources, right from IP cameras and computers at the workplace, to cloud resources. Considering that most businesses operate in a hybrid, complex environment, it makes sense to invest in employees, who will be working and operating from that environment.
Make employees aware of threats
Unlike what many businesses believe, scammers and cybercriminals are not always trying to ‘hack’ into systems. Instead, they are mainly exploiting the loopholes and vulnerabilities within the system or network. As such, when your employees know of the cyber threats, they can respond and react better, and that’s a critical aspect of cybersecurity training. For instance, let your employees know what a hacking attempt is like, the various social engineering tactics that hackers use, and examples of phishing.
For better incident response
Cybersecurity training also matters for incident response. Sometimes, despite all the good work, a security breach, or small incident, may occur, and to reduce the impact of the same, your employees need to be trained. They must know what they are expected to do when they are following the disaster recovery plan, if they should let the IT teams know, and other steps that will prevent further damage.
Trained and experienced employees are always your biggest against cybercriminals. An employee who knows when to report a spam email, or when someone is tricking into submitting some information by mentioning urgency, can help your small business save huge in the long run. This is why most big companies don’t mind spending on cybersecurity training and workshops from time to time, and they often hire experts from other companies to get more out of the entire process.