Training employees can be a costly endeavor for businesses. It requires investing in materials and taking away valuable time that could be spent on revenue-generating activities. However, when it comes to cyber security training, the real expense arises if that training proves ineffective.
Surprising studies reveal that human error contributes to a staggering 90% of data breach incidents. Forward-thinking business owners are proactively training their employees on cyber security best practices. While their efforts are commendable and we encourage all owners to take this step, research indicates that their training endeavors are falling short. Despite employee training, the number of data breaches continues to rise.
Why is this happening? We'll be the first to admit it: cyber security training can be dull. And what happens during boring presentations? People disengage, tuning out critical information necessary to maintain company security. After the training, employees may claim to have learned the lessons, but are they truly knowledgeable or potential ticking time bombs within your organization?
Unfortunately, the latter is more likely to be true. If you want the training information to truly stick, additional steps are necessary – and the most crucial step is putting employees to the test!
According to Education World, interactive activities are six times more effective for learning and retaining material compared to simply listening to a lecture. You can incorporate this approach by testing employees to determine if they can effectively apply what they have learned.
One highly effective method is utilizing phishing simulations. Here's how it works:
- A third party creates realistic but fake phishing emails that incorporate identifiable signs discussed in the training. For instance, an email could mimic a request for private information from the CEO or a suspicious link sent by an external company. The emails can be customized to resemble relevant scenarios that employees might encounter and potentially fall victim to.
- Employees are then tested. You can choose which employees will receive different phishing links and determine the dates on which the emails will be sent. Will employees be able to recognize the threats, or will they fall for the scams?
- The results are collected and shared with you, enabling the development of more comprehensive training programs. Additionally, this helps identify employees who pose the greatest risks, allowing for targeted coaching.
Another effective approach is to conduct phishing simulations before the training itself. When employees witness mistakes being made within the company, they are more likely to pay attention during the training session.
Merely providing information is not enough; it must be learned and consistently applied to be effective in maintaining your organization's security.
If you are seeking an effective cyber security awareness training program for your employees, our team offers a comprehensive solution that engages, educates, and tests your employees. With our program, you can have peace of mind knowing that your employees are actively working to safeguard your company. Click here to get in touch with our team and get started on your cyber security training session today.
