Online Cyber Security Awareness training is one of the most cost-efficient ways to reduce the risk of breaches and incidents. 

Cyber security awareness training is one of the best ways to protect your business from malicious attacks and prevent possible breaches. Your employees are often the first line of defence against a cyber attack. Well-trained employees know the best tactics to prevent, respond to, and know what to do in the event of an attack or breach. 

The following are among the best reasons why you and your staff should take an online Cyber Security Awareness course.

1. Increase in Remote Working

Coinciding with the number of people working from home, there has been a surge in the numbers of cyber attacks given businesses unpreparedness for this scenario. 

Such things as vulnerable services like virtual private networks (VPNs), unpatched Windows Machines, and lack of privacy at home, have increased the threat to individuals and businesses.

As we continue to work from home, hackers will continue to exploit these vulnerabilities and compromise business networks.

2. Human Error

While cybersecurity incidents are growing at an alarming rate, about 95% of cybersecurity breaches are due to human error.

The best security software and firewalls cannot prevent your staff from falling victim to cyber attacks if they are not trained properly to spot such attacks, and how to deal with them. According to FAU 78% of employees are aware of the risks associated with suspicious links but click on them anyway! 

There are basic rules that all employees should follow to help keep your sensitive information and communications safe.

3. Compliance

All members of your organisation should understand the vital role they play in maintaining compliance with data protection and privacy laws. GDPR Regulations carry strict requirements for data protection and levy heavy fines against those who fail to comply with regulations. 

4. Anyone Can Become a Victim

Anyone can become  a victim of a cyber attack, even your CEO or directors. In fact, whaling attacks directly target senior or important members of staff with the aim of gaining  sensitive information or gaining access to their computer systems for criminal purposes. On the other side of things, a secretary or gate-keeper may be targeted as an entry point into the larger organisation. 

In other words, everyone in your organisation would benefit from taking a cyber security course. 

5. Social Engineering is the Number One Go-To Strategy of Cybercriminals

Cyber criminals can create a very effective spear-phishing attack in a  couple of hours which could yield them thousands of euros in return. They are going after employees – the weakest link in IT security… and that means you.