Why You Need Online Cybersecurity Training for Your Company

 

Do you read the headlines about cybersecurity attacks and grow concerned about what this could mean for your business? Worse still, do you see this information but think you aren’t in any danger of a threat? Many business owners, managers and executives are aware of the threats yet there are a range of responses from denial to outright fear.

Unfortunately, in all these cases, there are examples of companies that fail to take action. No organization is immune. While the biggest, or most publicized, cybersecurity attacks may be on governments, financial institutions and organizations that hold a wide range of data, every organization is at risk.

You need cybersecurity training in your organization.

Why Training is Essential in Your Company

There are two key types of cybersecurity training for an organization. The first is training that IT professionals earn through cybersecurity courses (like when working towards Security+ certification); then there is the type of cybersecurity training that enables all employees to be effective in their jobs without causing greater potential for breaches.

Both types of training are important and effective in ensuring the organization’s digital assets like websites, apps and data are kept secure. The IT professional training, which can include elements like Network+ certification, is about training those who will assess risks and implement solutions. The IT team will look at the organization’s platforms wholistically and will use skills earned from A+ certification and other training. With this knowledge, they will create plans, schedules and monitoring tools to assess the current situation and move the organization towards greater security as well as creating better responses if a breach occurs.

The training for all employees may come from IT professionals within the organization, like those who have earned CySA+ certification, or possibly outside contractors and this type of training is about everyday behaviours. Here, everyone who accesses organizational digital assets (which is likely every employee) will learn the best ways to access their day-to-day platforms and tools in safe ways. Everything from opening files, to using a laptop at a coffee shop can be included in this type of training. It’s all about habits and how to do the right things habitually.

Why Online Cybersecurity Training is Effective

Sometimes organizations fail to implement cybersecurity training (of either type) because there is a fear that it is expensive or will take away from employees’ productivity.

First, an organization needs to consider the potential costs in having a cybersecurity breach. There are hard financial costs (as in the case of ransomware), employee overtime costs, legal fees, and software and hardware costs that may be involved in an attack. There are also the costs involved in a lack of productivity when employees can’t access their systems. Also, organizational tools may go down which can lead to lost sales and income.

Additionally, the cost of training is far more affordable than might be assumed. With online options, there is no need for employees to travel to a training centre, nor is there a need to set up off-site space, coordinate travel or coverage while employees are at a course. Online training can be conducted through each employee’s own computer. Not only does this mean they can integrate the training into their work day, it eliminates the travel time before and after the training, which maximizes efficiency.

The benefits of online training have been identified on an ongoing basis during COVID. Numerous organizations have decided to maintain online training to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

Because online cybersecurity training is very specific and targeted, prices for training are much lower than longer, more general program offerings. Employees get exactly what they need to know without fluff or unnecessary detail.

If your organization has been putting off cybersecurity training, it’s time to take action. Cybercriminals don’t care who they target anymore, they are simply looking for access to any organization they can exploit. Don’t let it be yours.