Digital transformation has led to the surge in demand for IT workers, especially those specializing in cybersecurity. The cybersecurity workforce plays a crucial role in protecting companies from cyberattacks, which has seen an average increase of 31% per year. This has resulted in an insatiable demand for professionals in the field, reaching an all-time high of 4.7 million global workers. However, a worldwide shortage of 3.4 million cybersecurity workers leaves many organizations at risk of data breaches.
As part of drafting talent, it’s important that an interest in cybersecurity starts early. Our post on the cybersecurity skills gap highlights how universities and high schools are vital in encouraging youth to pursue cybersecurity as a professional career and address these talent shortages. Fortunately, higher education institutes are making cybersecurity much more accessible to a wider pool of students. This is being done through offering cybersecurity courses as part of other related degrees. Today’s computer science degrees also include certifications in cybersecurity, as well as related fields such as AI and the blockchain. By including cybersecurity as part of more degrees, formal education is helping more students boost their knowledge of technology and strengthen their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, helping them fill the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Aside from budding professionals, everyone in the organization must have a certain level of security awareness training regardless of whether or not they have a formal cybersecurity background. In this article, we’ll look at the importance of security awareness training and how it can benefit organizations.
Security awareness helps curb breaches and attacks
Cyber breaches and attacks can be costly to individuals and businesses. One of the most common cyberattacks is phishing, where malicious sites pose as reputable sources to steal user data. Without a proper education about these threats, users can fall for these attacks and have their accounts compromised. For businesses, the effects of phishing are more profound. These can lead to the theft of intellectual property and financial loss while also causing reputational damage— leading to a loss of productivity and customer trust.
Through security awareness, users can safeguard themselves and their organizations from phishing threats. Kobalt.io provides enhanced user education on cybersecurity, helping people and companies educate themselves and even put their knowledge into practice through regular phish simulations. Our security awareness training is designed for compliance, increasing organization’s cybersecurity maturity at the same time.
Security awareness ensures compliance
Running a business always entails following regulations and industry standards. Aside from having well-defined roles in IT governance infrastructure, regulations like HIPAA and PCI-DSS require security awareness training for all. Training can ensure that everyone in the organization knows standard procedures and their obligations, allowing them to take responsibility in the event of a cyber breach.
Some regulations, such as the GDPR and CCPA, have stricter rules that must be followed to run the business lest you be fined. Without proper compliance, an organization could be fined heavily. In the case of Sephora, the beauty brand was fined as much as $1.2 million for non-compliance with the CCPA. To avoid financial penalties, security awareness should be done properly to safeguard both companies and consumers.
Security awareness provides peace of mind
Maintaining data security can be a demanding role for cybersecurity experts, especially if they are responsible for finding and closing every gap in the system. Given that the human element drives most cyber breaches, it’s crucial that companies bolster their defenses through educating their employees. Security awareness training can encourage staff to be more proactive in personal safety, help them respond quickly to suspicious activity, and teach them proper safety channels. Not only does this reduce the workload of security staff, but it also provides employees and companies greater control over themselves, bringing greater peace of mind.
Through security awareness training, individuals and companies can avoid potential breaches and be more assured of their safety. Furthermore, businesses can ensure they comply with standards and regulations— helping them save money in the long term.
More Questions About Security Awareness Training Answered
For more information on cybersecurity, you can access our security awareness training webinar to see how you can build a security culture in your organization and help you and your team adapt to emerging threats.
Lastly, here are 10 security awareness best practices and a free cybersecurity training calendar if you are looking for topics or modules for your organization.
The article was specially written for Kobalt.io by Amanda Nicole.
