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Importance of end user training for avoiding cyber attacks.

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Let’s be real for a second – do you seriously think that having the latest security tools and software means your organization is safe from cyberattacks?

Here’s a scary fact: 95% of data breaches result from human error. Yeah, that’s correct. Even with all the firewalls and fancy security systems in place, it ultimately comes down to one thing: your people. Thus, if you are not focused on employee training, you might as well be inviting hackers in for a cup of tea.

Cybercriminals are not just cracking into networks, but they target your team. And that’s the very reason why end-user training is invaluable. Your employees are your first line of defense, not your last. In this blog, we are going to break down why training of this sort is not only helpful but an absolute necessity. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Why end-user training is your best defense?

Your employees: Unsung heroes in cybersecurity

It’s easy to get caught up in the techy stuff—firewalls, antivirus programs, and encryption. But in reality, your employees are your real defense. Hackers don’t care about breaking into your security system—they care about breaking through your people. In fact, 69% of organizations say human error is the top cause of data breaches. If your employees aren’t well-versed in the basics of cybersecurity, you’re giving hackers an open door.

Now, don’t get this wrong. Your employees are probably not careless—they are just ignorant about their behavior. Clicking on a suspicious link and sharing a password through email might seem harmless, but it’s basically giving up the keys of your kingdom to someone else. This is where end-user training makes all the difference. It’s not about scaring your team; it’s about giving them the skills to spot threats before they even become a problem.

What does end-user training actually involve?

Keeping it simple: It’s about smart habits

Cybersecurity doesn’t necessarily have to be boring, tech-heavy class. Training is all about practical tips and habits that stick with your employees. Here’s what usually falls in it:

  • Spotting phishing scams: Phishing emails are everywhere: false invoices, urgent “security alerts,” and much more. With the right training, your employees can spot these scams even before they click on anything shady.
  • Tough, strong passwords: No more “password123.” Training your team to create complex, unique passwords for every account is one of the easiest ways to shut down cybercriminals.
  • Safety browsing habits: Your employees do not need to be Internet gurus to stay away from risky websites. With a little guidance, they will understand how to stay out of the sketchy back alleys of the web.
  • Data Protection 101: Securing a laptop, encrypting confidential information, shredding paper-it all needs to become part of the normal operating behavior for employees to handle every piece of information coming through the workplace door.

When your team learns these foundational skills, they’ll be the ones to stop cyberattacks—before they even begin.

The benefits of end-user training

Phishing? Not on their watch.

Let’s face it—phishing is the go-to attack for cybercriminals. Every single day, an average of 3.4 billion phishing e-mails are launched. That translates to billions of attempts to lead someone to fall into the clickbait hole. However, the good thing is that if your team knows how to spot phishing, those attempts become pretty useless.

Once your team is trained, they will report the emails instead of falling for them. This will keep your organization secured.

Data breach? They won’t let it happen.

Data breaches are costly, averaging $4.45 million per incident. But here’s the twist: with solid end-user training, you can significantly lower the risk of a breach. From better password management to catching social engineering attacks, the more your employees understand cybersecurity, the fewer mistakes they’ll make. So, instead of worrying about data breaches, think of your well-trained workforce as the ultimate investment in your company’s future.

Always on the lookout.

It’s not enough to teach employees only the basics. You need to create a security-first culture. This means empowering your team to spot threats-even when you are not around. It’s not just about responding to an attack, but spotting one before it happens.

When employees feel confident in their ability to protect the organization, they will act fast if anything seems off, keeping your company safe.

Cybersecurity best practices your employees must know

If you really want to secure your organization, here are some of the key best practices that your employees should always keep in mind:

  1. Strong, unique passwords: Employees need to understand how to create unique, hard-to-guess passwords for every account. Using a password manager can make it easy.
  2. Public wi-fi? No way: It’s handy to join up to public Wi-Fi networks, but it’s also risky. Train your employees not to connect to work accounts from public networks or at least, use a VPN.
  3. Update the software: Skipping an update is often not such a big deal; however, this outdated software serves as a playground for hackers. Make sure employees know why keeping their software updated is a must.
  4. Spot phishing like a pro: Phishing attacks are getting smarter with every passing day. The more your employees know what to look for, the better. Simulated phishing exercises will help train them in a risk-free environment.
  5. Secure personal devices: With remote work, more employees will be accessing company data from their personal devices. That means these personal devices need to be secured with encryption, antivirus software, and strong passwords.

Supercharge your cybersecurity training

You probably are now thinking, “Alright, how do I ensure that this actually sticks?” Simple – here is how you supercharge your end-user training:

  1. Make training ongoing: Cybersecurity changes fast, and so should your training. Hold regular refresher courses, and test employees with simulated phishing attacks to keep security fresh in their minds.
  2. Get employees involved: Inculcate a culture of security champions among your employees who willingly report suspicious activity and share their tips. The more involved they are, the better your training will work.
  3. Foster the Security Mind: Cybersecurity should never cause fear. Rather, it’s a mindset that everybody should embrace from the top management to the newest recruits.

Train today; Protect tomorrow

Cybersecurity is not a one-time shot. Your employees are the best line of defense ever, and given the appropriate knowledge, they will be the force that keeps cyber threats away from your computer systems. Now, end-user training is no longer a nice thing to have or a luxury affair; it is an essence. Let’s start building safer tomorrows for your businesses today.

Remember: Cybersecurity is not only the IT team’s job but that of everyone. Let’s turn your employees into real data defenders for your company. Ready? Let’s get this done!

January 21, 2025

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Dr. Lazaro Serrano - Cybersecurity Expert

Responsible for all cybersecurity related tasks in the Intwo organization while providing our clients with the best cybersecurity practices and services.

We are Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security.

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