AmTrust Cybersecurity Training Report

Overview

How Do You Train for Cybersecurity?

Here are five cybersecurity tips for employees to help ensure they clearly understand not only the security policies of the organization, but also the potential risks associated with a data breach:

  1. Get the C-suite involved. It’s important that upper-level employees also understand the importance of a strong cybersecurity training program, as they typically are responsible for designating the budget of such programs. All employees should understand the implications a data breach could cause the organization.
  2. Require strong passwords. All employees should understand how to create strong passwords for the systems they access daily. In fact, secure passwords are often the first step in safeguarding sensitive data. Some of the best practices for passwords include using a mix of characters, numbers and letters, never sharing passwords among employees and avoiding keeping passwords out where others may see them.
  3. Implement cybersecurity drills. A cybersecurity “drill” or “live fire” training exercise allows employers to fully understand how educated their employees are when it comes to avoiding a data breach. For example, some companies utilize simulated phishing scams by sending out emails to see how many individuals open or click on attachments.
  4. Consistently evaluate vulnerabilities. Companies should understand exactly how vulnerable the organization may be to a cybersecurity attack. This means evaluating both the systems and the employees who utilize them regularly to monitor any potential weaknesses.
  5. Keep the lines of communication open. The organization should communicate their cybersecurity policies throughout the organization, and there should be regular training procedures to keep all employees aligned on best practices. Additionally, all employees should understand the company’s data breach response plan to ensure the proper steps are implemented immediately should they suffer a cybersecurity attack.