Quite often we are quick to think of the IT department when we hear about network security training. We tend to relate the training to those who would like to work in the IT department, or in rare cases, those who would want to venture into the cybersecurity business. What most of us have failed to realize is the fact that the requirements of cyber security skills of the employee stretched beyond the IT department long ago. Currently, an organization that takes the data security issue seriously understands that all its employees need to have at least the basic knowledge about cybersecurity for their network system to be safe.
According to a report by Verizon on Data Breach Investigation, social engineering causes 93% of all data breaches. For a social engineering attack such as phishing to take place, the attacker needs a target to take the bait. In most cases, the targeted loopholes are the employees especially those in other departments apart from the IT department. This trend is inspired by the fact that the attackers understand that there is a higher chance that these employees have little or lack knowledge of cybersecurity. Therefore, they become an easy target.
The success of the attacker in penetrating a network system becomes less imminent as the targets gain more knowledge of cybersecurity. The attackers will find a very hard time penetrating a network of an organization in which all the employees understand and take serious precautions against cybersecurity threats. Most organizations have taken note of this trend. Therefore, besides the implementation of IT security measures, they train their employees and create awareness on cybersecurity as one of the most effective ways of preventing successful attacks on their networks. These companies offer training and awareness creation of cybersecurity through internal programs.
While such programs may be costly, especially when organized at workplaces where a large number of employees are targeted, these companies understand that ignorance of network security is much more expensive. Employers have to make their employees understand the danger of clicking on a link in a phishing email as well as how to avoid the trap. Employees have to understand the risk associated with downloading attachments from an unknown sender or even responding to the requests for credential/login information or other data.
By the way, the employees we are talking about here are me and you. Whether you are employed or running your own business in which you interact with the Internet of things (IoT), you qualify to be the employee we are discussing here. So why do we need a cybersecurity training? Let’s find out.
- We need Employment
You may say that you do not need to put a personal effort in to learn about cybersecurity since institutions offer internal training of the same. Well, every organization that offers such training must be taking their network security serious. Therefore, they would not want to entertain any risk of attack on their network.
No organization will offer training to those people who have yet to be employed. Therefore, there is a higher chance that the training would come after entering into the contract and most likely after starting your duties. The period in which you will be working before receiving the training puts the employers’ network at jeopardy.
Most employers would prefer to hire employees who already have the knowledge about cybersecurity to prevent the risk that comes with working with a new employee without the knowledge of cybersecurity. Hiring employees who have already acquired the skills will help lower the risk of attack a successful attack. Therefore, most companies list the knowledge of Cybersecurity as one of the requirements when hiring new employees. Also, the internal training programs that the employers organize are costly. They would prefer to hire already knowledgeable employees who would not require many seminars to educate them on the basic principles of cybersecurity.
- High Paying Jobs
The global records on data breaches are set every day. Here are some alarming cybersecurity facts and stats:
- There is a cyber attack every 39 seconds.
- The average cost of a data breach in 2020 will exceed $150 million according to Juniper Research.
- Since 2013 there have been 3,809,448 records stolen from breaches every day.
- There are over 300,000 cybersecurity jobs available in the United States and a prediction by Cyber Seek states that the unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide will reach $3.5 million by 2021.
- 95% of cybersecurity breaches are due to human error.
What do these statistics mean to employers? Last year, Ginni Rometty, IBM’s chairman, CEO, and president, stated, “Cybercrime is the greatest threat to every company in the world.” From this statement (which is arguably right based on the above statistics) we would expect the employers to make the security of their networks one of the top priorities.
Employers are looking for the best IT experts to help in safeguarding their networks. Based on the above statistics, the number of qualified experts is low, thus many opportunities are available in this field across the world. Having good cybersecurity training will equip you with the necessary skills to fit in these jobs. With the high demand of employees with such knowledge, the job is likely to be very well rewarded.
- You Own or Work in a Small Business
One of the greatest cybersecurity myths is that cyber attacks only targets big companies. According to 2017 cybersecurity report by Ponemon Institute LLC, small businesses make up nearly 61 percent of all cyber-attack targets. This statistic indicates a rise from the 55% experienced in 2016. Cyberattacks on small businesses either halts or damages the operations of the firms. These attacks cost small businesses to medium businesses over $2 million. The attacks have been known to either shut down entire enterprises – sometimes permanently.
As an employee or the owner of a startup, you can clearly see that you need to lay down a structure for resisting network attack targeting your business or else risk huge losses or even going out of business. The basis of this structure must be the knowledge on cybersecurity principles.
I Need Training: How Do I Start?
You might have considered the need to have knowledge about network security and are thinking of how to start. Here are some few guides to consider.
- Identify a Training Hub or Institution
One of the options is identifying a good training institution that offers a competitive course on cybersecurity. This could be a renown international college or even a local institution. You may decide to enroll in traditional classes or even in online classes. However, this may require proper preparation. Some of the institutions have fixed schedules which will force you to adjust to the schedule. The fees are also another concern with such institutions. Most of them demand high fees that some may find very expensive. Despite all of this, some of these institutions have a good curriculum and they even offer certificates.
Alternatively, you can decide to enroll in an online cybersecurity training hub. Online training hubs can be preferable to those who are after the knowledge and skills, and less concerned about paperwork. First, these hubs offer the learners a very flexible schedule where they learn whenever they want. The learning materials are always available on the websites and the learners can access them anytime. Another advantage associated with cybersecurity training hubs is cost. These hubs charge low fees (if any) for their training. This makes it even more beneficial and appropriate to those who cannot afford the high fees charged by the training institutions.
- Consider the Content Covered in the Training Program
This is more important when you are considering the online training hubs. Most of these hubs offer programs that cover different areas of certification and training. The programs are classified based on knowledge advancement, from the beginner’s level (offered by most hubs) to the expert levels that cover more complex aspects of network security. Despite the level of training, a good training hub should cover identification of the attack, defensive mechanism, and attack reaction plans.
At Reliable Cyber Solutions, LLC, we offer defense training which covers the following elements: certification, current threats, attack red flags, defensive procedures, and threat reaction plans. Reliable Cyber Solutions offers network security training that is based on real-life attack simulations that are in line with the most recent criminal trends. It is important to understand that hackers evolve their approaches and technologies over time. It is of upmost importance to have knowledge of the latest approaches these attackers are using.
In Conclusion…
Cybersecurity should be the top priority for both large and small firms. Every business should adopt a secure network security protocol, and implement measures to ensure no holes are left uncovered. Besides the security policies, it is also important for all employees to have knowledge of cybersecurity as the basis for the plan for preventing cyber-attacks in your business. Book your training program today.
