In an era of escalating cyber risks and a growing threat landscape, it is imperative to reassess your organization's security posture. The key to effective risk management lies in having the right people, processes, and technologies in place, with employees playing a pivotal role in securing the business.
While attackers continuously devise new and creative methods to infiltrate organizations, it is often employees—not just the security team—who are at the forefront of thwarting these cybercriminals. Your workforce possesses the potential to be one of your strongest defenses against cyber incidents, but this can only be realized if employees are equipped with the knowledge to swiftly identify the common techniques threat actors employ to gain network access. One of the most effective ways to ensure employees possess this crucial knowledge is through the implementation of an ongoing cyber awareness training program.
Recently, Fortinet conducted a survey of nearly 1,900 IT and cybersecurity decision-makers worldwide to gain insights into their concerns and actions regarding enhancing cyber awareness within their respective workforces. Let's delve into their responses.
Breaches: Not a Question of "If," But "When"
In the past, it was commonly assumed that significant cyberattacks primarily affected large, well-known organizations or sectors where prolonged downtime would severely hamper operations.
Today, the ubiquity of threats like ransomware, coupled with the increasing simplicity of execution for many novice attackers thanks to maturing Crime-as-a-Service syndicates, means that every organization, regardless of size or industry, is now a target. For instance, Fortinet's recent Global Threat Landscape Report, published by FortiGuard Labs, revealed that incidents involving destructive wiper malware rose by over 50% from Q3 2022 to Q4 2022, while ransomware threats continue to surge.
The effects of this surge in the volume and variety of attack tactics employed by cybercriminals are palpable. According to the Fortinet 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Report, 84% of organizations experienced at least one breach in the past 12 months, with 29% facing five or more breaches. Furthermore, 65% of IT and cybersecurity leaders anticipate an increase in cyberattacks in the coming year.
Developing a Cyber-Aware Workforce Through Effective Training
With attackers exhibiting no signs of slowing down, it is imperative for organizations to establish robust safeguards to protect their assets. Fostering a cyber-aware workforce should be a top priority for CISOs and business leaders, as cybercriminals consistently target employees. Fortinet's new 2023 Security Awareness and Training Global Research Brief highlights that 83% of the malware, phishing, and/or password attacks witnessed within organizations last year were specifically aimed at users.
Over 90% of leaders believe that increased employee cybersecurity awareness would help mitigate the occurrence of cyberattacks. Survey respondents identified protecting sensitive data and systems while working remotely as the most critical aspect of cybersecurity awareness for employees. This was closely followed by knowledge about safeguarding sensitive data in general and understanding how to evade threats delivered via email, SMS, and voice.
Encouragingly, 85% of the surveyed organizations reported having a security awareness and training program in place. However, what is concerning is that more than half of them believe their workforce still lacks critical cyber knowledge, despite having implemented cyber education strategies. This gap suggests that existing training programs may not be as effective as they could be, training may not be conducted frequently enough, or the material may not be sufficiently reinforced.
While it is promising that many organizations prioritize cyber awareness training, there is still room for improvement. Moreover, leaders outside the IT and security domains, including boards of directors, are displaying a growing interest in cybersecurity strategies, encompassing employee education efforts. The report found that 93% of organizations indicated that their board of directors inquired about the organization's cyber defenses and strategy.
Security Awareness and Training Programs for Employees
Whether you are considering implementing cybersecurity awareness training for your employees or evaluating the effectiveness of an existing program, seek awareness and training services that not only cover the basics (such as phishing, ransomware, social media use, mobile device use, social engineering, and cloud security) but also allow for customized content. This customization enables education on attack tactics that are specific to your business or industry.
As cybercriminals continue to devise new attack methods, organization-wide cybersecurity education is an increasingly crucial component of a comprehensive risk management strategy. Empowered with the necessary knowledge to identify and thwart attacks, your employees can become one of your most formidable defenses against cybercrime.
