You’ve completed your annual phishing training. This was a great way to raise awareness and educate your employees on how to spot a suspicious email. But is this enough? How often should businesses be running cybersecurity awareness training?
The answer isn’t always clear cut, as it depends on factors such as the size of your company and the industry you’re in. However, The National Cyber Security Alliance recommends that businesses conduct security training at least once a year.
So why is annual training important?
Here are seven reasons:
1. Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving
Just like the technology your business uses, cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving. What may have been a valid threat a few years ago may no longer be relevant, and new threats are always emerging. This means that your employees need to be kept up-to-date on the latest threats so they can spot them and know how to avoid them.
2. Employees forget what they’ve learned
It’s inevitable that over time, employees will forget what they’ve learned in previous training sessions. This is why it’s important to refresh their knowledge on a regular basis, so they can stay sharp and be ready to spot any new threats that may come up.
3. It shows you’re serious about cybersecurity
By running annual cybersecurity training, you’re sending a message to your employees that you take their cybersecurity seriously. This can help to create a culture of security within your company, which is vital in protecting your business from attacks.
4. It can help you identify vulnerabilities
Cybersecurity training can also be used as a way to identify any potential vulnerabilities within your company. If employees are having difficulty understanding certain concepts or there are gaps in their knowledge, this can be an indication that there are weaknesses in your overall security posture. By addressing these issues, you can help to strengthen your defenses and protect your business from attack.
5. It’s a requirement for some industries
In some industries, such as healthcare, annual cybersecurity training may be a regulatory requirement. If this is the case for your business, it’s important to ensure that you’re compliant with the relevant regulations so you don’t put your company at risk.
6. It can help you avoid costly breaches
Ultimately, the goal of cybersecurity training is to help your employees avoid costly mistakes that could lead to a data breach. By investing in annual training, you can help to reduce the likelihood of a successful attack and protect your business from the potentially damaging consequences.
7. It’s an investment in your company’s future
While there is a cost associated with running annual cybersecurity training, it’s important to view it as an investment in your company’s future. By educating your employees on how to stay safe online, you’re helping to safeguard your business against the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.
Now that you understand the importance of annual cybersecurity training, it’s time to start planning your next session. If you’re not sure where to start, ask an expert for advice or check out our list of recommended security awareness training providers.