Stay Alert: Security Awareness In the Office and At Home

Does your security awareness training program offer everyday tips for staying safe online, at home and in the office? Maybe it’s time to think about making security personal and practical for everyday users, so that you can better protect your organization. Even if you tried, it would be a challenge to work and live off the grid. It’s just unreasonable to expect that people aren’t using multiple devices at every step—from the copy room to the soccer field. That’s why understanding the inherent risks in our connected lives is increasingly more important when it comes to protecting sensitive data and private information.

A comprehensive and successful security awareness training program is one that evolves as threats evolve. Frequent education only works if it offers practical and actionable tips on how to stay safe online, regardless of whether you are conducting business or personal banking.

Today’s security training programs are about education, but they also need to raise awareness about all the ways people connect in their everyday lives. When people understand that clicking a link when using their home computer can compromise their private information opening them up to being victims of fraud, they grow more alert. Exercises to show the sophistication of social engineering will make users stop and think before they connect. Because there are current and emerging threats, the focus of security training has to shift from prevention to safety and response. Users need to know how to avoid security issues, but they also need to understand how to respond to an incident.

In order to make the most headway in creating a more security-focused corporate culture, you need to rely on more than just technology. Security Innovation a Connection partner and recognized leader in the Security Training market, offers a suite of on-demand, interactive, scenario-based training modules such as the Information Security & Privacy Awareness (ISPA) training, delivered via your LMS or on-demand through the SI learning portal. These training modules reinforce security awareness and drive behavioral change needed to protect your organization. Bottom line, we can run tests that will identify the gaps in your training and determine the best route for your organization.

Social engineering scams are only one gateway that malicious actors use to access your environment. Because many employees fall victim to phishing emails, they also need to be educated on everything from mobile device security to malware. Video tutorials, posters, and social engineering tests help raise awareness about email security and physical security threats, and the need for stronger password security.

Changing the culture begins with changing the way, and frequency, you train and educate your employees. The right training programs will make end-users more aware of their own privacy risks and responsibility to protect critical enterprise information.

As a Champion of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2016, Connection is committed to promoting cyber security and online safety. Our in-house team of security experts is dedicated to helping organizations of every size reduce their risk with industry-leading security solutions and services. Connection’s Security Practice can help create comprehensive security programs that leverage the latest technologies from our partners. 

Our team is proud to support the goals of NCSAM:

• Promote online safety
• Ensure everyone has the resources to stay safer and more secure online
• Engage and educate public and private sector partners through events and initiatives with the goal of raising cyber security awareness