We talked about why it’s important that you train your company to recognize cyber threats and also how to respond to those cyber threats. Together, these make part of a greater company-wide posture against attacks that keep you prepared. We also want to make sure you’re aware of the cybersecurity training challenges that you will encounter.
While you’re making sure you instill a Zero Trust mindset across your company, you must also be aware that employees may not understand what Zero Trust is, what the language you’re using to communicate its importance means, or even how they truly have a part in your company’s cyber security plan and defense.
Even more, while you may be investing in your training for your company, you may be unaware of some of the cybersecurity training challenges that will leave holes in your security, even after making those investments and educating your employees through the programs you’ve adopted.
That’s why we’ll cover three important factors to consider for your training across your company. When your company is properly trained to recognize threats and understands how they fit into your Zero Trust approach to security for the company, they collectively act as a shield against threats. By remaining cognizant of these cybersecurity training challenges, you’ll more effectively navigate the path to this destination.
Cybersecurity Training Challenges
Speak the Same Language
While your IT and OT teams may understand various technical terminology and industry jargon, will an employee in accounting or an office administrator understand those same terms or what they encompass? It’s critical that you ensure clarity in the messaging of this terminology so that everyone in the company understands exactly what that means and exactly what it encompasses. A failure to do so will result in the training landing flat with various groups of employees and still leave you open to potential threats as they are left uncertain about what exactly was said.
How Does this Apply to Me?
Remember that everyone needs to recognize they are all part of security and how they fit into that security equation. By ensuring that your training introduces relevant scenarios and helps your employees see how they personally make part of your company’s security, you are helping your employees feel like they can take ownership of their part in the security equation.
If someone in human resources can understand how their PC might be an attack vector that opens a wholly different department up to attacks, they will begin to see the criticality of cybersecurity and that they have an important role in maintaining your company’s security.
Teach for the Outcome, Not Understanding of a Rule
You need to consider if you’re teaching your employees more about what a certain regulation is rather than how to actually enforce said regulation. Make sure you’re training on the Why and the What will happen. The urge might be to “teach to the test,” in an effort to educate your employees on the regulations they need to be following. The problem is that this does not result in practical applications or strong outcomes. They’ll be versed in what regulations exist but not necessarily best practices on enforcing them.
Training That Makes Your More Secure
Don’t just implement a training and education program for your company and assume it will be the answer you need to increase security. Train for comprehension that results in effective application and defense against outside threats to the company.
With these cybersecurity training challenges in mind, your employees will understand their part in your company’s security, its practical application and how they influence positive security outcomes. Through this, you will have successfully cultivated a Zero Trust mindset across the organization that results in a more cybersecure business.
