Cybersecurity Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Cyberthreats aren’t just an IT issue—they affect every level of your business, from executives to employees to customers. Each person and device on your company’s network represents a potential entry point for cybercriminals, acting as a doorway into your digital environment.
The big question is: How secure are these “doors,” and more importantly, are the people managing them aware of the threats lurking just outside?
At High Touch Technologies, we know that a robust cybersecurity strategy requires getting the whole team involved. In this blog, we’ll dive into why Security Awareness Training (SAT) is critical for safeguarding your business, detailing practical strategies to help strengthen your organization’s defenses.
What Is Security Awareness Training (SAT)?
Simply put, Security Awareness Training (SAT) equips your business’s employees with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize, prevent, and respond to cyberthreats. Think of SAT as a digital self-defense class against cybercriminals.
“During Security Awareness Training, employees learn about the risks of sharing personal information online and how to navigate our digital world safely and vigilantly,” states Kevin Colborn, Senior Vice President of Network Operations and CIO at High Touch. “Growing up, we learn how to navigate the physical world safely and how to avoid dangerous situations. In our digital landscape, the types of information we share and the people we interact with are frequently more diverse and complex than in our physical world; however, we don’t always view digital safety in the same vein as physical safety. Focusing on Security Awareness Training can help a business stay ahead of cyberattacks by informing employees on how to recognize threats and how to best avoid them with best practices.”
A well-rounded Security Awareness Training program includes various types of training and testing materials to ensure everyone in an organization knows how to navigate digital spaces safely.
Why Is Security Awareness Training Critical for Businesses?
1. Employee Errors Are the Biggest Threat
Human error is the leading cause of security incidents. According to Kaspersky, 77% of companies experienced at least one cybersecurity breach in the past two years—64% of all cyber incidents in that same period were caused by human error. Educating employees significantly reduces these risks.
2. Compliance and Regulations
Many industries are subject to regulations that mandate security training. For example, compliance with standards like PCI DSS requires organizations to maintain a security awareness program to protect cardholder data. SAT helps ensure compliance and reduce liability.
3. Financial Impact of Cyberattacks on SMBs
Cyberattacks can be financially devastating, especially for small and midsize businesses. Beyond immediate financial losses, businesses may face reputational damage, legal penalties, and operational disruptions. Investing in cybersecurity training is a proactive measure to mitigate these risks.
4. Cyberattacks Are Continually Evolving
Cybercriminals continuously develop new attack methods. While cybersecurity best practices hold up over time, new threats emerge daily. Ongoing Security Awareness Training ensures employees stay updated on the latest attack techniques and defense strategies.
5. Cybersecurity Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Hackers don’t necessarily care if the device they’re attacking belongs to a salesperson, manager, or executive as long as they can weasel their way into the system. Once they break into an entry point, hackers can snake through systems and hunt for valuable information.
Everyone in your organization needs to know cybersecurity best practices and understand threats if your company wants to be successful in preventing cyberattacks.
How Do You Do Security Awareness Training?
Security Awareness Training programs include educational content and training materials in various formats, including documentation, videos, tests, and reports. Typically, Security Awareness Training covers the following:
- Phishing and Social Engineering. Recognizing and avoiding deceptive emails and fraudulent requests.
- Password Security. Best practices for creating strong passwords and enabling multifactor authentication.
- Remote Work Safety. Secure data handling and network protection for hybrid and remote employees.
- Data Privacy. Proper data storage, sharing, and protection techniques to prevent leaks.
- Incident Response. Clear steps for reporting security concerns and responding to threats.
How Often Should You Conduct Security Awareness Training?
To be effective, you need to conduct Security Awareness Training regularly. Technology is a fast-paced industry. New cyberthreats arise every day. Hackers continue to get more vigilant in their attempts to gain access to networks.
Regular education ensures you’re always thinking about cybersecurity and navigating digital spaces the safe way. You can also bolster formal cybersecurity training sessions with regular refreshers and tests.
Contact Us—We Help Keep Your Business Safe.
At High Touch, we’re dedicated to helping businesses safeguard their data and networks through tailored cybersecurity strategies. Our expertise ensures your team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to proactively defend against evolving cyberthreats.
Partner with us to build a resilient security culture in your organization. Contact our experts today for a customized cybersecurity consultation and take the first step toward strengthening your defenses.