Here’s secure’s list of top cyber security awareness training topics for employees in 2023.
1. Phishing attacks
Slashnext conducted a report in 2022.
In the first quarter of 2022, phishing attacks increased dramatically. CheckPoin is a cybersecurity vendo that has revealed that phishing attempts to impersonate LinkedIn accounted for more than half (52%) of all attempted attacks globally in the first quarter of 2022. This is 44% more than the Q4 2021 quarter when LinkedIn was the fifth most impersonated company.
Why is phishing still a threat to businesses even in 2023?
These types of attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Employees are being tricked by hackers to download malicious attachments or compromise sensitive data.
For example, Business email compromise (BEC) is a form of phishing that involves prior research on an individual. For example, the company’s senior executive — in order to create an attack that is very difficult to distinguish from real emails.
These more sophisticated attacks are paired with the misconception that phishing can be ‘easy to spot’ and it is easy to see why so many businesses will suffer a phishing-related attack in 2023.
Employees need regular training on how to spot modern phishing attacks and how to report them as soon as they suspect they are being targeted.
Also read: What is Cyber Threat Hunting? A Cybersecurity Guide
2. Removable Media
Companies also use removable media as a security awareness topic. Removable media allows users to copy data onto the device, and then remove it from the device. It can be moved from one device to the other and vice versa.USB devices that contain malware can be left undiscovered by end-users.
You need to make sure your employees are aware of the risks and how they can use them safely and responsibly within your company. There are many reasons why a company might choose to use removable media within its business environment. There will always be risks with any technology. It is crucial that your employees protect the data stored on these devices.
Here are some common examples of removable media that you and your employees could use at work:
- Sticky USB
- SD cards
- CDs
- Smartphones
This security awareness topic should be covered in your training. It should include examples of removable media and why it is used in businesses. Also, how employees can protect themselves from malware infections, lost or stolen removable media, and copyright infringement.
3. Passwords and Authentication
Password security is a simple, yet often overlooked element that can improve your company’s security. Malicious actors will attempt to guess passwords that are often used in order to gain access to your accounts. Cybercriminals can easily access large numbers of accounts by using simple passwords or recognizable password patterns that employees can remember. This information can be made public and sold on the dark web if it is stolen.
Implementing randomized passwords can make it more difficult for malicious actors to gain access to accounts. Two-factor authentication provides additional security to protect the integrity and security of an account.
4. Physical Security
You might want to get rid of passwords that are written on sticky notes and left on your desk. While digital attacks are more common than ever, it is important to secure sensitive documents in physical form to protect your company’s security system.
Security risks can be reduced by simply being aware of the dangers of leaving documents, unattended computers, and passwords in your office or home. Implementing a clean desk policy can significantly reduce the risk of documents left unattended being copied or stolen.
5. Mobile Device Security
With the changing landscape of IT technology, flexible working environments have become more possible. However, security threats are becoming more sophisticated. This increased connectivity has led to security breaches as many people can now work from anywhere using their mobile devices. This can be a cost-saving option for smaller businesses. However, the user-device accountability aspect of training will become more important in 2023, particularly for remote workers and travelers. Mobile phones with malware on them have increased in number, which could lead to security breaches.
Employees can learn best practices online through courses that are free and do not require high-cost security protocols. Sensitive information on mobile devices should be password-protected, encrypted, or with biometric authentication in case of theft or loss. Employees who use personal devices must be trained in safe usage.
Also read: What are IoT Devices And How to Secure IoT Devices
6. Remote Working
In 2021 there will be a need for remote work with the growing uptake of , many companies have taken drastic measures to make it possible for employees to work from home. Remote working can be a positive thing for companies. It empowers employees and promotes greater productivity and greater work-life balance. Remote working can pose a greater risk of security breaches if employees are not properly educated about the potential risks. If personal devices are being used for work purposes, they should be locked and protected from being unattended. This incentive should be offered by companies that educate remote workers on safe working practices.
This trend is expected to continue into 2023. Although we expect offices to reopen and normal working hours to return, remote workers, are becoming more common in companies. Those who have adapted well to the WFH lifestyle might prefer to work remotely. It is evident that employees need to be trained to manage and understand their cybersecurity. These individuals are increasingly at risk, as we have seen. It is important that they are secure in 2023.
7. Public Wi-Fi
Remote workers are sometimes needed by employees. Additional training may be required for traveling by train and working on the move understanding how to use public Wi-Fi safely. Fake Wi-Fi networks can pose as free Wi-Fi in coffee shops and leave users vulnerable to logging into insecure public servers.
Your users should be educated about safe Wi-Fi use and these signs will help companies to be more aware of potential scams and minimize risk.
8. Cloud Security
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way that businesses store and retrieve data. These digital applications can transform businesses but large amounts of private data that are stored remotely could lead to massive hacks. Data protection is a major concern for many large companies. However, cloud storage can offer a more cost-effective and secure way to store your company’s data.
Like the other topics, insider hacking poses a greater threat to cloud companies than large-scale ones. Gartner predicts that 99% of cloud security incidents in the next year will be attributable to the end user. Cybersecurity awareness training is a great way to help employees use cloud-based applications in a secure manner.
9. Use of social media
Social media allows us to share large portions of our lives, from holidays to work and events. Oversharing can make sensitive information easily accessible, which makes it easy for malicious actors to pretend to be trusted sources.
Employees can be educated on how to protect their privacy settings and prevent the spread of public information about your company. This will help reduce the risk that hackers could gain leverage from your personal network.
10. Internet and email use
Employees may have been exposed to data breaches by repeating or simple emails for multiple accounts. A study showed that 59% of end-users used the same password to access all accounts. Hackers can access all information by using the password to compromise one account, including social media and work accounts.
Many websites offer malware-infected software for free. Downloading applications only from trusted sources is the best way of protecting your computer against any malicious software. Although some people may not see it as important, induction should include educating employees about safe internet habits.
In recent years, many large websites suffered data breaches that were large. If your personal information was entered into these sites it could have been made public and your private information exposed.
Also read: What are DoS and DDoS Attack Tools?
11. Social engineering
Social engineering is a popular technique used by malicious actors to gain employees’ trust. They offer valuable lures and impersonate others to gain access to personal information. employees must be taught security awareness topics that include the most prevalent social engineering techniques and the psychology of influence (for example scarcity urgency and reciprocity). in order to combat these threats.
Private information can be unwittingly given to malicious actors by pretending to be a client or offering incentives. It is important to raise awareness among employees about the danger of these impersonations in order to reduce the risk of social engineering.
12. Home security
Unfortunately, malicious actors are not just a threat to your workplace. Many companies permit employees to use their own devices. This is a cost-saving and flexible method that allows for flexibility in work, but there are also risks. If malware is accidentally downloaded on personal devices, it can compromise the network integrity of the company. Log-in details, for example, log-in details are compromised.
Furthermore, the growing number of digital resources available for workers and companies has resulted in increased productivity and connectivity. These applications pose a risk to users. A study showed that dropbox phishing campaigns had a 13.6% click-through rate. The risk can be reduced by increasing employee knowledge, sharing encrypted files, and authenticating downloaded files.
Last Line
Every company has different needs and ensuring that a flexible cyber security awareness training that aligns with your organization’s goals is vital to getting the right training for your staff.
You can promote a culture that encourages conversation and security awareness in your company by providing end-user security awareness training. This will ensure that your employees are up-to-date with all the requirements for keeping their business and personal information safe.
Leave a comment