Do You Need to Train Your Employees in Cybersecurity

Did you know that cybersecurity attacks are becoming more sophisticated and costly? In fact, the average cost of a data breach is now $3.92 million! Therefore, it’s more important than ever to make sure your employees are trained in cybersecurity. Here are many reasons why:

To avoid costly fines.

If your company suffers a data breach, you could be subject to costly fines from regulators. In the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes hefty fines for companies that suffer data breaches. For example, under GDPR, British Airways was recently fined £183 million for a data breach that affected 500,000 customers.

To reduce the risk of phishing attacks.

Phishing attacks are a common way for cyber criminals to gain access to sensitive information. By educating employees about how to identify and avoid phishing emails, you can help reduce the risk of an attack.

To keep customer data safe.

If your employees handle customer data, it’s important that they understand how to keep it safe. Cybersecurity training can help them understand the importance of data security and how to protect customer information.

To comply with industry regulations.

Many industries have specific cybersecurity regulations that companies must comply with. For example, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires companies in the healthcare industry to have cybersecurity safeguards in place. Cybersecurity training can help employees understand and comply with these regulations.

To retain your current employees.

Offering cybersecurity training can help you retain your best and brightest employees. When employees feel invested in their ability to contribute to the company’s cybersecurity, they are less likely to leave for another job.

To prevent reputational damage.

Data breaches can also damage your company’s reputation. For example, Equifax, a credit reporting agency, suffered a data breach in 2017 that exposed the personal information of 147 million people. As a result of the breach, Equifax’s CEO was forced to resign and the company’s stock price fell by more than 30%.

To improve employee productivity.

Cybersecurity training can help employees be more productive by teaching them how to use technology safely and effectively. This can reduce down time due to tech-related issues and make employees more efficient in their work.

To reduce the impact of an attack.

Even if your company is attacked, cybersecurity training can help reduce the impact of the attack. By having employees who are trained in cybersecurity, you can minimize the damage caused by an attack and help your company recover more quickly.

To get ahead of the competition.

Cybersecurity training can give your employees the skills they need to stay ahead of the competition. By equipping them with the latest knowledge and tools, you can help your business stay one step ahead.

Cybersecurity training is an important investment for any business. By educating employees about cybersecurity risks and how to avoid them, you can help protect your company from attacks and data breaches. iTology is a leading provider of cybersecurity training and services. They can help you develop a customized training program for your employees. Contact them at 405-422-9367 today to learn more.