In today’s digital age, the threat of cyber attacks is omnipresent. Traditional security training methods are no longer sufficient.
Organisations are urged to adopt innovative approaches to cyber security by engaging their workforce in interactive and practical learning experiences.
The Need for Engaging Cyber Security Training
Nick Wilding, general manager of cyber resilience at AXELOS, emphasises that placing employees in the mindset of a cyber attacker can greatly reduce security risks. Traditional, tedious security training sessions fail to effectively change behaviours. Wilding highlights the RESILIA Frontline programme, which includes a phishing game, as an innovative approach to cybersecurity education. It’s crucial to make cyber security engaging for employees to foster better awareness and vigilance.
Understanding Phishing Through Interactive Learning
The RESILIA programme offers a unique experience by allowing staff to understand the mechanics of phishing attacks. Employees are presented with various emails, tasked with stealing money or information, and receive feedback on why an attack succeeds or fails. This interactive setup helps them to recognise the tell-tale signs of phishing.
Traditional training methods are often criticised for being too long and technical, which can be counterproductive. Short, practical guidance is essential. Such learning ensures employees can make informed, resilient decisions both at work and at home.
Balancing Risks with Positive Reinforcement
Organisations frequently punish negative behaviours but overlook recognising positive ones. This imbalance can hamper cyber resilience efforts. Wilding points out the missed opportunities in using jargon-filled language, which doesn’t resonate with most people.
Training should balance the ‘stick with the carrot’. Encouraging good practices while teaching about threats in straightforward terms is crucial. Most vulnerabilities arise due to human error. Hence, an approach that rewards positive actions could enhance overall security culture.
The RESILIA Frontline training supports learning through short, engaging modules, including nugget-sized content via e-learning, animations, simulations, audio stories, and games.
Addressing Targeted Threats: Whaling and Spear-Phishing
Phishing is a widespread issue, understandable within a brief time by willing participants. However, tackling more targeted attacks like ‘whaling’ and ‘spear-phishing’ requires extra care. Executives, often the targets, are more vulnerable due to their tight schedules and perceived immunity. This makes tailored training for them even more important.
Wilding explains the complexity in training higher-ups. The belief of immunity can lead to increased vulnerability, making it vital to adjust training methods to cater to their specific needs in cybersecurity.
The Need for Sector-Wide Cyber Security Initiatives
AXELOS’s suite of tools, including RESILIA, assists organisations in adopting global best practices in cyber security. It has even launched a CEO cyber thriller series, ‘Whaling for Beginners’, to underscore the importance of awareness at executive levels.
Wilding calls for a societal response to cyber security, not limited to government efforts. Open discussion and change in communication language can enhance understanding and engagement across all societal sectors.
Utilising Short, Impactful Learning Modules
RESILIA’s training encompasses various methods for effective learning. By focusing on the nature of scams, phishing, and developing a gut feeling, users become more adept at identifying potential threats.
The goal is not to notify employees of every scam but to build an understanding of fundamental concepts. Such an approach encourages critical thinking and vigilance, which is pivotal in management and avoidance of threats.
Phishing knowledge can be developed in mere minutes, but maintaining awareness requires continuous, adaptive training interventions.
Concluding Thoughts on Cyber Security as a Collective Responsibility
To ensure robust cyber security, innovative and engaging training methods are necessary. Balancing educational content with reinforcement of positive behaviours will drive better outcomes.
Organisations must recognise that cyber security is not just a technical challenge but a human-centric one. It requires a societal shift towards more open discussions and simpler communication strategies.
Effective cyber security necessitates active participation and ongoing training.
By transforming cyber security into an engaging and collective practice, organisations can significantly mitigate risks.
