Hi I am Sandra,  As a busy professional, I just love the portability of modern-day remote working. Any cafe, airport or hotel lounge can magically become my office for the day.

However, one downside is that the public Wi-Fi networks you need to get your work done are prime places for risks such as the Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) cyber attacks. 

They happen just like they sound.  A cyber attacker inserts themselves between you and the application you’re using and “eavesdrops” on your data exchange.  The attacker gains access by taking control of a public Wi-Fi network or offering unencrypted Wi-Fi to lure you in.  Once connected, the attacker can see all the data transmitted back and forth while remaining undetected.

Are your Employees using their work laptops on public Wi-Fi Networks? 

The goal of cybercriminals is often to steal sensitive data, such as credit card details, login credentials, and passwords. Attack targets include banking sites, investment apps, e-commerce platforms, and business software.  The attacks pose a significant danger to company security since they can open gateways to larger networks for data theft or installing malware.

We’ve moved on from simple viruses that attack a vulnerable PC leading to hours of removal and repair work.  We’re now in an era where the wireless technology is being used to control devices across the organisation.

New Forms of Attack

As we come to depend more on technology in business as within our day-to-day lives, the threat to IT systems is evolving.

Cybercriminals are devising novel ways in which to attack organisations and access data.  One of the more common method attacks recently has been the use of ransomware.  Ransomware attacks involve infecting an organisation’s systems and then asking for a form of “ransom” in order to stop the attack and remove the infection.

On 14 May 2021, the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland suffered a major ransomware cyberattack which caused all of its IT systems nationwide to be shut down.  It was the most significant cybercrime attack on an Irish state agency and the largest known attack against a health service computer system.  The group responsible was identified as a criminal gang known as Wizard Spider, believed to be operating from Russia.  The same group is believed to have attacked the Department of Health with a similar cyberattack.  The ransomware cyber attack had a significant impact on hospital appointments across the country, with many appointments cancelled including all outpatient and radiology services.

To protect sensitive data, preserve customer trust, and safeguard business operations, investing in cyber awareness training for employees is no longer an option but a necessity. In this blog post, we will explore why businesses should prioritise cyber awareness courses for their employees and the long-term benefits it can bring.

Human Error: The Weakest Link:

Now, each team member has their own role to play in protecting their organisation and its customers from outside threats.  And so, the question becomes: What can businesses do to empower and guide individuals in supporting organisational security in this era of increased digital dependency?

Despite the presence of advanced security systems and firewalls, employees can unknowingly expose businesses to cyber threats through human error. From falling for phishing scams to using weak passwords or inadvertently clicking on malicious links, employees often unintentionally provide an entry point for cybercriminals. Cyber awareness training equips employees with knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate potential risks, reducing the likelihood of human error-induced security breaches.

Strengthening the Human Firewall:

An organisation’s security posture can only be as strong as its weakest link. By empowering employees with cybersecurity awareness, businesses can create a robust human firewall against cyber threats. Employees who are educated on best practices for data protection, safe browsing, and responsible technology usage become active participants in safeguarding the organisation’s digital infrastructure. They can identify and report suspicious activities promptly, minimizing the damage caused by cyberattacks.

Mitigating Financial and Reputational Risks:

A successful cyber-attack can have severe financial and reputational implications for businesses. The financial cost of data breaches, including, legal expenses, and potential loss of customers, can be crippling. Moreover, a tarnished reputation resulting from a security breach can erode customer trust and negatively impact the bottom line. Cyber awareness training helps organisations mitigate these risks by creating a security-conscious workforce that understands the potential consequences of cyber threats and actively works to prevent them.

Adapting to Evolving Threats:

Cyber threats are ever evolving, with hackers constantly devising new techniques to exploit vulnerabilities. To stay ahead of these threats, businesses need to ensure that their employees receive regular cyber awareness training. At REIM our courses cover topics such as emerging cyber threats, social engineering tactics, and best practices for secure remote work. By keeping employees up to date with the latest trends in cybercrime, businesses can adapt their security measures accordingly and build a proactive defence against potential attacks.

Compliance with Regulations and Standards:

Many industries are subject to strict data protection regulations and compliance standards. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in severe penalties. Cyber awareness training can help employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining compliance with these regulations. By educating employees about data privacy laws, secure handling of customer information, and appropriate data retention practices, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to data protection and avoid legal ramifications.

Conclusion:

Investing in cyber awareness training for employees is an essential step in fortifying an organisation’s cybersecurity defences. By cultivating a culture of cyber awareness, businesses can minimise the risks associated with human error, strengthen their security posture, and adapt to ever-evolving threats. With an educated workforce, organisations can effectively protect sensitive data, preserve their reputation, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. In today’s digital landscape, cyber awareness training is an indispensable tool in the fight against cybercrime and a key element in safeguarding a business’s future success.

Everyone’s a Target…..Can you Afford Not To….

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