How To Make Cybersecurity Training A Part Of The Onboarding Process

Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of modern business operations, and organisations must ensure that their employees are well-equipped to navigate the digital landscape securely. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated and digital systems now commonplace, integrating cybersecurity training with your new starters' onboarding process is a proactive way to strengthen your company’s defences against cyber threats and attacks. 

A research report by Stanford University found human error accounts for 88% of all data breaches, so it makes sense to protect your data vigilantly from within. Training employees in cybersecurity from day one fosters a culture of responsibility and minimises the risk of potential threats considerably.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways you can make cybersecurity training an integral part of your employee onboarding process.

Create a tailored training programme

Firstly, you should develop or adopt a comprehensive cybersecurity training programme that covers fundamental concepts, best practices, and company or industry-specific protocols. Ensure that the materials are easy to understand and accessible. You could add interactive elements to engage your employees, such as a team-building game or quiz, to boost retention and help make the training a fun experience.

Of course, different job roles within your organisation may require varying levels of cybersecurity training. Tailor training sessions to each team or department, to address the specific needs of your business. Be sure the information is relevant to your employees’ daily tasks, and covers the cyber threats and challenges that different people may encounter.

Set clear guidelines

Educating your staff on the importance of access control and the proper handling of sensitive information is crucial. With almost every business using online storage or cloud-based systems to store sensitive information about their customers and clients, even new starters should understand the laws of GDPR and how they can use confidential data.

Even small tasks such as setting up their passwords should be done with cybersecurity in mind – did you know 23.2 million breached accounts used ‘123456’ as their password? Advise your employees on how to make a secure password, and make two-factor authentication compulsory for all your business accounts and inboxes. It’s also important for all employees to change their passwords frequently, to keep their accounts as safe as possible.

Simulate cybersecurity threats

Once your employees are well-versed in cybersecurity red flags and procedures and know how to react, conduct some simulated phishing exercises to familiarise them with how common tactics used by cybercriminals look outside of the training room. This is a hands-on approach that allows new hires to quickly learn to recognise threats in a controlled environment, and offers them the opportunity to practise responding appropriately.

The reporting procedures should be clearly defined. Encourage employees at every level to report any suspicious activity immediately – you could even offer small rewards for those who do so fastest or most consistently.  This will work to build a positive, proactive approach to cybersecurity throughout your organisation and will help minimiz1e response times in the case of a real cyber threat.

Encourage continuous learning

Consistently reinforce the significance of data security and safeguarding your company’s assets both to new starters and existing employees by hosting regular refresher training sessions in cybersecurity. Utilising e-learning courses and platforms can help to cost-effectively provide cybersecurity training, enabling your organisation to stay ahead of any new cyber threats.

Continuous learning also gives you the opportunity to regularly discuss the importance of cybersecurity, introduce any new security protocols and refresh everyone’s knowledge of best practices. By fostering a culture of security-conscious workers you raise awareness throughout your organisation and significantly reduce the risk of being attacked by cybercriminals. 

Empower your employees

By integrating cybersecurity into your onboarding process and proactively encouraging employees to brush up on their cybersecurity skills regularly, you strengthen your organisation’s defences. With role-specific training and a culture that promotes vigilance against data threats, your employees will feel empowered to make the right decisions should a cybercriminal attempt to steal sensitive information. Investing in cybersecurity not only protects your company but also contributes to building a knowledgeable and resilient workforce that is prepared to face the challenges of the fast-evolving digital world.

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