Knowledge Is Power: Prioritizing Cybersecurity Education in the Workplace

Humans are critical to every company's cybersecurity strategy. Whether they know it or not, all employees at every level play a role in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of business operations. Every day, employee actions either reinforce the company's cybersecurity defenses -- or create risks and vulnerabilities. Regular, engaging cybersecurity education can make all the difference in cultivating a culture of cybersecurity that reduces threats and prevents breaches. Here are tips for creating and maintaining effective cybersecurity education at your company:

Develop a long-term strategy

Technology changes, and so do cyber threats. Every year, new devices and digital services hit the market. Whether or not it's vetted and approved by IT, employees routinely introduce new technology to the workplace. In turn, cybercriminals look for new vulnerabilities to exploit and novel ways to break through a company's defenses. For example, even as people increasingly leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to help with workplace efficiency and productivity, cybercriminals leverage that same AI to execute faster, more intelligent cyberattacks.  To keep pace, businesses need a long-term cybersecurity education strategy that is realistic and adaptable. Training must emphasize the most common attacks and how to spot or prevent them. At the same time, IT needs to regularly communicate emerging threats and ways employees can responsibly use new technology in the workplace.  Training should never be a "one-and-done" task. Instead, cybersecurity education should be a recurring requirement for every employee. IT would also routinely update the training materials to reflect the latest developments in cyber threats and technology best practices. When IT is proactive with training, employees are better informed and more confident.  Recurring, up-to-date cybersecurity education gives everyone the knowledge and skills to recognize and mitigate threats. 

Make training accessible and engaging

People absorb information in many different ways. With over a half dozen learning styles, workplace educators may need to get creative and engage employees in multiple ways. For example, while training videos and webinars may work well for some, in-person activities that involve groupwork and physical movement may be more effective. When it comes to technology and digital security, employees also have a wide range of experience and know-how. Some are very comfortable with the latest technologies and quickly pick up new digital skills, while others may feel intimidated and need more hands-on guidance.  In short, any cybersecurity education strategy needs to account for the range of learning styles and knowledge levels among employees.  Engagement is also critical to the success of a cybersecurity education program. Cybersecurity is a serious business, but employee cybersecurity education doesn't have to be. Gamification elements can make training sessions more interactive and enjoyable. Incorporate quizzes, simulations, and real-world scenarios to bring cyber threats to life. Consider offering contests and rewards to incentivize participation. Gamification enhances the information people retain and encourages healthy competition among employees. When cybersecurity training feels approachable and enjoyable, employees are more likely to engage with the material and retain that knowledge to protect the company from cyber threats. Outside of training, recognize and reward employees all year long who engage in desired cybersecurity behaviors. When an employee reports suspicious activity or thwarts an attack, publicly recognize them and share the positive outcome with the rest of the company.

Secure leadership buy-in

For any cybersecurity education initiative to succeed, it's crucial to secure buy-in from top leadership, including the C-suite. If they see executives ignoring or downplaying security initiatives, employees will feel that they, too, can deprioritize cybersecurity. Leaders must allocate the time and resources needed to ensure the training programs are comprehensive and effective. In addition, leaders should actively and visibly participate in training sessions to demonstrate their commitment to the company's cybersecurity goals.  Beyond training, leaders and executives should also show in their words and daily actions that they understand and support the company's cybersecurity mission. Leadership involvement not only sets a precedent for all employees but also emphasizes the strategic importance of cybersecurity in the organization.  Leadership has the power to imbue the company culture with tech savvy and cyber awareness. When the company's cybersecurity efforts are visible, and leaders routinely model good cybersecurity hygiene, employees will try to emulate those high standards, which in turn will better protect the company. Any cybersecurity education program will only work if there is buy-in from the top down.

Empower your employees

To make cybersecurity education impactful, integrate it into employees' everyday activities. Establish a connection between the training content and their daily work responsibilities so employees can recognize the practical applications of cybersecurity measures in their roles. By making cybersecurity tangible and interactive, employees can see the direct impact of their actions. Develop short, context-specific training modules that align with employees' daily tasks. For example, if an employee frequently deals with emails, provide training on recognizing phishing attempts and handling suspicious emails. Include cybersecurity training for new employees during onboarding to establish expectations and good habits. From there, share regular reminders and updates on cybersecurity best practices, such as through brief, weekly tips sent via email or displayed on internal communication platforms. Give employees flexibility in where and how they engage with training materials, including during commutes and business travel. Break down complex topics into microlearning sessions that are more convenient and memorable. And give employees a way to share feedback on their training experiences. Whether the training team solicits employee feedback or offers a way to get in touch, building a feedback loop will help fine-tune your cybersecurity education program.

Build a framework for cybersecurity education 

Cybersecurity education programs will look different from organization to organization. Every company's unique combination of employees, technologies, industry dynamics, and organizational goals will require a tailored security training program. Nonetheless, all cybersecurity education programs aim to develop an informed and proactive workforce to reduce the risk of breaches and protect valuable digital assets. Content and teaching methods will shift as technology evolves, but an adaptable framework for prioritizing and executing cybersecurity education is critical for cultivating a cyber-aware workplace.