Top 5 Information Security Awareness Training Topics You Need To Learn

Introduction 

Information security plays a vital role in offering protection in the cyberspaces used by modern organizations. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, your company can protect data about your stakeholders and indirectly maintain a good reputation in the industry.

However, information security cannot be achieved easily. This is why it is essential to spearhead employee training with the help of experienced IT professionals like the ones we have here at InfoBahn Communications, Inc. Through regular training sessions and programs, you can equip your workers with the knowledge needed to protect confidential data from people who want to steal them.

This article lists five of the most important topics to be taught in information security awareness training. Read through the rest of the article to see how your workers can benefit from them.

Critical Information Security Awareness Training Topics 

IT security training programs for employees can last for a while. However, rest assured that while sitting in these sessions, your workers will learn much about cybersecurity and its importance. In many cases, the trainers will also cover essential topics, such as:

Email Scams 

As the name suggests, these fraudulent scams are attacks sent or done with the victim’s email. They come in many forms or types, and the most common ones are:

• Urgent Offer – These email scams pretend to sell you products or services at a seemingly irresistible price. You will most likely be sent to a malicious site once you click the link in the message.
• Imitator – With this type of email scam, the fraudster will create an account and company website similar to legitimate ones. They will send you a message with a link, which often leads to a malicious website.
• Lottery – Who doesn’t want to win the lottery, right? But if you ever do, be sure that they do not send the announcement through an email because it is highly likely a scam to obtain important information from you.

There are many other kinds of email scams. One way to spot them is to check if they come from a legitimate email address and website. Be sure to avoid clicking links, too, especially if you have yet to verify the sender's authenticity. 

Malware 

Malware is a portmanteau of “malicious software,” and as the name implies, it refers to computer programs designed to harm digital devices. They come in many forms, and a few common examples are:

• Spyware – It refers to malicious programs installed in your devices without your knowledge. What it does is “spy” on you as you perform different tasks to obtain important information, such as passwords, PIN codes, and even financial information. 
• Ransomware – In a ransomware attack, a virus will encrypt your files, preventing you from accessing or using them. The only way to decrypt them is to track the attacker and pay the “ransom” they are demanding, which can reach thousands of pesos.
• Trojans – Derived from the well-known Greek tale, Trojans are disguised as standard computer files or programs. Once installed, they will start performing what they intend to do: steal your data, spy on your activities, crash your computer, and more.

Cybercriminals are getting creative with the way they launch malware attacks. However, with regular IT security awareness training, your employees will be equipped with the knowledge to fend off these threats and protect their data and your company in the long run.

Password Security 

Your password should be your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts and devices. Using a strong password, you can safeguard your data from being stolen or used by others without your consent. For this reason, password protection is another essential topic discussed during security awareness training sessions.

Password security training is much more than teaching you and your employees the basics of creating strong passwords. Instead, it delves deep into the intricacies of safeguarding your identities in the digital world. You will likely learn about the most common and easily guessable passwords and the importance of not using them in your accounts. The training also includes using two-factor authentication (2FA) to provide another layer of protection to your files and data.

Removable Media 

Removable media, like USB sticks and external hard drives, are storage devices that can be detached from the computer. They are convenient to use, but they also pose some security risks.

For starters, they can be misplaced or stolen, and the files inside can easily be accessed by the person who gets them. You can encrypt the data inside them, but it might not provide enough protection. Also, removable media can be a source of malware. Passing them from one computer to another can cause the spread of viruses that can endanger individual devices and entire networks.

During the cybersecurity awareness training for your employees, they will learn some of the best practices when it comes to using removable media. A few tips include creating strong passwords to protect the files inside and keeping these storage devices secure to prevent them from getting lost or stolen. It is also important not to save any confidential files in them. 

Clean Desk Policy 

Clean desk policies are pretty straightforward. They involve encouraging or requiring employees to keep their workstations neat and organized so that only essential devices and tools – like computers and notepads – will be left on their desks. 

Without information security awareness training, your employees might think that this policy is simply enforced to improve the overall aesthetic appeal of the facility. However, a clean desk policy is also beneficial for cybersecurity reasons. Here are a few ways it can lower the risk of digital threats:

• Data and Information Security – Hard copies of files sometimes left on the table may include important information about the company, its clients, and its employees. Someone who wants to make mischief may get a hold of such information and cause problems for your organization.
• Theft Prevention – As mentioned earlier, some employees use USB sticks, external hard drives, and other removable media, which might store important files. A clean desk policy ensures that these devices will not be lying around where they can easily be stolen. 
• Password Protection – While the practice is much discouraged, many employees still jot down their passwords and PIN codes on notepads that might be left lying around where people can see what’s written on them. A clean desk policy ensures these passwords are protected and indirectly also helps encourage workers to disregard this practice altogether.

Conclusion 

These are just some of the most important topics your employees can learn in your organization's regular information security awareness training. Are you looking for an IT company that can facilitate these sessions? Contact us today at InfoBahn Communications, Inc. We are your trusted professionals in providing excellent IT solutions and training programs.