Last 2020, only 17% of Fortune 100 companies disclosed cyber-related issues that resulted in a shocking insight. Many publicly traded companies are leaving their investors in the dark as far as cybersecurity risks are involved. For some, this is a simple issue but for many companies, cybersecurity is a huge problem as most of them already lost a whopping amount of money for being a victim of cybercrimes.

You might not feel it yet but cybersecurity is a big issue that should be taken care of because your company can be the next victim. If you think that your cybersecurity measures aren’t enough to protect your business’ and customers’ best interest. Now’s the time to get a second look at your cybersecurity policies to be two steps ahead from any cyber threats that your business might encounter.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity (also referred as Information Technology Security) is the body of technology and processes mainly designed to protect networks, programs, devices, and data from certain attacks, damage and from unauthorized access.

Cyberattacks can take place using an individual’s or a company’s delicate data in order to steal essential information or access their financial accounts.

What are the types of Cybersecurity Threat?

If your company is planning to strengthen or build a Cybersecurity team to oversee the safety of your company in the World Wide Web, it is necessary that your IT personnel have an in-depth understanding of the different types of Cyber Security threats as you will eventually deal with all of them in the future. Such threats include:

1. MALWARE

It’s malicious software similar to ransomware, spyware, worms, and viruses. This threat is activated once a user clicks on a “malicious” link or an attachment embedded on ads or emails sent to you by a hacker. Once activated it will automatically install itself in your company’s system and will perform the following:

• Installing additional dangerous software.
• Change the user’s access information and blocks the user from gaining access.
• Collect important information to be transferred from the hard drive.
• Destroy the systems’ functionality.

2. MAN-IN-THE-MIDDLE

MITM or Man-in-the-middle often occurs when a hacker places itself in the middle of the online transactions and interrupts any communication to filter or steal any data that they desire stealthily. It can happen when a user connects to an unsecured Wi-Fi network. Hackers will take advantage of the easy access and will use malware to insert harmful software and use the information to their advantage.

3. EMOTET

The emotet is the most costly and harmful malware identified by CISA. Being a modular banking Trojan, its primary function is to be a downloader or dropper of some banking Trojans which aims to destroy banking system functions.

4. DENIAL OF SERVICE

(DoS) or Denial of Service is a cyberattack that blocks the user from using the computer system by flooding the network if the user doesn’t give in to the demands of the hacker.

One of the popular DoS attacks is by using a botnet. These are referred to as zombie type of DDoS that infect millions of systems which allows hackers to gain control. It’s in different geographical locations making it really hard to trace.

5. PHISHING

Phishing is a cyberattack that uses deceiving communication messages through email and SMS. It tricks the user by sending notifications that contain panicky messages which can urge a user to follow the instructions indicated. For instance, providing personal information to prevent account deactivation. The hackers’ goal is to steal all important data like bank account details and login information.

6. THE SQL INJECTION

SQL or Structured Query Language Injection is a kind of cyberattack that comes from inserting a malicious code into a specific server that uses SQL. Once infected, the server automatically releases information to the hacker.

7. SOCIAL ENGINEERING

Social Engineering is a type of password attack that is defined as a “strategy that relies on human interaction and mostly involves tricking users into breaking a standard security protocol”.

Information security vs Cybersecurity

Information Security is about protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data. In layman’s terms, it’s more likely to protect a filling cabinet of essential documents. Information Security is securing data regardless of its form.

Cybersecurity (also known as Information Technology Security) are the techniques and strategies used in protecting networks, computers, data, and programs from any sort of unauthorized access or attacks.

Cybersecurity covers these major areas:

• Application Security
• Information Security
• Network Security
• Disaster Security

Why Do Small and Big Companies Need Cybersecurity Virtual Training?

Educating employees on cybersecurity is a huge argument among companies. Yet, with the latest statistics that indicate the number of cybersecurity attacks, the majority of well-known companies are firm in their stand to put their employees on cybersecurity training.

In the 2020 State of IT Security Survey, it shows that email security and employee training is on the top spot for being the biggest problem faced by IT security experts. The sad part is, 30% of employees are clueless when it comes to phishing or malware. This might be the reason why businesses are losing a whopping amount of money.

To make it clear, these companies are not vulnerable. They do have firewalls and security software but it’s not enough if they are against the best Cyber Hacker in the business. Added by the majority of employees who are not technology savvy, these employees become the hackers’ gateway for phishing unknowingly.

Employees need online cybersecurity training to protect themselves and the company against cyber attacks. Awareness of the different types of cybersecurity threats, how these threats are presented and the procedures they need to follow once they identify the threat are the greatest weapon a company can have against cyber attacks

Now that you’re decided to put your employees for cybersecurity training, what are the considerations to take in choosing the best virtual platform?

Considerations in Choosing the Best Cyber Security Virtual Training

• Offers value for your company’s money.

Make sure that the Cyber Security Virtual Training provider has a reasonable training package that deals with good feedback from recent clients. This is to ensure that the company’s money will not go to waste.

• Offers practical advice that can be applied at home or to your business or cybersecurity career.

This is essential if you are planning to put your employees under cybersecurity, make sure that the training program is applicable for home and office setup. This way, they can practice what they learned at home and they can protect themselves from phishing even outside the office premise.

• Operates entirely online with no travel required

Look for a training provider that operates online because it will cost less on the company’s part and the employees as they do not need to leave their house or office just to attend the training. Having it online has many perks is a practical choice right now.

• Provides you with some type of certification upon completion

Wouldn’t it be great if your employees receive a certificate stating that they have finished the training course? The certificate serves as their achievement and can be added in their portfolio as additional skill.

• Training sessions are entertaining yet educational

One of the reasons why some cybersecurity training is not lasting and impactful to its attendees is due to boring discussions of the training materials used. When a company invests in important training, it has to tap the curiosity of the participants and engage them to learn more. Inserting mini-games like puzzle solving or any activity that incite collaborative work can make virtual training memorable. Plus it enhances the employees’ other crucial skills needed in the workplace.
Find out what are these 5 crucial skills that your employees need to develop in our blog.

Best Virtual Platforms for Cybersecurity Training

Cluehub

Cluehub is a web-based gamification platform that is ideal for distributed and remotely working teams. They offer ready-to-play and customizable games for subscription. It is considered one of the best virtual platforms for Cybersecurity Training because their customized solutions allow a fun training approach and could be an add-on for breakout sessions.

Zoom

Zoom is the perfect platform for a professional training approach. Ranked #1in Customer Reviews, Zoom is ideal for video meetings, content sharing and chat. It is also a great platform for live virtual events and broadcasting. Employees will not just watch the training online but they can interact or participate during the training which is a good training strategy for the participants to learn faster.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is the finest hub for teamwork. It can keep your content, apps, and even conversation in one place. Employees do not have to download or go into other apps as Microsoft Teams is the package deal.

Verdict

People may think that cybersecurity is all about top-secret government files. Whether it’s a small or a billion-dollar company, cyberattacks excuse no one. That’s why cybersecurity virtual training is a must.

Even ordinary citizens can be attacked by these internet thugs working underground. However, this can be stopped if companies will start investing in cybersecurity virtual training to strengthen and protect their business and their stakeholders.

Go and start your Cybersecurity Training program today and make it more meaningful and impactful with a gamification platform for your remote team.

Contact a Cluehub specialist today.