In today's digital world, businesses and organizations rely on computer systems, networks, and software applications to operate effectively. Unfortunately, these computer systems and networks are vulnerable to various cyberthreats, such as viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Employees who work with computer systems, data, and networks are often the first line of defense against cyberattacks. They need to be aware of the potential risks and vulnerabilities of the systems they work with, and take steps to prevent cyberattacks from happening. This includes being vigilant about suspicious emails, keeping software up-to-date, using strong passwords, and following security protocols.
If an employee's computer or device is compromised, cyberattackers may be able to access sensitive data, such as personal information, financial information, or proprietary business information. This can lead to serious consequences, such as financial losses, legal liabilities, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust. Financial losses can arise from theft of valuable company data or downtime caused by a cyberattack. Legal liabilities may arise from data breaches, especially if the company has not taken reasonable steps to protect the data. Reputational damage can occur if customers lose trust in the organization's ability to protect their data or if the company's name is tarnished due to a high-profile cyberattack.
Employees who have a good understanding of the potential risks of cyberattacks and how to prevent them can help reduce these risks significantly. For instance, if employees are aware of phishing scams, they are less likely to fall victim to them, reducing the risk of a data breach. Similarly, if employees understand how to protect their devices from malware, they are less likely to infect the company's network with a virus.
Cyberattacks have a negative impact on employees as well, and can affect employee productivity and morale. If a cyberattack results in downtime or loss of data, employees may struggle to get their work done, causing frustration and stress. This can lead to a decrease in morale and job satisfaction, which can ultimately affect employee retention.
Keeping employees up to date on the ways cyberattackers exploit them is a complicated and often confusing endeavor. However, employees need to be aware of cybersecurity issues and take necessary precautions to protect themselves, their employers, and their customers from cyberthreats.
To help organizations ensure their employees are better prepared to recognize and take steps to minimize these threats, Christian Brothers Risk Management Services has produced a free Cyber Security Awareness Toolkit.
We designed this Toolkit to assist your organization in implementing effective controls for managing cyber security threats. The documents aim to assist organizations in developing a training and awareness program for employees. By utilizing the Toolkit, you will be able to establish a planning process for your organization that will enable you to identify and evaluate cyberthreats.
A sample schedule included in the Toolkit will help ensure that your organization conducts cyber security training and awareness with the appropriate level of frequency. This Toolkit focuses on multiple cyber security topics, including phishing, vishing, smishing, USB, tailgating, password safety, ransomware, and social engineering.
The Toolkit also includes a typical vishing/smishing scam scenario; the benefits of using passphrases versus passwords, and an explanation and guide to using a password manager. Your employees can use the included documents to educate themselves on recognizing cybercriminal tactics, the dangers of misinformation and fake news, and what they should do in case of a ransomware attack. There is also a guide to avoiding malicious QR codes.
Our aim is for this Toolkit to deliver the most current insights into cyber security readiness best practices, ensuring that your organization and its workers operate in a secure work environment.
In today's world, cybercriminals are constantly adapting their techniques to become more efficient in stealing your organization's most valuable assets: data and finances. To combat these threats, it's essential for both your organization and employees to remain updated on the latest cyber security developments and utilize effective security tools. To safeguard your assets and those you serve, your risk management, cyber security, and security awareness programs must continually evolve to address emerging threats.
Join Christian Brothers Risk Management Services (RMS) Thursday, May 18 at 1 p.m. CDT, for a special webinar, “Cyber Security Update: Methods and Education.” Our speakers for this webinar will be Jeff Harrison, Director of Risk Control Services, and Tom Drez, Chief Information Officer and Managing Director IT & Website Services at Christian Brothers Services.
This session will be structured as a panel discussion, with our expert speakers fielding questions from attendees. The discussion will center on two critical areas of focus: assessing the current state of cyber security and the various protection tools available to organizations, and devising strategies for establishing an ongoing employee awareness and engagement program to train them on how to recognize potential threats and respond accordingly.
Don’t miss this webinar! Register here or watch on demand any time after the live presentation.
