Seven reasons your business needs cyber security awareness training

Cyber security awareness refers to an organisation’s ability to identify, prevent and respond to cyber threats. It involves educating employees on best practices, recognising potential risks, and taking proactive steps to secure business systems and data.

Building strong cyber security awareness means ensuring that everyone within a business, regardless of their role and position, understands the risks posed by cyber threats. This includes recognising phishing scams, using strong passwords, following data protection policies, and staying informed about evolving risks.

Cyber security awareness training is a structured programme designed to educate employees about cyber threats and how to mitigate them. It covers key topics such as password security, phishing recognition, malware prevention and safe internet practices.

A key goal of cyber security awareness training is creating a security-first mindset throughout the organisation. Employees learn how to protect sensitive data, avoid common cyber threats, and follow company policies that reduce security risks. Without regular training, businesses remain at risk from ever-evolving cyber threats.

Every organisation faces cyber security risks, but many breaches occur due to simple mistakes made by employees. So how important is cyber security awareness?

Let’s explore seven reasons why these prevention strategies are essential for any business, regardless of size or industry:

1. Phishing scams are on the rise

Phishing is one of the most common cyber threats facing businesses today. Cyber criminals use fraudulent emails, messages or websites to trick employees into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details. With 84% of organisations experiencing phishing attacks, businesses must take proactive measures to protect themselves.

How to protect against phishing

Understanding different kinds of cyber attacks helps employees to stay vigilant. To combat phishing, train employees to recognise suspicious emails, verify links before clicking, and avoid sharing sensitive information without confirmation. Regular phishing tests and clear security risk reporting protocols help employees to stay alert and in control.

2. Most breaches are caused by a human element

Cyber security breaches are often the result of well-meaning employees making mistakes rather than deliberate hacking attempts. Whether it’s using weak passwords, misplacing devices or falling for scams, 68% of breaches are linked to human error.

How to mitigate the human element of cyber security risks

Promoting cyber security awareness in the workplace through ongoing education encourages employees to follow security best practices. This includes using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication and following the organisation’s data handling protocols. By embedding these practices into everyday workflows, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidental breaches.

3. Cyber attacks are costly for businesses

A single cyber attack can have devastating financial consequences, and with research showing that 62% of companies have suffered financial losses due to cyber crime, vigilance is essential. Beyond the immediate costs of responding to an attack, businesses may face fines, legal fees and lost revenue that they may not be able to recover from. 

How to minimise the cost of cyber attacks

Businesses are increasingly opting to take out cyber insurance, helping to protect them from financial losses should the worst happen. While this can provide a safety net, a proactive approach is more effective. A well-prepared business with strong cyber security policies, clearly outlined response plans and regular risk assessments is better equipped to survive a cyber attack, reducing downtime and recovery costs.

4. Remote working presents greater security risks

The rise of remote and hybrid working has exposed businesses to new vulnerabilities. Remote workers often use unsecured networks, personal devices and cloud-based applications, making them prime targets for cyber criminals. While some organisations may see this increase in cyber security challenges as a reason to avoid remote working altogether, putting the right procedures in place can protect your business while giving employees greater work-life balance.

How to increase cyber security for remote workers

It’s important to establish clear security policies for safely working from home and ensure regular audits of ways of working. This includes using company-approved devices, securing home networks, and following data protection protocols. It’s also important to be aware that some roles may be too high-risk and shouldn’t be considered for remote work at all.

5. Some employees are more at risk than others

Certain employees are more likely to be targeted by cyber criminals. CEOs, financial officers and other high-level executives handle valuable data, making them prime targets. Additionally, new employees and older workers who may be less tech savvy are often more vulnerable to cyber threats.

How to empower all employees through cyber security awareness

A strong security culture requires tailored training for different roles. While all staff must be equipped with essential cyber security knowledge, high-risk employees should receive additional guidance. Comprehensive cyber security eLearning ensures that team members at every level can identify and respond to threats effectively.

6. You must comply with security regulations

Businesses of all sizes are required to comply with various cyber security regulations, including GDPR compliance, industry-specific rules, and data protection laws. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to hefty fines and reputational damage.

How to ensure cyber security compliance

Compliance should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. Each business needs to tailor security measures to their specific needs, creating a robust security policy that aligns with industry standards. Regular training and policy updates ensure that employees remain informed about their responsibilities.

7. Cyber risks are constantly evolving

Cyber criminals are continuously developing new tactics to exploit businesses. Those that fail to keep up with these developments run the risk of being unprepared and falling victim to the latest cyber threats. Ransomware, deepfake scams and AI-driven attacks are just a few of the emerging trends that you need to be aware of.

How to stay on top of cyber security developments

Ongoing training and regular security audits are essential for defending your business against cyber attacks. Businesses should update their security protocols frequently and ensure that employees remain aware of the latest threats. Investing in security training helps organisations to keep on top of emerging trends and receive guidance on best practices to mitigate them.

Cyber security awareness is a necessity for every business, no matter how large or small. It helps to protect sensitive data, reduce financial risks and ensure regulatory compliance. Organisations that understand why cyber security awareness is important are better equipped with knowledgeable employees as the first line of defence against.

The Access Group offers expert-led cyber security eLearning to help businesses to enhance their security and mitigate potential risks. Our interactive training courses provide real-world scenarios, practical advice and up-to-date threat intelligence to keep employees engaged and informed.

Want to strengthen your organisation’s cyber security awareness? Request a demo today or contact our team to explore how our training can help to protect your business.