Encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication are all important components of a cybersecurity system. While each makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive and valuable data, statistics suggest the most important component is the training organizations provide to their team members. A recent Forbes article cited “the human element” as a core factor in 74 percent of cybersecurity breaches.
Recent studies have found that up to 98 percent of cyber attacks involve social engineering, which exploits human vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to an organization’s network. Today’s cyber attackers are counting on an organization’s employees not knowing what these attacks look like or how to repel them, which is why training is so critical.
“If your team does not engage with comprehensive, up-to-date cybersecurity training content on a regular basis, they will not be fully aware of the latest types of cyberattacks and how to combat these threats effectively,” says Marcelo Barros, Global Markets Leader at Hacker Rangers. “As a result, they’re more likely to be a vector for cyberattacks.”
Barros is an IT veteran who has played an instrumental role in delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions and services to clients around the world. His passion for cybersecurity led him to join the team at Hacker Rangers, a leading gamification company that makes cyber awareness fun and engaging for organizations worldwide.
Hacker Rangers enhances cybersecurity by leading employees to adopt “cybersecure” habits through intrinsic motivation. Its customizable gamification platform utilizes animated videos, simulations, quizzes, and educational alerts to inspire users to adopt effective cybersecurity practices. Users earn badges as they advance through the training, increasing their rank and propelling them to the top of their organization’s Hacker Rangers leaderboard.
Hacker Rangers’ users — including Scania, Whirlpool, and Azul Airlines — describe it as “playful, dynamic, and fun,” highlighting its ease of use for both supervisors overseeing training and trainees. It is also credited with giving organizations a “broader perspective” on what it takes to find security vulnerabilities and prevent them from being exploited.
The importance of staying “cybercurrent”
To be effective, cybersecurity training should never be viewed as a “one-and-done” endeavor. Cyber attackers are relentless and innovative, deploying attack strategies that are constantly evolving. Only organizations that provide regular training with updated content can expect to remain “cybercurrent” and well-equipped to repel attacks.
Barros believes certain elements of training, such as those explaining the basic types of attacks employees might encounter or reinforcing the importance of passwords, are always relevant. However, he stresses the importance of continually updating training materials to reflect the latest developments and emerging threats.
“For instance, the fundamental approach to recognizing regular phishing scams — such as paying attention to details and layout and being wary of unusual requests — remains essential,” Barros explains. “But you certainly will need to add more content to your training platform regarding new types of phishing as they emerge and the specific techniques for recognizing them. One recent example of an important update is content on browser-in-the-browser phishing, in which attackers create fake and malicious pop-up windows. It is a new scam that requires a specific technique to identify and avoid.”
Barros also encourages organizations to make their updates as comprehensive as possible, giving employees everything they need to stay effective in bolstering cybersecurity.
“If updates are superficial, then they won’t provide valuable training,” Barros explains. “Effective training will provide the depth of information needed to fully explain the nuances of a threat and the method of preventing it.”
The importance of providing engaging training
Up-to-date content is critical for effective cybersecurity training, but it is not the only important component. If the content is seen as irrelevant by the people it is meant to educate, it won’t have its desired effect.
“At the end of the day, security awareness training is only effective if the content is both relevant and up-to-date,” Barros notes. “Are your users truly learning from the training, paying attention, and incorporating the safe habits they’ve been taught? That only happens when the content is effective. When content is not interesting, trainees won’t be likely to engage.”
Cybersecurity protection requires continuous reinforcement to be effective. When an organization provides employees with regular updates, it ensures cybersecurity awareness remains a constant focus. Trainees who receive fresh, relevant content are less likely to become complacent in their training and better prepared to face the latest attacks.
The Hacker Rangers platform combines relevant content with engaging practices to ensure training is impactful. Developments such as regulatory updates and emerging attack patterns are monitored and incorporated into training as soon as they are relevant, and all training is updated at least annually to ensure it remains engaging and effective.
“The quality of training content is directly related to an organization’s level of awareness,” Barros explains. “If training is not continuous, relevant, and engaging, your team won’t effectively learn, and the training will fail to achieve its main objective: keeping your company protected.”