In this article we will be diving deep about this interesting topic Information Security Awareness.
Now, let us see what it means !
Introduction
– IT and security experts utilize security awareness training as a way to reduce and prevent user risk. These initiatives are made to assist users and staff members in comprehending their part in preventing breaches of information security. Employees that receive effective security awareness training learn how to practice good cyber hygiene, comprehend the security risks connected with their behavior, and recognize cyberattacks they could come across online or by email.
– According to research, more than 90% of security breaches are the result of human error. Training in security awareness helps to reduce risk, preventing the loss of PII, intellectual property, money, or brand reputation. An efficient cybersecurity awareness program covers the errors that staff members may commit when utilizing email, the internet, and the real world, such tailgating or incorrect document disposal.
To raise security awareness, use phishing tests
– On the Mimecast Awareness Training platform, it is simple to build up a test campaign for phishing emails. You can be prepared to provide a phishing template to your users in less than 10 minutes:
– Utilize real-world de-weaponized attacks or our realism-based single-page and multi-page templates, which cover everything from fake news and password resets brought on by unauthorized logins to phone promotions and parcel tracking.
– Customize your phishing text and landing pages as soon as possible to reflect anticipated attacks on your personnel.
– The personnel who will get your phishing email testing must be designated, along with the templates they will receive and the launch date.
The Most Effective Ways To Approach Awareness Training
– In order to reduce user risk, effective security awareness training emphasizes involving today’s workforce. Many security awareness training programs disregard basic standards for education, giving users information overload or worse, forgettable instruction in one-off sessions.
– Training must be consistent, given frequently in tiny doses, and tailored to the busy schedules of the employees if it is to be effective. Most crucially, to increase recollection of important security themes, humor and positive reinforcement outperform fear-based or dry messages.
Make Cybersecurity a Habit!
– As with physical safety and security, such as locking your front door or fastening your seatbelt in a car, good habits are the cornerstone of cybersecurity.
– Here are eight crucial cybersecurity practices to use in your online activities. Make an effort to automate these behaviors. They’ll aid in safeguarding your data, your loved ones, and your job. They’ll also lessen your chance of falling victim to fraud.
– Always exercise caution while opening attachments or clicking on links.
– Verify requests for private information—whether they are coming from you or anybody else—even if the sender seems familiar.
– Keep your passwords secure.
– Keep your items safe! Before you go, lock it up or take it with you.
– Keep your machine tidy! Maintain patched and updated versions of your hardware, software, browsers, and antivirus and anti-malware programs.
– Back up important documents.
– When you’re finished with sensitive information, delete it.
– Report it if it seems questionable!
Toolkit for Phishing Awareness
– The entire UC community can access the materials in this resource. Items marked “Grab-and-go” are meant to be quick and simple to use or alter (for example, by replacing the provided systemwide URL and/or logo with a local one). For individuals seeking a greater selection from which to select or edit, more materials are also offered.
– Avoid Being Suckered by a Phishing Scam. “Grab-and-go”
Phishing is a form of social engineering that cybercriminals employ to trick individuals into doing what they want. Phishing is simplified by technology. Any online criminal with access to an email address may set up and run a phishing attack since it is simple, cheap, and low risk. Phishing has caused losses for academics, staff, and students alike. You can feel more comfortable if you are aware of your adversaries.
Data Privacy Month and Data Privacy Day
For Data Privacy Day and Data Privacy Month, the Systemwide Information Security Awareness Workgroup organized a wide range of activities, materials, and resources that were made available to all UC campuses. By offering a variety of adjustable options, we believe that these resources will help everyone save time and effort.
Ransomware
– Ransomware has been covered extensively in the media lately. High-profile businesses have shut down as a result of recent ransomware assaults, including the University of Calgary, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, and the ticketing system for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, to name a few.
– The fastest-growing malware threat, ransomware targets all users, from individual consumers to corporate networks. This essay explains the basics of ransomware and how to safeguard oneself.
What Is Ransomware ?
– A form of malicious software known as ransomware prevents the victim from accessing their computer or data – frequently by encrypting them – until a ransom is paid. Typically, the ransomware displays a message informing the victim that they have been locked out and offering instructions on how to pay the ransom.
– Using stolen credentials, malicious URLs, and hazardous email attachments are common ways that ransomware spreads, but they are not the only ones. Adware/spyware, harmful programs and files, and other sources are also possible.
– It is crucial to remember that paying the ransom does not ensure that you will regain access to your computer or your files. In fact, a few recent, well-publicized cyberattacks with the names “WannaCry” and “Petya” really used ransomware to divert attention from the actual attack, but in those instances there was there is no method for users to recover their files by paying the ransom. Never pay the ransom, according to the FBI and law enforcement.
Critical Security Awareness Topics
– Phishing awareness, educating staff on how to spot and respond to potentially fraudulent emails.
– Security of passwords, including guidance on creating secure passwords and steering clear of using personal passwords.
– Privacy concerns, along with guidance on how to safeguard the company’s and its customers’ and partners’ sensitive data.
– Compliance, including HIPAA, PCI, and GDPR compliance.
– Employee education on insider dangers, including how to identify potential internal threats.
– CEO/wire fraud, demonstrating to staff how attackers may pose as a C-level executive to steal thousands of dollars from the business.
– Employees can learn how to protect data in motion and how vulnerable it is by using data in motion.
– Employee education on office hygiene, including the best ways to safeguard paper, workstations, screens, and buildings
Conclusion
That’s all about the Information Security Awareness. After reading this essay, I hope you found it enjoyable and learned something new. We have learned what is phishing awareness toolkit, ransomware, data privacy month and critical sec topics.
