![]() Similar to malware, ransomware is used by attackers to extort money (or possibly other resources) from the target organization. In 2017, the malware program known as WannaCry spread throughout the world, crippling hundreds of organizations. Advanced Malware has a specific target and mission typically aimed at an organization or enterprise. Short for "malicious software", malware refers to any type of software designed to cause harm to a device such as viruses, rootkits, spyware, worms and Trojan horses. The email usually hand crafted, and uses all available information to make the email read exactly like an actual email from a friend or colleague. Spear phishing attacks target high-profile individuals or people with access to valuable digital assets. The most infamous spear phishing attack in recent history was on John Podesta, then-chairman of the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign. While phishing schemes cast a wide net, spear phishing takes a highly targeted approach to attacking specific individuals. Phishing is akin to throwing out a wide net full of bait and pulling in whatever you catch. Phishing is a common practice whereby hackers go after a broad target of users with emails that look genuine, but are actually intended to lead the uneducated user to click on dangerous links - possibly divulging usernames, passwords, personally identifiable information, even financial information. Cyber criminals can even embed password-stealing malware from a simple LinkedIn invitation. When someone "invites" you to connect on LinkedIn, for example, that invitation may arrive in your email, but its effectiveness is directly related to your trust of various social media sites. Not limited to direct email, spam is now one of the main methods of attack via social media. ![]() The most prevalent IT security threats (and thus the most up-to-date cybersecurity training) include: Security Awareness Training generally consists of repetitive training and ongoing, sometimes random, testing in the following areas of exploitation. Security Awareness Training provides every employee with a fundamental understanding that there are imminent and ongoing cyber threats, preparing enterprise employees for common cyber attacks and threats. Conversely, they're also the first line of defense against cyber attacks. Security Awareness Training starts with the organization's acknowledgement that their employees are the weakest cybersecurity link. Rather, in order to ensure the network security of any organization, cybersecurity training must be repetitive, updated and constantly tested. ![]() The only defense against such attacks is education - or in industry terms, "Security Awareness Training" - and falls squarely under the aegis of cybersecurity training.īecause of the rapidly changing environment and long list of vulnerabilities, security awareness training also cannot involve a one-shot approach or a "set it and forget it" program. And people represent the "human factor" in the crosshairs of cyber attackers. But people will always be behind every automated task and on the other end of every phone call, email and chat session. ![]() Of course, simple, repetitive tasks can be automated. Why Security Awareness Training is Important to Every OrganizationĮven amid the recent rash of robots capable of opening doors and jumping onto rooftops, organizations rely on people as their primary resource for conducting business and interacting with customers. People are also easier to compromise, especially if they lack proper training in the basics of network security best practices. Thousands of people are easier to exploit at scale than finding a single software vulnerability to breach an enterprise business. In this article from security awareness training provider KnowBe4, the author explains why humans pose an even higher risk than software flaws and vulnerabilities. And that's why people are usually the first targets of cyber attackers who use tactics and tools such as ransomware, spear phishing, malware and social engineering. Simply put: People are the weakest link in any organization's cybersecurity defenses. Malicious hackers and attackers seek to trick users into granting them access to a digital resource, long before they will try to hack their way in. According to our Secureworks® 2018 Incident Response Insights Report, 42% of attackers gain entry from successful phishing scams, reinforcing the need for ongoing employee education. How are they equipped?įor several years now, the majority of digital attacks attempt to exploit the human factor through phishing attempts and related efforts. Your own employees may be pawns in the next threat from a highly skilled hactivist, criminal or nation state. Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Network Protection and Cybersecurity Threat Best Practices
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