This blog was written by ADM Computing who are a valued Community Ambassador of the ECRC.

In today’s digital landscape, the threat of cyberattacks is ever-present, with phishing remaining one of the most common and dangerous forms of attack. Phishing exploits human vulnerabilities by tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information or installing malicious software. As these attacks grow increasingly sophisticated, businesses must invest in Security Awareness Testing and Training (SATT) to arm their employees with the knowledge and skills needed to recognise and respond to these threats effectively.

Why Phishing Training is Vital

Phishing is more than just a nuisance; it’s often the entry point for more severe cybercrimes, including data breaches, financial fraud, and identity theft. Despite the advancements in security technology, the human element remains a critical vulnerability. Even the most robust technical defences can be bypassed if an employee unwittingly clicks on a malicious link or divulges confidential information. This is why phishing training is such a crucial component of any SATT programme. By simulating real-world phishing scenarios, businesses can test their employees' responses in a controlled environment and provide targeted training to improve their security awareness.

Phishing training goes beyond just avoiding spammy-looking emails. Modern phishing attacks are highly targeted and personalised, making them difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. Through rigorous and ongoing training, employees can learn to identify even the most subtle signs of a phishing attempt, such as slight anomalies in email addresses, unexpected requests for sensitive information, or links that don’t quite match the sender’s known URLs. This level of awareness is crucial in building a resilient defence against cyber threats.

The Components of Effective SATT Programmes

A comprehensive SATT programme includes regular phishing simulations, interactive training modules, and continuous assessment to ensure that employees stay vigilant. Phishing simulations, in particular, are an invaluable tool for identifying employees who may be at higher risk of falling for such attacks. These simulations can be tailored to mimic the types of phishing attempts that a business is most likely to encounter, making the training relevant and practical.

Interactive training modules help reinforce learning by engaging employees in ways that traditional methods often fail to do. These modules can cover a wide range of topics, from basic cybersecurity principles to the specific tactics used by cybercriminals in phishing attacks. Regular assessments and feedback ensure that employees understand the material and can apply it in real-world situations.

Another vital component is the continual adaptation and evolution of the training material. As cyber threats evolve, so too must the training. Keeping the content fresh and aligned with the latest phishing tactics ensures that employees are always prepared for the next wave of attacks. This approach is particularly effective in industries that are frequent targets of phishing, such as finance, healthcare, and government.

The Benefits of Regular SATT

Implementing a regular SATT programme offers numerous benefits beyond simply reducing the risk of phishing attacks. It helps create a culture of security within the organisation, where every employee understands their role in protecting the company's data and systems. This cultural shift can lead to an improved overall security posture, as employees become more proactive in identifying and reporting potential threats.

Moreover, regular training and testing can help businesses comply with regulatory requirements related to cybersecurity. Many industries require proof that employees have received adequate training on how to handle sensitive information, and a well-documented SATT programme can provide the necessary evidence of compliance.

Regular SATT also contributes to higher employee confidence. When staff are well-prepared to deal with phishing attempts, they feel more secure in their roles, knowing they are equipped to protect themselves and the business from potential threats. This sense of security can improve overall job satisfaction, reducing turnover and creating a more stable workforce.

Making Phishing Training a Priority

While it’s important to have strong technical defences, such as firewalls and encryption, these measures alone are not enough. Phishing training should be a top priority for any business looking to protect itself from cyber threats. By regularly testing and training employees, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of successful phishing attacks and the associated costs, which can be substantial.

An effective SATT programme can turn employees from potential vulnerabilities into the first line of defence against cyberattacks. In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, businesses that invest in comprehensive security awareness training are better equipped to protect their data, their customers, and their reputation.

KnowBe4: An Industry Leader in SATT

While many companies offer SATT solutions, KnowBe4 stands out as an industry leader due to its comprehensive and innovative approach to security awareness training. KnowBe4’s Security Awareness Essentials course is certified in association with the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). KnowBe4 recognises that the key to effective training lies not just in the content but in how that content is delivered.

KnowBe4 provides a vast array of phishing simulation templates—over 5,000, to be exact—that are regularly updated to reflect the latest phishing tactics. These templates allow businesses to simulate a wide variety of phishing attacks, ensuring that employees are exposed to the kinds of threats they are most likely to encounter in the real world. This targeted approach to phishing simulations is crucial in building robust defences against cyber threats.

In addition to its extensive library of phishing templates, KnowBe4 offers interactive and engaging training modules that use gamification to enhance learning. These modules transform the often dry subject of cybersecurity into something that is not only educational but also enjoyable. Employees can engage with training content in the form of interactive games, quizzes, and even Netflix-style shows that make learning about cybersecurity fun and accessible. This approach ensures that employees remain engaged with the training material, leading to better retention and application of the knowledge they gain.

KnowBe4’s focus on continuous learning and engagement doesn’t end with training modules. The platform offers robust analytics and reporting tools that allow businesses to track their employees’ progress, identify areas where additional training may be needed, and demonstrate compliance with industry regulations. This data-driven approach ensures that businesses can continuously refine and improve their SATT programmes, adapting to new threats and maintaining a high level of security awareness across the organisation.

Conclusion

As cyber threats continue to grow in both number and complexity, the importance of Security Awareness Testing and Training cannot be overstated. Phishing remains a significant threat to businesses of all sizes, and the best way to combat this is through regular, targeted training. By prioritising phishing training as part of a broader SATT programme, businesses can reduce their risk, ensure compliance, and foster a culture of security within their organisation.

Investing in your employees' security awareness is not just about compliance—it’s about building a resilient defence against the ever-present threat of cybercrime. KnowBe4’s innovative approach to SATT, with its extensive phishing templates and engaging training modules, offers businesses a powerful tool to enhance their security posture. Start today by implementing a robust SATT programme, and make phishing training a cornerstone of your cybersecurity strategy.

ADM Computing

ADM Computing are a valued Community Ambassador of the ECRC and have been established for 40 years, which is a long time in the world of IT. Throughout their history, they are proud to have upheld an excellent standard of customer service, with high levels of charity, environmental and community engagement within the South-East –something they look forward to continuing to build upon for years to come. Their bespoke IT infrastructure and security solutions support your business goals with best value systems - delivering maximum efficiency, minimal downtime and easy maintenance. Friendly, flexible IT support for your organisation, whether you have in-house IT team or not, whenever it’s needed, with no long-term tie-in.

How the ECRC can help?

Joining the ECRC as a free member ensures that your organisation is supported in making the small changes that make the biggest difference. Becoming a free member means you will receive regular communications via email, which will drip feed you ways in which you can improve your cyber resilience without costing any money.

The ECRC website also contains several links to helpful National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) resources, which are all free, up-to-date, and easy to use. Tools such as Exercise in a Box and the NCSC Cyber Action Plan are particularly useful in terms of identifying areas where you could improve your cybersecurity. They also have many informative guides that are sector specific, which will give you useful and detailed information.

If you would like more information about how the ECRC can help your organisation specifically, please book a chat with us today! 

Reporting a live cyber-attack 24/7:

If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber-attack (in progress) please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Reporting a cyber-attack which is not ongoing:

Please report online to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report cybercrime online at any time using the online reporting tool, which will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened. Action Fraud advisors can also provide the help, support, and advice you need.

Alternatively, you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (textphone 0300 123 2050)