Do you want to stop cyberattacks? Start with the human aspect

Cyber ​​threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Today, attackers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to deploy malicious techniques and implement advanced algorithms to exploit vulnerabilities more efficiently. They are using tools like WormGPT to automate social engineering and inject malicious data to compromise the functionality of AI systems in organizations.

Too often, organizations overlook the importance of preparing their employees for such attacks. With proper preparation, teams and individuals can may be a company’s best ally in the fight against cyberattacks. The consequences of an unprepared workforce can be devastating for the company – data becomes more vulnerable to attackers, the likelihood of data theft and brand damage increases.

With 74% of security breaches being the result of human error, over-reliance on tech tools and basic cyber training is inexcusable. Organizations urgently need to adopt new data-driven approaches to prepare their workforce for evolving cyberattacks.

Sharpening the human side

Gaining the advantage over human attackers requires teams with the knowledge, skills and judgment needed to respond effectively to a cyber crisis. To ensure your employees are prepared for the next threat, cyber drills and practical exercises need to become as routine as fire drills.

Fire drills are so effective because of the simulated training component. Managers and employees perform the real movements that would be triggered in a fire – they don’t watch a video or take a test; they practice.

This hands-on approach embeds the associated actions into muscle memory and makes them reflexive when a real crisis occurs. Leaders must apply the same approach to cybersecurity.

Only through hands-on cyber exercises can you build cyber skills, preparedness and vigilance across your entire organization. Hands-on experience helps employees understand and respond effectively to real-world threats, making them better able to detect and contain potential security breaches.

Six steps to stay one step ahead of attackers with humanity

Traditional approaches to cyber training fail organizations across all industries because they are often delivered ad hoc and fail to keep up with the latest threats. These irregular sessions often take the form of multiple-choice exams where completion is more important than understanding.

It’s no secret that learning by doing has great impact, so why do we still take a laissez-faire approach to cyber training?

Studies have shown that learners retain more information when they learn through hands-on learning. Hands-on training allows employees to develop their cybersecurity skills and improve their ability to detect and respond to threats, ultimately giving your organization a human edge over cyber risk.

Here’s how:

• Implement targeted, role-specific, immersive training to improve cybersecurity resilience and technical competency.
• Use dynamic cyber simulations to strengthen the human response and transform threat mitigation.
• Use data-driven learning to empower teams and develop behaviors that build cyber resilience.
• Conduct cyber crisis exercises to challenge teams while building critical skills.
• Make sure cyber exercises are integrated into the structure of your organization so that they become routine.
• Measure skills and close skills gaps.

Cyber ​​resilience is key to a thriving business. Through continuous, hands-on training, companies can prepare for evolving cyber threats and protect their assets and sensitive data. By being proactively prepared, companies can look to the future with confidence and be ready to handle any threat at any time.