Share This Article
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is calling on all of us to “Secure Our World,” with a simple message that calls everyone to action “to adopt ongoing cybersecurity habits and improved online safety behaviors.” This month, the JumpCloud blog will focus on helping you empower everyone in your organization to do their part regarding cybersecurity. Tune in throughout the month for more cybersecurity content written specifically for IT professionals.
While Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have historically concentrated on deploying security solutions to protect their clients, there’s an equally crucial aspect of cybersecurity that often gets overlooked – training end users. The human factor is a known vulnerability in the cybersecurity chain, and providing thorough training to users can significantly bolster an organization’s defense against cyber threats.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of end user training, highlighting how it can foster a more secure environment for clients, cut costs, and even create new revenue streams.
The Human Barrier
No matter how sophisticated your cybersecurity setup is, its effectiveness can be undermined if users lack awareness about potential threats and how to counteract them.
Visualize your clients’ workforce as a “human firewall” – a supplementary line of defense to technical safeguards. Educated users proficient in identifying phishing scams, social engineering ploys, and prudent password practices become a formidable obstacle against malicious attacks.
Combatting Phishing
Phishing attacks continue to be one of the most pervasive and successful tactics used by cybercriminals. According to the 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 44% of attacks involving social engineering leverage phishing as their primary attack vector.
By instructing users to discern signs of phishing emails and suspicious links, organizations can significantly diminish the likelihood of falling victim to such scams. Regular training updates reinforce the knowledge and vigilance necessary to identify dubious emails, thus thwarting the compromise of sensitive information.
Addressing Insider Threats
Cybersecurity risks aren’t limited to external sources; insider threats, whether deliberate or inadvertent, can be equally detrimental.
Comprehensive training empowers employees to comprehend the repercussions of risky behaviors, encourages compliance with security protocols, and deters malicious actions from within.
Safeguarding Personal Information
End user training transcends the workplace, equipping individuals with the know-how needed to protect their personal information online. As cyber threats infiltrate people’s personal lives, the skills acquired through training extend to their personal realm.
Tips such as crafting complex, unique passwords, and employing Multi-Factor Authentication for personal applications can reinforce security practices beyond the office.
Navigating an Evolving Landscape
The threat landscape is in a constant state of flux, with cybercriminals perpetually devising new strategies. Regular user training ensures that employees are well-informed about the latest threats and equipped with strategies to counteract them.
Reiterating the significance of end user awareness about risks and their responsibilities in thwarting cyber attacks cannot be overstated. It’s imperative to provide ongoing training, as this in turn helps avert the success of cyber attacks, leading to a reduction in support issues – a noteworthy advantage for MSPs.
Capitalizing on Opportunities
In addition to these advantages, there’s a lucrative revenue stream in offering cybersecurity training. MSPs can deliver classroom-style courses and resell phishing simulation services to clients. Ultimately, clients benefit from having a workforce better equipped to navigate cyber threats.
In conclusion, while investing in technological solutions is crucial, end user training is equally vital. Equipping users with the knowledge and skills to identify and counteract cyber threats strengthens an organization’s security posture, cuts down costs, and presents new avenues for revenue generation.
How JumpCloud Helps
JumpCloud can help you by providing easy to use tools such as JumpCloud Go™ that will help make training simpler for you and make great security more streamlined for your clients.
