If your organization wants to maximize your network security platform, partnering with a team of security experts is a critical first step. However, many businesses make the mistake of thinking IT security ends there. As with most things, the ideal IT security platform strikes an ideal balance between expert strategies and ongoing support for your team. An effective network security platform incorporates regular employee awareness training that prepares your team to identify and respond to threats appropriately. Since cybercriminals are always finding new ways to compromise business operations, your team needs to be on alert and prepared to respond to ever-changing threats.
If you’re looking for some ways to start prioritizing security training and developing a more comprehensive network security approach, here are some critical strategies to get you started.
Prioritizing Security Awareness Strategies
To get your team started with training that bolsters your network defenses, here are some proven tactics from our security experts.
Get Started From Onboarding
As soon as a new employee joins your team, make security awareness a priority from the beginning. Incorporate an online security training module into your organization’s new employee training process. Security training isn’t just for IT employees. Ensure everyone at your organization has the fundamental tools to keep your network protected from the inside out.
Many managed IT service providers offer security awareness courses that educate your team so they can identify threats before they interfere with your operations. By beginning with a strong network security foundation, you can ensure your network is protected from the ground up. At the same time, if you’re just implementing a training platform, make sure existing employees have access to the same information as new employees, so no gaps are left in your security approach.
Keep an Eye Out for Emerging Threats
With today’s security landscape, new cybersecurity threats evolve and develop at a moment’s notice. While introductory training is critical, ongoing training that covers new and emerging threats is just as important. Partnering with a team of experts to develop cutting-edge training solutions can help keep your organization’s data protected from the latest threats. Training your employees to defend against last year’s threats is helpful, but leaves your network vulnerable. Don’t treat IT security training as a one-and-done task. Ongoing training is just as critical to maximizing your cybersecurity strategies by protecting you from emerging threats.
Put Your Strategies to the Test
Targeted simulations can pinpoint areas of risk and opportunities for growing your cybersecurity platform. Partnering with a team of security specialists also can give you the tools to test your team and uncover how effective your awareness training is. Simulated phishing attacks are a simple strategy that businesses of all sizes can deploy to bolster network security. As opposed to ongoing training, simulated attacks keep your team on their toes by offering real-world training that hones their instincts. At the same time, you’ll receive reports that show you how well your strategies are working.
Prioritize Passwords
Too many users still rely on predictable passwords that leave gaping holes in your network defenses. Require your team to use complex passwords composed of varying letters, numbers, and symbols. At the same time, develop policies that require users to change passwords regularly to maximize security.
Today’s Top IT Security Threats
If yours is a small or medium-size business in Los Angeles, the most common cybersecurity threats are phishing and ransomware attacks. Here are some fundamental ways you can keep your organization protected from each.
Phishing Attacks
With comprehensive anti-phishing platforms such as PhishMe and KnowBe4, your team can take a proactive approach to protecting against phishing attempts. Both platforms provide training tools and can automate simulated attacks that keep your team on alert.
Ransomware Attacks
Protecting your network from ransomware attacks involves a bit more than defending against phishing. A managed service provider (MSP) like Be Structured can help you leverage the latest cloud services to develop a more robust security strategy that keeps your mission-critical data protected in the event of a ransomware attack.
Los Angeles IT Support
If your organization is looking for a team of security experts to keep your network protected, prioritize ongoing security training, and ultimately support your business with the latest technology, contact Be Structured today. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and goals and ensure your team has the tools to succeed.