Category: training

As our world increasingly embraces digitization, the importance of robust cybersecurity training cannot be overstated, especially for those responsible for managing and safeguarding digital infrastructures. Among various sectors, a pressing need has emerged for cybersecurity training specifically tailored for teachers in the United Kingdom. This concern is highlighted in a recent survey conducted by The Teacher Tapp, commissioned by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations, commonly referred to as Ofqual.

The findings of the survey are particularly alarming: approximately one in three teachers may inadvertently jeopardize their school’s IT infrastructure and overall cybersecurity posture. This heightened risk is primarily attributed to a lack of fundamental knowledge regarding cyber threats and the appropriate responses to mitigate them.

According to the survey, over 34% of educational institutions faced a cyber attack in 2023, with this figure expected to rise in the coming year. Many schools are unprepared, struggling to enhance their IT defenses due to budget constraints and a lack of motivation to prioritize cybersecurity measures. This situation underscores a critical gap that could have dire consequences for the safety and integrity of educational environments.

The survey also revealed that nearly 9% of school headmasters acknowledged their frustrating experiences with cyber incidents. Many expressed feeling ill-equipped to manage such crises, lacking both the necessary in-house expertise and the financial resources to recruit specialized personnel. This deficiency not only hampers their ability to respond effectively to attacks but also leaves their institutions vulnerable to future threats.

The implications of this vulnerability are serious. It was reported that about 4% of schools required a significant recovery period—often as long as six months—before returning to normal operations following an incident. Such delays are not only disruptive but also detrimental to the educational process and the well-being of students.

Among the various cyber threats faced by educational institutions, phishing attacks and the spread of malware, particularly ransomware, are prevalent. The North West region of England has been notably impacted, with around 40% of schools in this area reporting at least one cyber incident. This regional statistic serves as a cautionary tale about the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures.

Looking ahead, the severity of cyber attacks is anticipated to escalate. As more devices are introduced into schools, children spend increasing amounts of time online, and a significant amount of data migrates to the cloud, the potential for cyber threats to grow becomes clear.

In light of these findings, it is crucial for policymakers, educational leaders, and stakeholders to prioritize comprehensive cybersecurity training for teachers. By equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to cyber threats, we can bolster the defenses of our schools and create a safer digital environment for students and staff alike. The time for action is now; ensuring that our educators are prepared to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity is vital for the protection of our educational institutions.

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Cyber threats are not only escalating in frequency but also growing more sophisticated, highlighting the indispensable role of cybersecurity awareness for both individuals and businesses. As cybercriminals employ increasingly advanced tactics, IT security awareness training becomes a pivotal defense mechanism. 

This training equips employees and individuals with crucial knowledge and skills to protect themselves against a myriad of digital threats. Furthermore, it fosters a proactive security posture within organizations, transforming potential weak links into strong defenders. 

This article delves deeper into the imperative of such training and provides actionable tips to enhance the effectiveness of security awareness programs, ensuring they are comprehensive, engaging, and continuously updated to counter new cyber challenges.

The Necessity of Cyber Security Awareness Training

To effectively combat cyber threats, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity awareness training. This essential strategy not only complies with legal requirements but also addresses human vulnerabilities and fosters a culture of security. Let’s delve into the necessity of these components for a robust defense.

Regulatory Requirements

Compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional but mandatory for businesses across the globe. Laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the U.S. impose strict guidelines on data protection. 

 

These regulations require organizations not only to secure personal data but also to ensure that their employees are trained in recognizing and mitigating cybersecurity risks. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and damage to a company’s reputation. Effective security training programs must therefore address these legal requirements and equip employees with the knowledge to navigate complex compliance landscapes.

Human Factor

The vulnerability of the human element in cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Errors such as misconfiguring databases, using weak passwords, or falling for phishing scams are common entry points for cybercriminals. Security awareness training minimizes these risks by educating employees about the importance of cybersecurity, the tactics hackers might use, and the crucial role they play in defending their organization. 

 

By simulating phishing attacks and other real-world scenarios, training can provide practical experience in spotting and responding to threats. This proactive approach is vital in building a resilient workforce that can act as the first line of defense against cyber attacks.

Culture of Security

Creating a culture of security within an organization is another critical element that enhances the effectiveness of security awareness training. When cybersecurity becomes a core part of the corporate ethos, it influences behavior across all levels of the organization. 

 

Senior management must lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to security practices in their actions and communications. Regular security discussions, updates, and newsletters can keep security top of mind. 

 

Furthermore, a culture that encourages openness about security concerns and learning from mistakes can help prevent future incidents. A strong security culture complements formal training efforts by embedding security awareness into the daily routine of every employee.

Key Components of Effective Security Awareness Training

To effectively counter modern cyber threats, a security awareness training program must be robust, engaging, adaptive, and follow the latest cybersecurity trends. The success of such programs hinges on several key components, which are designed to not only inform but also empower employees with critical security skills. 

 

Here’s a closer look at what makes for comprehensive and impactful cybersecurity training, ensuring organizations can navigate and mitigate the evolving digital dangers.

Comprehensive Coverage

Effective training should encompass a range of topics. From understanding the basics of phishing, the risks of weak passwords, to the nuances of secure internet browsing, and the cunning nature of social engineering—each topic prepares trainees to better navigate the cyber landscape.

Engagement Techniques

The efficacy of any training program hinges on its ability to engage participants. Utilizing interactive elements such as quizzes, interactive videos, and scenario-based learning can help maintain attention and reinforce learning, ensuring information retention and practical application.

Regular Updates

Cyber threats evolve rapidly; training programs must do the same. It’s vital that organizations continuously update their training materials to cover new and emerging threats, keeping their staff well-prepared and informed.

Implementing a Successful Training Program

Now, let’s look at how to implement a successful training program. 

Assessment of Needs

Before rolling out a training program, it’s crucial to assess the specific needs of the target audience. Understanding their baseline knowledge and the specific threats they are most likely to encounter allows the training to be more relevant and effective.

Using the Right Tools

There’s a plethora of tools available for cybersecurity training, from sophisticated e-learning platforms that offer a variety of interactive courses to simple in-house workshops led by security professionals. Choosing the right tools depends on the organization’s size, budget, and specific security needs.

Incentivization and Gamification

Incorporating elements of gamification and providing incentives for successful completion of training can significantly boost engagement and effectiveness. Leaderboards, badges, and certificates are popular ways to gamify the learning process and motivate participants.

Actionable Tips for Enhancing Training Effectiveness

To ensure the effectiveness of cybersecurity awareness training, it is crucial to employ strategies that enhance engagement and retention. Here are actionable tips that organizations can implement to optimize their training programs, ensuring they are not only informative but also integral to building a robust security posture.

Continuous Learning

Cybersecurity is not a one-off task but a continuous endeavor. Organizations should encourage ongoing learning by scheduling regular training sessions and updates. This not only helps in reinforcing old concepts but also in introducing new security practices and technologies.

Feedback Mechanism

Effective training programs thrive on feedback. Soliciting input from participants can provide insights into areas where the training might be lacking and highlight successful tactics. This feedback loop is essential for making necessary adjustments and improving future sessions.

Role-Specific Training

 

Different roles within an organization often face unique threats and require specific knowledge to effectively counter these challenges. Providing role-specific training modules ensures that each department is equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge tailored to their specific functions. 

 

For example, IT staff may require advanced technical training on network security, while HR personnel might need to focus on data privacy and safe handling of employee information. This targeted approach helps to enhance the overall effectiveness of cybersecurity measures by aligning training with the specific needs and risks associated with various roles.

Conclusion

Security awareness training is a fundamental component of any cybersecurity strategy. By equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills, organizations can significantly mitigate the risk of cyber threats. With cybercrime on the rise, there has never been a more critical time to invest in comprehensive, engaging, and continuous security training. Let’s make cybersecurity awareness a priority today to safeguard our data tomorrow.

 

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[By Irfan Shakeel, Vice President of Training and Certification Services at OPSWAT]

Addressing the cybersecurity skills gap stands out as a paramount challenge in fortifying companies’ cyber resilience today. Especially given that the remedy is neither swift nor straightforward. Transforming the educational system to align with the modern requirements of cybersecurity professionals or retraining existing technical talent for cybersecurity roles entails a prolonged collaborative effort between the private and public sectors. Nevertheless, organisations can proactively navigate the cyber skills gap by prioritising initiatives centred on retraining and maximising the potential of existing cybersecurity talent.

The cyber skills gap in the critical infrastructure sector

The cybersecurity skills gap is a persistent issue because of a constantly growing skills demand. In the UK over the past year, cybersecurity job postings went up by 30%, according to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Yet to meet this growing demand, the UK’s cybersecurity labour force would need an additional 11,200 employees.

This challenge becomes more acute when you drill down into the need for sector-specific cybersecurity skills. Take, for instance, the safeguarding of cyber-physical systems, which are integral to the digitalisation of the critical infrastructure (CI) sector. This necessitates a distinct skill set compared to securing the digital environment of an enterprise.

However, most cybersecurity training and information available online addresses IT security rather than operational technology (OT) security. Advancing cybersecurity skills for CI is imperative because compromises in cyber-physical systems can be detrimental to public safety and national security. This means CI organisations must focus their attention on empowering their current talent.

Fostering security-driven culture

From the shortage of experts in critical areas such as threat analysis, penetration testing, and AI, to the broader issues of workforce diversity, the problems contributing to the cyber skills gap are complex and evolving. That said, Verizon’s report unveiled that 74% of data breaches resulted from human errors.

Organisation-wide security awareness and a culture that promotes security practices limit human errors and alleviate the workload of cybersecurity employees. A good security culture encourages employees to identify suspicious items such as emails or activity and immediately flag them to relevant teams. This behaviour stops attacks before they can travel through a company’s environment. A security culture can be implemented by driving employee awareness of best practices and continuously measuring the impact of internal initiatives.

Leveraging AI in cybersecurity training

There is a significant opportunity to leverage AI for enhanced cybersecurity training. Through AI, organisations can personalise their training programmes to the learning styles and knowledge levels of individual users. AI-powered chatbots can act as personal coaches to make training more engaging. Stimulating conversation throughout the learning process can help users retain knowledge more effectively.

AI can also be used to create attack scenarios to help analysts understand how to detect and respond to modern threats effectively. This technique can also be employed by non-technical employees. For example, Language Learning Models (LLM) can be used to simulate phishing attacks helping employees better recognize potential threats.

Providing hands-on, in-person training

Providing hands-on training experience is essential to gain a deep understanding of security products and practices and how to apply them in real-life scenarios.

Although the Covid-19 pandemic established the habit of remote training, when it comes to developing new skills, it is important to maintain personal interactions on a frequent basis. This allows for asking questions in real time and learning from peers. Providing immersive and customised training, cybersecurity skills bootcamps enhance effective knowledge exchange. For example, OPSWAT recently launched the OPSWAT Academy Bootcamp, a global in-person training programme.

Recruiting from non-cybersecurity backgrounds

Organisations should also be open to recruiting cybersecurity professionals that may not have a traditional background. More than half of hiring managers (59%) surveyed in research by ISC2 and OPSWAT saw an increase in job applicants from technically experienced people with no prior cybersecurity experience. Professionals who may not have prior cybersecurity experience can instead offer a diverse technical background that sets them up for a successful cybersecurity career.

As organisations continue to grapple with the cyber skill gap, it is important they recognise there are initiatives and strategies that can be readily implemented to empower cybersecurity employees and build cyber resilience. This is especially important in the CI sector, where the implications of skill shortages are more pressing.

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“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” ― Michael Jordan

Words of wisdom from the athlete the National Basketball Association calls the greatest basketball player of all time. The fact is, you can’t win if you don’t play. But sometimes the worry of missing that first, second or third shot can keep you from jumping in the game.

Don’t let fear hold your back. Cybersecurity certification is a career game-changer, one that opens new possibilities wherever your goals take you.

Get the Confidence Boost You Need
We’ve all experienced the fear of failure. When it comes to pursuing a rigorous cybersecurity certification, like the CISSP from ISC2, that anxiety can be even more intense, thanks to the high stakes involved. But remember, even the most accomplished cyber professionals have to stand up to uncertainty — not only in their pursuit of certification but in the work they do every day.

You can do this, and we’re here to help. Use these five proven strategies to help build confidence leading up to exam day.

1. Set realistic expectations. No one becomes a cybersecurity expert overnight. Set an achievable goal and focus on steady progress instead of immediate perfection. Celebrate every milestone along the way, no matter how small.

2. Embrace a growth mindset. Understand that your knowledge and skills will grow with dedication and hard work. Embrace challenges as opportunities rather than seeing them as potential failures.

3. Break down your goals. The journey to certification can feel overwhelming at times. Break down your exam prep into smaller, manageable tasks. By tackling them one step at a time, you’ll build confidence and chip away at the larger goal.

4. Find a support system. Surround yourself with people who will support you with encouragement, guidance and accountability. Join the ISC2 Community and attend your local ISC2 Chapter meetups.

5. Learn from mistakes. Analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement and adjust your approach accordingly.

Now move forward with confidence and embrace the exciting world of cybersecurity!

Preparing for the CISSP, CCSP or another ISC2 exam? Watch ISC2 Exam Ready webinars, where expert panels answer common questions about training course content and exams. Another great webinar to check out for last-minute study tips: Exam Prep Hacked.

The post 5 Ways to Conquer Your Certification Exam Fears appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Ani Banerjee, Chief Human Resources Officer, KnowBe4

Bad news. Your organization just announced a major restructuring, making your role “redundant”. You update your LinkedIn profile, using the #OpenToWork hashtag, and announce to prospective recruiters that you’re on the market, actively searching for a new gig.

A scammer posing as a Recruiter (from a profile appearing legitimate), contacts you and immediately requests your phone number. This alleged Recruiter sends you text messages about the open position. After asking a series of interview questions, the Recruiter congratulates you for having been selected. To accept their offer, you’re compelled to do some “necessary paperwork.”

Victims are then requested to send their PII (personally identifiable information) data like DOB, home address, driver’s license ID, and lastly, social security number, ostensibly “to run a CORI and background check.” If this “recruiter” is bold, they will ask for bank account statements and tax returns. With private information in hand, the recruiter-scammer is locked and loaded, ready to commit all kinds of fraud, identity theft, even access to your laptop.

This is unfortunately, just one of many recruitment scams currently running wild on LinkedIn and other recruitment platforms. The Better Business Bureau considers employment scams the second largest online scheme in the US, second only to online shopping scams.

Why Are Employment Scams On The Rise?

There are two main reasons that explain the sudden surge in employment scams. Firstly, the nature of work and the workplace itself have changed. Businesses are embracing work-from-home models and employees are getting more opportunities to work with companies that are not local. Job seekers use technology to apply for jobs, attend interviews and onboard organizations virtually. This situation creates the perfect environment for opportunistic threat actors on the lookout for innovative ways to social engineer people.

Secondly, rising inflation, layoffs and unemployment are making job seekers vulnerable and desperate. Scammers thrive on adversity; they advertise bogus job listings that offer generous pay packages, flexible working hours, fantastic benefits, etc. Next, they ask the job seeker to transfer money to cover agency, training, and recruitment fees, application costs, background and credit checks; even in some cases, charges for home office equipment.

In the first quarter of 2023, losses from job scams grew 250%, compared to the same period last year.

The Implications Of Employment Scams On Businesses

Employment scams can negatively impact businesses in a variety of ways. The biggest one of course is market reputation. Successful schemes make organizations less desirable and less trusted by job applicants. Threat actors can leverage stolen information and intellectual property to cause financial losses, launch social engineering attacks, disrupt operations, and cause physical damage. In certain situations, organizations can be held liable and financially accountable for financial damage and theft of private information, resulting in costly  lawsuits and negative publicity.

AI Making It Increasingly Harder To Detect Job Scams

Generative AI is already being extensively used by bad actors to write sophisticated emails, create fake profiles and mimic voices. In employment scams, fraudsters can weaponize AI to create fake job listings and impersonate recruiters, conduct target selection, pull specific information about job seekers from social media accounts and deploy bots to conduct fake interviews.

How Can HR Mitigate Employment Scams?

As custodians of people, HR teams have a fiduciary duty and moral responsibility in ensuring that the organization adopts secure recruitment practices, keeping in mind the organization’s security posture as well as safeguarding the privacy of job seekers.

Best practices that can help mitigate the risk of employment scams include:

  1. Run Simulated Training on Employees:  If employees themselves are unaware that such scams exist, they can easily become victimized, putting the organization’s data and security at great risk. It is therefore highly recommended that organizations run simulated training and teach employees to identify phishing and social engineering attempts, the many red flags behind employment scams. It’s all about security awareness.
  2. Make Job Postings More Secure: Post jobs on reputable websites and/or the company website alone. Deploy a verification process that helps job seekers verify or confirm the authenticity of a listing.
  3. Make Recruitment Process More Transparent: Scammers typically rely on misinformation and confusion. Have an open and transparent recruitment and communication process to prevent scammers from taking advantage.
  4. Monitor Job Boards and Conduct Regular Audits: Monitor leading job portals continuously for any listings that impersonate or misrepresent your organization. Audit recruitment practices at regular intervals to evaluate your defenses against evolving employment scams.

While it is impossible to eliminate employment scams entirely, if HR teams build security instincts among staff, adopt open and transparent recruitment practices, and deploy fraud reporting and monitoring mechanisms, they can not only reduce the occurrence of such scams, but also boost their market reputation by demonstrating a solid commitment to ethical recruitment practices.

About the Author

Ani Banerjee is Chief Human Resources Officer for KnowBe4, provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform used by over 65,000 organizations. Banerjee oversees HR operations across 11 countries, and is responsible for developing new initiatives to enhance the company’s organizational culture, recruitment channels, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies. He has 30 years’ experience in global HR leadership roles working for VMware, Dell, Yahoo, and AOL.

Image by creativeart on Freepik

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By Andy Syrewicze, Microsoft MVP and Technical Evangelist, Hornetsecurity

2023 has seen a host of malicious cyber-attacks targeting a range of organisations from police forces to healthcare providers. The threat landscape has transformed drastically across the course of my career, with as many as 500 potential cyber attacks now being logged every second.

Because of this, it can be more confusing than ever for organisations to understand how to best protect themselves from threat actors. Recent research from Hornetsecurity revealed that almost 60% of businesses are ‘very’ to ‘extremely’ concerned about ransomware attacks, however, one in eight organisations (12.2%) are without a disaster recovery plan. Of those companies, more than half cited a ‘lack of resources or time’ as the primary reason, showing the importance of educating business leaders about how they can avoid cybersecurity horror stories.

The dangers of unmanaged IoT devices

With the rise of smart technology, Internet of Things (IoT) devices have become commonplace in offices and workplaces worldwide. IoT devices can cover anything from smart door locks, fitness trackers, medical sensors or even a refrigerator. At a glance, these devices can appear harmless, however, due to their internet connectivity capabilities they can be manipulated by threat actors to execute cyber-attacks.

The most striking hack I have observed in my career concerned a smart lighting system in a fish tank which had been manipulated to launch targeted ransomware in an office building. The problem with IoT devices lies in the difficulty of identifying these devices due to their seemingly harmless appearance. I later discovered that this was not as unique as I had first thought – a similar attack occurred at a casino. Thankfully in the case of the fish tank lighting, the attack had a smaller scope and only targeted a handful of computers, meaning that the collateral was minor and easily recovered once the device was identified.

The fact that these attacks stemmed from seemingly harmless IoT devices shows the importance of keeping track of all devices in an office space. By ensuring regular firmware updates are carried out, multi-factor authentication is used for said devices, and/or ensuring that IoT devices are put on a dedicated network, organisations can prevent outside access to administrative elements of IOT devices which will in turn prevent cyber-attacks.

How Security Awareness Training can prevent phishing horror stories

It’s no secret that phishing is one of the most popular cyber-attack methods, accounting for around 40% of all cyberattacks. Recent Hornetsecurity research revealed that 40% of all email traffic poses a threat, with 5% of daily global email traffic (approximately 19 billion emails) being classed as malicious.

The clear threat to businesses from cyber-attacks has been bolstered thanks to the development of generative AI models which can be manipulated to quickly generate realistic and successful phishing attacks. Phishing attempts pry on human vulnerabilities to embezzle funds out of organisations, and some of the most devastating phishing schemes I’ve seen in my career showcase the importance of educating employees as a preventative method to these attacks.

Another example involves targeted spear phishing against a managed services provider. The CFO received an email that was seemingly from the owner of the company. This email was very cleverly crafted with all correct identifiers, contact details and titles, but the message was somewhat off, in that it was asking the CFO to remit payment for a 72k invoice via direct wire transfer, which was out of the norm. Thankfully the CFO had undergone some security awareness training and was able to identify that this was a spear-phishing attempt. Strangely enough, the MSP had an ongoing project with local law enforcement at the time and ultimately caught the perpetrator, giving this horror story a somewhat happy ending.

In a survey of over 2,000 IT professionals, a quarter (25%) said they were unsure, or incorrectly believed, that Microsoft 365 was immune to ransomware attacks. This false sense of security means that are unlikely to have bolstered their defences with third-party tools. By offering effective security awareness training, organisations can empower employees with the ability to recognise new cyberattack methods and help foster a sustainable and well-rounded cybersecurity culture equipped to deal with current and future cyber threats.

From witnessing horror stories like these, it’s clear that keeping track of the devices in use within an organisation and staying educated against the current threat landscape is of paramount importance. Organisations must also invest in appropriate, sustainable and robust defence methods to ensure that data remains safe. This could be technical defences including filters and firewalls, monitoring tools and other innovative solutions such as those driven by machine learning as well as deploying a security awareness training programme to foster a sustainable security culture amongst employees.

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by Michal Gal, Head of Product, CybeReady

Cybersecurity, in an age of ubiquitous digitalization, has become a top priority for organizations worldwide. Integral to a strong cybersecurity posture is the ability to train all members of an organization, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to stop cyber threats before they impact the company, employees, or customers. Security awareness training has, therefore, taken center stage. However, a glaring oversight in many training programs is the neglect of user accessibility. This aspect isn’t just about inclusivity; it’s about ensuring the training is holistic and leaves no room for vulnerabilities.

Every employee in an organization, from the C-suite to the intern, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the organization’s digital assets. When even a single individual lacks access to security awareness training due to inaccessibility, the organizational cybersecurity fabric becomes weakened. Considering the intertwined nature of most organizational operations, an oversight or misunderstanding by a single employee can potentially expose the entire system to threats.

Of course, C-suite executives, with their high-level access to company data, need to be acutely aware of the threats they might face – from sophisticated cyber scams tailored just for them to attempts at direct hacking into their communications. On the other hand, interns or new hires might not have the same level of access but are equally critical. Their recent presence in the organization often means they’re less familiar with standard operating procedures, making them vulnerable to mistakes or oversights. If they are not adequately trained, they might inadvertently click on malicious links or download insecure software, potentially endangering the organization.

The Weakest Link

The saying, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” holds incredibly true in cybersecurity. No matter how robust an organization’s security protocols, no matter how advanced their firewalls or detection systems, employees without the benefits of proper security training are an open invitation for hackers. Whether this is the result of vision, motor, physical or cognitive impairments or even language barriers, it creates a blind spot in the organization’s defenses. This blind spot can be exploited by cyber adversaries, leading to potential data breaches, loss of valuable information, and even financial consequences. This situation is what makes the accessibility of security training not just beneficial but essential.

It’s crucial to understand that accessibility in cybersecurity training is not a reactive measure—it’s a proactive one. By ensuring that all employees have access to and understand security protocols, organizations are not just ‘plugging holes.’ They are building a comprehensive, resilient defense system where each member is aware, vigilant, and equipped to tackle potential threats.

Moreover, an inclusive approach to cybersecurity training also fosters a culture of collective responsibility. When every individual, regardless of their role, feels involved and essential in safeguarding the organization’s digital assets, it cultivates a sense of unity and shared purpose. This collective mindset can be the most formidable defense against the myriad of cyber threats lurking in the digital shadows.

Following an accessibility paradigm in cybersecurity can be indispensable in ensuring inclusivity in terms of formulating an organization’s security strategy. As the digital landscape evolves and cyber threats grow more complex, ensuring that every employee, from the C-suite to the intern, is adequately equipped with the necessary knowledge becomes paramount. The integrity of an organization’s cybersecurity fabric hinges on this collective awareness and preparedness, emphasizing the need for accessible, comprehensive training for all.

At its heart, accessibility in any domain, including cybersecurity training, is a moral imperative. In a diverse global workforce comprising individuals of varying physical and cognitive abilities, it’s vital that all employees have equal access to resources and training. A failure to provide this access not only disenfranchises a portion of the workforce but also puts the entire organization at risk.

A Strategic Investment

Apart from the moral dimension, accessibility in security training is also a strategic investment. Employees who are well-trained in cybersecurity principles become assets to the organization. They serve as the first line of defense against cyber threats, recognizing suspicious activity and responding appropriately. If a section of this workforce is excluded from training due to accessibility issues, it creates a potential vulnerability that adversaries might exploit.

The foundation of any accessible digital platform, including security training, is its user interface. A customizable interface that caters to those with vision, motor, or cognitive impairments can make a significant difference. Such adaptability ensures that the training reaches every individual, making them an informed participant in the organization’s cybersecurity efforts.

The efficacy of any training is often measured by its ability to engage its audience. Interactivity and adaptability in content ensure that participants remain engaged, absorbing and retaining crucial information. When content can adapt to different learning styles and preferences, it becomes universally appealing, ensuring that the principles imparted are understood and applied by all.

Ripple Effects: Beyond Compliance

While adhering to global accessibility standards are a must, the implications of accessible security training ripple far beyond mere compliance. The global nature of business today necessitates an international perspective on accessibility. Standards such as WCAG 2.1 AA provide a benchmark for accessibility. Training solutions that go beyond these standards, anticipating future needs and regulations, position organizations at the forefront of both cybersecurity and inclusivity.

Brand Image and Reputation

In an era where consumers and stakeholders are increasingly values-driven, an organization’s commitment to accessibility can significantly bolster its brand image. Demonstrating a proactive approach to inclusivity in all facets, including security training, can set organizations apart in the marketplace. Organizations that prioritize accessibility send a strong message internally and externally while demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. This creates a positive work environment, enhancing employee morale and loyalty.

The Road Ahead

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for comprehensive and accessible security training has become exceptionally important. Organizations now realize that in the race to stay one step ahead of cyber adversaries, every employee counts. Accessible training isn’t just a ‘good-to-have’—it’s an essential component of a holistic cybersecurity strategy.

The emphasis on accessibility in security awareness training symbolizes the convergence of ethical responsibility and strategic foresight. Comprehensive training that is world-class in content and universal in design is the need of the hour. Such an approach safeguards organizations from threats while championing the values of inclusivity and diversity that are paramount in today’s globalized world.

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By Eric Jacksch, CPP, CISM, CISSP, ELB Learning Cybersecurity Consultant

The rapid expansion of AI has graced us with what seems like the gift that keeps on giving. We’ve been able to turn our words into works of art, effortlessly produce content, and automate mundane tasks.

We also learned that some things are too good to be true. According to a report by CyberCatch, five key risks stem from AI: shadow, security, bias, inaccuracy, and hallucination. Of these, security is the most significant because of the potential for cascading consequences. A small security issue, or a collection of small issues, can quickly escalate into a major security or privacy breach. Just as legitimate businesses are seeking to take advantage of the benefits of AI, criminals will leverage the surge in interest by compromising AI-related websites, creating fraudulent sites, malware, and more.

Employees must understand that while AI might seem like magic, from a security and privacy perspective, it’s just another way of processing data. And data – especially private data – is extremely attractive to hackers.

Let’s take a closer look at a few of the common cybersecurity risks related to AI your employees may not be aware of and ways you can arm them to thwart cyberattacks.

Data and Privacy Concerns

As individuals leverage AI into their daily workflow, they often share more information than they realize. Adding AI plug-ins to browsers and other applications increases the potential for data exposure and risks to intellectual property rights. Employees may not be aware of how much information is being sent and to where.

Training a machine learning model requires a large amount of data, and the applicable terms of use may allow AI companies to leverage information provided by users to update or train new models. This, in turn, could result in confidential personal or business information being retained much longer than expected.

In addition, the growing popularity of open-source AI projects and APIs makes it increasingly easier for criminals to build their own AI website or application, and harvest all of the information sent to it.

These scenarios involve exposing company data to third parties and we’re already seeing some of the repercussions. The good news is that they look a lot like the privacy and data risks we’re already used to (such as using third-party file-sharing services) and the same policy and governance approaches are applicable.

Recently, OpenAI disabled ChatGPT temporarily after discovering a bug in an open-source library used by the chatbot. The bug allowed some users to see content from other active users’ chat history, along with exposing some ChatGPT Plus subscribers’ payment information. Furthermore, a recent report from Group-IB shared that over 101,000 compromised ChatGPT login credentials were on sale on dark web marketplaces.

Targets and Tools

Malware and ransomware have been a looming threat to IT systems for years, and now AI platforms are both a target and a tool for criminals.

AI can be used to automate and improve different attacks such as phishing and malware distribution. Before, many fraudulent emails were easy to spot due to grammatical, spelling, and stylistic mistakes. Now, AI can be leveraged to create fake websites, emails, social media posts, and more to lure users into providing confidential information (including login credentials) or downloading hostile content. Generative AI helps hackers make their attacks much more believable by offering flawless language, context, and personalization, thereby removing many telltale signs of phishing.

The rise of “deepfakes” – digitally manipulated media to replace one’s likeness convincingly with that of another – is a major concern as misinformation and identity theft rise. Hackers can manipulate a voice, video, or image, in hopes of catching users in their traps. This will be used to impersonate coworkers, obtain confidential information, and request password resets. And, deepfakes can also be used in a much darker way for blackmail.

AI advancements make it harder to separate the real from the fake and also help criminals scale. The believable impersonation increases their chances of exploiting security vulnerabilities, especially in areas such as phishing, malware, and social engineering in general.

Training Your Employees to Think Like a Hacker

Your employees are the first line of defense when it comes to cyberattacks. Like with any other technology, policies, guidelines, and training need to be regularly updated and aligned with employee roles.

Employees need cybersecurity awareness training that educates them on how to recognize and react to threats. This should include a mix of online training and in-person or video sessions with a cybersecurity expert to build rapport and allow questions to be asked live. Building continuous awareness through email, Slack, or Teams updates keeps employees informed on ongoing and evolving cybersecurity concerns.

One of the most effective ways to keep your employees sharp on cybersecurity threats is to train them to think like a hacker. Immersive training technologies have allowed us to better manage cybersecurity risk by helping employees recognize and report suspicious situations by putting them directly into the experience itself.

HackOps, created by CyberCatch and ELB Learning, is an immersive cybersecurity risk mitigation solution. The gamified, virtual-reality course emulates the behavior of real hackers and common cyber attacks.

Employees assume the identity of one of the “bad guys.” They learn tactics, techniques, and procedures to break through network firewalls, steal or alter data, and install malware and ransomware.

Passively reading through documents on cybersecurity isn’t as effective. According to Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve, you forget 50% of all information learned in a day and 90% of all information learned in a week when it’s not put to use. When learners are tasked with crafting phishing email campaigns or installing malware to steal data, they become able to safely protect information themselves.

AI isn’t going away – it’s only going to become more powerful and prevalent. And, along with it comes an increase in security and privacy risks. Fostering a culture of security when using AI tools must be a priority today. Get your employees thinking like a hacker so they can spot and report threats to your business before it’s too late.

 

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By Ariel Weintraub, Head of Enterprise Cyber Security, MassMutual

More than three million cybersecurity professionals are needed across the globe to meet threat demands, according to the (ISC)² 2022 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, and equipping the next generation with the skills to successfully navigate the cybersecurity landscape begins with focusing on early talent. For some forward-thinking organizations, summer internships are a fundamental element of growing a robust cybersecurity team to ensure that personal and company data remain protected from threat actors and hacks. But simply having an internship program is not enough to solve the workforce shortage. A successful cybersecurity internship program must address four key pillars: diversity, mentorship, exposure, and feedback.

MassMutual’s enterprise cybersecurity group has a 75% conversion rate to full-time employee roles or extended internships. We believe the success of a cybersecurity internship program stems not only from providing interns with extensive insight into an organization’s structure, but also from emphasizing diversity when choosing an intern class, providing mentorship and networking opportunities, exposing interns to other cybersecurity teams, and assigning meaningful work.

Diversity

Diversity is critical to a thriving workforce and culture, promoting more creative ideas and more informed decision-making. With many definitions of diversity, one of the most basic steps to achieving it in an internship class is to review candidates with non-traditional educational backgrounds. Why disqualify a candidate with an unrelated educational history or unconventional work background if they are intellectually curious and passionate about the security field?

Our enterprise cybersecurity program thrives in part because our intern class is filled with students who love to learn, are always asking questions, and are willing to work through learning curves. We’ve had incredible cybersecurity interns who are studying economics and psychology. Removing rigid degree requirements for internships and job descriptions helps us open our candidate pool to qualified applicants who would otherwise be overlooked.

MassMutual also promotes diversity hiring through maintaining partnerships with organizations that provide us with access to diverse and early-in-career talent, such as One In Tech, STEMatch and MiC (Minorities in Cybersecurity). We make sure to keep an open line of communication informing these partners of our internship opportunities and long-term talent goals. After all, goals are more effectively accomplished through collaboration, whether between organizations or mentors and mentees.

Mentorship

Once we’ve established our intern class, mentorship plays a key role in fostering the development of interns. It’s also the most rewarding aspect of the program for our employees. Our team ensures that interns are partnered with subject matter experts who can speak to and provide guidance on day-to-day work. We also provide every intern with an Intern Success Leader – someone from outside their daily team. The Success Leader’s relationship with an intern is intentionally less formal, providing a resource for candid questions and answers and information on business resource groups. This also ensures they have exposure to insights, experts, and exploratory learning opportunities outside of their daily team.

Exposure

Today’s cyber professionals need to be skilled in a variety of areas, which is why MassMutual’s enterprise cybersecurity program exposes interns to different teams within the cybersecurity program to help them along their career journeys. For example, we offer a rotational program designed to allow exploration into different career paths. Our Cybersecurity Career Pathfinder Program provides an opportunity for those starting their careers in cybersecurity to explore a wide breadth of jobs across the industry, accelerating their skills and knowledge base. Exposure also comes in the form of networking. Interns are encouraged to attend events like presentations hosted by teams within the broader technology organization or even town halls where interns specifically can pose questions to our CEO.

Feedback Loop

Asking questions is key for both leaders and interns. For companies looking to build their own cybersecurity internship programs, and through it their future workforce, it’s important to keep in mind that a quality internship requires time and resources; leaders from the top-down need to be invested in the program and listen critically, acting on relevant learnings and ideas. Adequate investment in an internship program not only serves the next generation but paves the way for some fantastic future employees for your organization, building loyalty in both directions from the onset of their experience with your company. While interns are at MassMutual, we want to ensure they have meaningful opportunities that genuinely contribute to our business. By nontraditionally seeking and training future cyber leaders, our industry as a whole becomes more secure.

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About Ariel:

Ariel Weintraub (she/her) is Head of Enterprise Cyber Security at MassMutual, serving as the first woman Head of Enterprise Security (CISO equivalent) in the company’s 172-year history. She first joined MassMutual in 2019 as Head of Security Operations & Engineering, responsible for overseeing the Global Security Operations Center, Security Engineering, Security Intelligence and Identity & Access Management (IAM). Prior to joining the Fortune 500 life insurance company, Ariel served as Senior Director of Data & Access Security within Cybersecurity Operations at TIAA where she led a three-year business transformation program to position IAM as a digital business enabler. Before working at TIAA, Ariel was Global Head of Vulnerability Management at BNY Mellon and was part of the Threat & Vulnerability Management practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Ariel earned a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from New York University Tandon School of Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business.

Ariel’s passions include maximizing the value of threat intelligence sharing across the financial services sector, empowering women in the technology field, and tackling the cybersecurity workforce shortage while increasing its diversity. In addition to her CISO responsibilities, Ariel serves on the Board for the Executive Women’s Forum, the ISACA One in Tech Foundation, and the FS-ISAC Board of Directors. Her expertise and passions have been featured in various speaking engagements and news outlets including CSO Online, Women in Security Magazine, the CISO Series, InformationWeek, and many more. Most recently, she was recognized as one of Security Magazine’s Top Cybersecurity Leaders of 2023.

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In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for organizations worldwide. With the ever-evolving threat landscape, it is imperative to develop robust defense mechanisms to safeguard sensitive data and infrastructure from cyberattacks. One vital aspect of this defense strategy is Cyberthreat Analysis Training Programs. This article aims to shed light on the significance of such programs and their role in fortifying an organization’s security posture.

The Need for Cyberthreat Analysis Training:

Proactive Defense: Cyberthreat analysis training equips cybersecurity professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to proactively identify and analyze potential threats. By understanding the tactics, techniques, and procedures employed by cybercriminals, analysts can anticipate and counteract emerging threats effectively.

Incident Response Readiness: Cyberthreat analysis training programs help organizations prepare for incidents by developing robust incident response plans. Through hands-on exercises and simulated scenarios, participants learn to detect, contain, and mitigate cyber incidents promptly, minimizing potential damage and downtime.

Threat Intelligence Gathering: Effective threat intelligence is crucial for staying one step ahead of cybercriminals. Cyberthreat analysis training enables professionals to gather, analyze, and interpret threat intelligence data from various sources. This information empowers organizations to identify emerging threats, anticipate attack vectors, and implement proactive defense measures.

Vulnerability Assessments: Understanding vulnerabilities within an organization’s infrastructure is vital for effective cybersecurity. Cyberthreat analysis training programs provide participants with the skills to conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments, identify weaknesses, and implement appropriate remediation strategies.

Key Components of Cyberthreat Analysis Training Programs:

Threat Landscape Overview: Participants gain insights into the evolving threat landscape, including common attack vectors, threat actors, and emerging trends. Understanding the current cybersecurity landscape is crucial for effective threat analysis.

Cybersecurity Tools and Technologies: Training programs familiarize participants with the latest cybersecurity tools and technologies used in threat analysis. This includes security information and event management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and threat intelligence platforms.

Incident Response and Forensics: Participants learn incident response methodologies and digital forensics techniques to identify, contain, and investigate security incidents. This equips them with the skills needed to gather evidence, analyze attack patterns, and remediate compromised systems.

Threat Hunting Techniques: Training programs delve into proactive threat hunting methodologies, enabling participants to identify hidden threats and potential vulnerabilities within an organization’s network. This involves using various techniques, like log analysis, behavior monitoring, and anomaly detection.

Collaboration and Communication: Cyberthreat analysis is a team effort. Training programs emphasize the importance of effective collaboration and communication among different stakeholders, including IT teams, security analysts, and management. Clear communication channels enhance incident response and facilitate timely decision-making.

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