Considering that 90 percent of cyberattacks are successful due to human error[1], ensuring employees are educated about cybersecurity is paramount.
The rapid digitisation of the workforce during the past two years has required organisations to increase their investment in cyber awareness training. However, despite the time and cost invested, much of this training is still failing to hit the mark because of issues around accessibility.
This can encompass everything from network and device issues through to the learning support needs of each employee.
Overcoming network accessibility issues
Network issues can occur both locally and across borders. For example, employees that live and work from regional or remote locations may not have access to the network
speeds that are required for the organisation’s cyber awareness training package.
If employees cannot easily access training materials using their home network, no matter how impressive the training package is, they won’t engage in cyber awareness training and may fail to complete it.
This is a very common issue, particularly for organisations that have geographically dispersed workforces. To overcome this, training packages should be designed to perform well even at low network speeds.
Consider the learning needs of employees
Employees are an organisation’s best asset, and greatest weakness, when it comes to cybersecurity. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that online training is adaptive and can automatically adjust to the specific needs of each employee.
One of the biggest mistakes organisations make is designing cybersecurity training and compliance around the cybersecurity requirement, rather than the needs of employees. If an employee struggles to understand cybersecurity training materials due to barriers such as language or a disability, the training package will fail to deliver the organisation’s desired result. The same applies when the training materials don’t take into account the learning styles of each employee, for example, whether they are audio or visual learners, or learn best through real-life scenarios.
It’s one thing to invest in cyber awareness training but without taking into account the accessibility needs of each employee, organisations can end up simply sinking funds with no improvement in their cyber defence.
To overcome this issue, choose training solutions that are built around the requirements of employees, so they are easy to use and intuitive enough to meet individual employee needs.
Intuitive accessible training
New technologies specifically designed for online learning are resolving accessibility challenges around cyber awareness training. Organisations now have access to adaptive online training that uses advanced computer science to automatically adjust the training program to the needs of each employee. The technology uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify conscious and unconscious barriers to learning, as well as how to increase an employee’s inner motivation to learn.
These tools can determine the employee’s current cybersecurity skillset, track their learning progress and alert the organisation early about at-risk behaviours.
The technology should be provided by a trusted and responsive training partner that is easily accessible to each employee when they need support, no matter what device or network the employee uses. This approach is the only way to maximise employee engagement, understanding of the content, and the retention of new knowledge in an online learning environment.
At Truis, we specialise in understanding people and their business goals. Our tailored IT services and solutions are based on transparency and accountability. We solve business problems and help our customers reach their goals with complete confidence. To learn more about how the fundamentals of cyberawareness training can reduce your risk of cyberattack read out tip sheet or, contact the Truis team today.
[1] https://www.businessaustralia.com/resources/news/cyber-security-trends-businesses-can-anticipate-in-2022
