Digital transformation 101: the importance of training employees in cyber-security as they interact with new digital platforms

As an increasing number of companies adopt new digital tools and platforms, it is essential that employees are trained in the fundamentals of cyber-security. Not only does it maintain device and network integrity, it also helps to mitigate human error, the leading cause of most security breaches. As new technologies introduce specific vulnerabilities, providing employees with regular training sessions employees will make them better equipped to handle these risks effectively.

Cyber-security training is often a regulatory requirement to ensure that enterprises are complying with current data protection laws, but it also fosters a robust security culture within the company. Well-trained employees can recognise and react to security incidents swiftly, significantly reducing potential damage or disruption, and companies will be in a better position to respond to emerging threats.

Investing in cyber-security training is far more cost-effective compared with the high costs associated with data breaches, including the recovery costs, legal fees and restoring potential reputational damage. By demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding data, companies enhance customer trust, which is crucial in today’s competitive market. Continuous cyber-security education is fundamental to the success and security of any digital transformation strategy.

Poor or irregular cyber-security training can have serious implications. For example, there was a recent incident where an organisation’s employees’ personal information was leaked. This included National Insurance numbers, email correspondence, executive salary information and more. The breach was attributed to phishing attacks where employees were tricked into revealing their passwords. The incident highlighted the need for better training in recognising and handling phishing attempts. Financial services or consumer-facing organisations pose an even greater risk. Hackers could potentially steal credit and debit card information for millions of customers. If there are insufficient security practices in place and staff are not trained or equipped to identify these kinds of threats, a simple phishing email sent to employees could prove disastrous.

Establishing an effective cyber-security culture

Not only companies, but governments also have a responsibility here. They must play a role when it comes to national cyber-security and mitigating these threats. For instance, governments can enhance their national cyber-security posture by developing comprehensive and mandatory training programmes for all employees, tailored to their specific roles within the agency. These programmes should be regularly updated and include frequent refresher courses to keep pace with the rapidly evolving cyber-threat landscape. Practical training components, such as drills and simulations, should be incorporated to help staff practice incident response in a controlled environment. Collaboration with cyber-security experts from the private sector and academia can enrich these training programmes, ensuring they meet current industry standards. Governments should also encourage or require cyber-security certifications and provide continuing education opportunities to keep IT staff skilled and informed of the latest threats.

Building a culture of security is essential, which means regular communication from leadership about cyber-security’s importance. Taking advantage of national cyber-security initiatives and centres can help standardise training across agencies. Additionally, public-private partnerships can expand resources and expertise available for training programs. Investing in cyber-security education from an early educational level prepares future generations for government roles. By adopting these comprehensive strategies, governments can better prepare their staff to defend against and respond to cyber-security threats, thereby safeguarding national and public interests in the digital age.

In addition to the importance of training employees in cyber-security best practices, it is worth noting that the cyber-security sector in the UK is experiencing rapid growth, with the workforce expanding by 10 per cent to 58,000 professionals within a single year. It is imperative to continue nurturing a diverse and highly skilled talent pool to support the burgeoning digital economy. For those interested in cyber-security, now is an opportune time to enter the field. Given the current demand for talent, wages are on the rise and are likely to remain high. This should serve as an encouraging sign for young individuals considering a career in this vital sector.

Looking towards the future: building a talent pipeline

As digital systems become increasingly integral to everyday life, the role of cyber-security has never been more important. Previously, physical barriers sufficed for security; now, the internet exposes systems and data to new vulnerabilities, making cyber-security a top priority.

Cyber-crime, especially cyber-theft, is the fastest-growing criminal activity globally, exacerbated by a persistent shortage of skilled cyber-security professionals. According to government figures, the total cost of cyber-crime to the UK economy is estimated to be £27 billion per year, with businesses accounting for a significant proportion of this cost. Pursuing a career in cyber-security means committing to continuous learning and adaptation in response to these constantly evolving security threats.

While it’s possible to upskill existing IT professionals to fill cyber-security roles, it is essential not to overlook those who have dedicated their careers to cyber-security. The field requires a blend of soft skills, such as patience, teamwork and communication, and hard skills, which vary by speciality. For example, a malware specialist needs strong coding skills, while a network security expert should understand network configuration and vulnerabilities. Currently, a college degree remains a preferred route to a career in cyber-security, though the relevance of specific courses may evolve. Moreover, apprenticeships and certifications provided by leading companies continue to play a critical role in training.

The cyber-security industry is dynamic and offers numerous opportunities, especially as we move deeper into the digital age. For instance, there is a current high demand for cloud security experts, a trend that is expected to continue as cloud infrastructure becomes more complex. Cloud security is essential for protecting data, ensuring compliance with regulations, managing cyber-threats and maintaining business continuity. This dynamic field not only offers job security but also the chance to be at the forefront of protecting critical digital infrastructures, underscoring the need for more cyber-security professionals.

Ultimately, regular cyber-security training can help mitigate future attacks, ensure the timely application of security patches and encourage adherence to best security practices. This has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks.