Here’s why cyber security training is critical in the workplace

New additions to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) will hold businesses even more accountable for the protection of consumer data. Mediocre data security protocols will not suffice and organisations need to implement robust and secure infrastructures, networks and endpoints to comply. 

As companies start to invest more in data protection, cyber security training for employees should follow suit, advises Domains.co.za CEO Wayne Diamond. “Human error is still the one vulnerability developers cannot create a patch for,” he warns.

 “With more employees accessing the network remotely as a result of Covid19 regulations and flexible working environments, online safety training is critical.”  

 Cyber safety measures are only as effective as the company’s most naive network user. One careless click is all it could take to expose the entire corporation to massive losses and disruptions.  

 A Kapersky Lab report identified that 46% of cyber incidents were related to human error. Kapersky also found that 52% of business owners believe that their employees could be their biggest weakness due to the sharing of data via mobile phones and the inappropriate use of the office’s IT resources.

In the Global Risk Report 2020 the growth of digitalization is singled out as a massive area of opportunity for businesses over the long-term. However, the report also identifies cyber attacks, data fraud and theft as part of the Top 10 risks companies need to manage in the next decade as a direct result. 

In South Africa,  577 attempted malware attacks take place every hour. If not trained and made aware of the potential threats within the online landscape employees could drastically hinder the potential growth businesses set to gain from digitalization. 

Online safety training is not a once-off formality but should form part of a bigger plan to create ongoing awareness. In adopting a cyber secure culture in the workplace there are various topics that are important to communicate and cover as practically as possible.Find our tips for this here.  

Domains.co.za is a South African domains and hosting provider. In prioritising our customer’s security needs we have developed industry-leading hosting solutions and also offer our clients value-added security products such as Antivirus software and SSL certificates. Editorial contactsDomains Chantel Venter(+27) 11 640 9700This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.