Given the rate at which technology security risks evolve, a security training program must align itself with what’s current. With a focus on security awareness, your program will be more valuable and you can avoid losing money – and your reputation – on data breaches.

According to a study titled “2020 Security Priorities Study,” there are many new concerns tied to the pandemic. This only strengthens security experts’ long-held belief that more education on security risks is what every business needs to offer.

Some of the key takeaways in the study include the following:

• 36% of security incidents were the result of user error (falling victim to a phishing scam, for example).
• 41% foresee increased spending on security in the coming year.
• More funds will be allocated for access controls, cloud-based cyber security services, cloud data protection, and application monitoring.
• 50% of security/IT decision-makers do not utilize all the features of their current security solutions.

The fact that so many security incidents came at the hands of employees is startling. Everyone on the company network should be educated through a security awareness program on the ways in which they could be manipulated by cyber criminals. Employees also need to know they are accountable for every action they take and be aware of the impact poor decisions can have on the company as a whole.

The Ponemon Institute estimated in August of 2020 that the average security breach where data was lost cost $3.86 million. Some industries can benefit by implementing a security training program more than others due to the fact that the average security breach in those industries is even higher. Those industries include the following:

• Health care
• Education
• Pharmaceuticals
• Financial
• Communication
• Retail
• Industrial

One of the reasons a security training program fails to get off the ground is that it is easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to finding ways to secure IT. With cyber attacks happening every 39 seconds, the time to establish a modern program is now. Data security is about much more than just installing a firewall, and some organizations fail to do even that much. Bringing in a third party expert to assist in establishing a more solid approach to enterprise security can help you avoid any trial-and-error periods and ensure your program is of value from day one.At Access Tech, we help our clients find the right data protection and compliance solutions, endpoint security, risk analysis, managed firewall, and security as a service tools. If you want to get ahead of the competition and develop a more worry-free attitude in regard to security, contact Access Tech today.