IT firm pushes cybersecurity training amid rising attacks

An IT company has suggested that untrained workers may be the weakest link in a company’s cyber defences.

Northpoint Consulting Inc., an ICT strategy and solutions firm that provides digital transformation solutions, including cybersecurity services, has issued an urgent appeal for employers to train their workforce on essential cyber defence skills.

General Manager Reiann Stoute stressed the significance of cybersecurity awareness among employees to guard against potential security breaches.

Research indicates that a significant number of security breaches stem from errors made by an organisation’s workers, said Stoute. Raising questions regarding the allocation of responsibility for these lapses, she suggested that accountability rests with those who failed to furnish adequate tools and training to navigate an evolving digital landscape.

The IT expert called for annual cybersecurity training to be integrated into employees’ training programmes.

“Organisations providing cybersecurity training to guide and raise awareness among network users is critical, as organisations will benefit from raising the awareness among their teams about cyber threats best practices and the importance of cybersecurity in daily activities through low-cost training programmes,” Stoute said.

“Insufficient awareness among employees about cybersecurity best practices, policies and potential risks can lead to unintentional security lapses. This may include actions like connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks or not recognising the signs of a potential cyber threat.”

Stoute advocated that prioritising cybersecurity training fosters trust and confidence in the team’s ability to roll out cybersecurity strategies.

“When employees are aware and adhere to security policies, it creates a sense of shared responsibility for the protection of sensitive information such as trade secrets and intellectual property,” Stoute declared, adding that such investments are instrumental in fortifying a business’s cybersecurity posture.

The Northpoint GM urged business owners to not be fearful of the cost of cyber security training, which she called value for money.

“The focus here is that cybersecurity training for employees is a fairly low-cost yet effective first line of defence for organisations. It is a step in the right direction toward improving a business’ cybersecurity posture,” Stoute said.