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Small Business Cyber Security Training for Employees

From wireless network security to employee passwords, the FCC is encouraging small businesses to make cyber security a top priority. Lack of proper procedures for securing information and loose or non-existent policy enforcement are two of the most common reasons for cyber security breaches, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Cyber security training can help equip employees with the knowledge and resources to confidently follow your company's cyber security policies and mitigate threats.

Group of employee looking at the traing instructor.

Establish Training Guidelines

  1. What are the training objectives? Whether it is website tampering, data theft, malicious codes or viruses, the SBA recommends educating employees on the basics of security concerns with a special focus on issues related most closely to their work. For example, if an employee will need to access confidential data, the employee may benefit from additional training on data theft mitigation.
  2. Who will be trained? Depending on the size of your company, you might want to implement smaller departmental training or have the entire company participate in a single training program. Consider integrating cyber security training into new-hire onboarding programs, including training for summer interns. If your business includes part-time contractors, remote freelancers or IT outsourcing, consider whether these individuals should also receive training.
  3. What's your budget? Depending on your company's needs, you might benefit from working with a cyber security consultant who will conduct the training in-house. If your budget is limited, the SBA offers free, self-paced training resources.
  4. How often will this take place? Since cyber security threats are continually evolving as technology progresses, your company may wish to schedule recurring training that updates the team on the latest threats. Go back to your review of your employees' roles to determine who could be most vulnerable to cyber concerns.

These guidelines can help you when you start developing the right training tools and materials to help keep your employees and your business safe from cyber threats.

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ECC Monitor: OK