Ransomware Training: Enhancing Employee Awareness and Preparedness
In the digital age, where ransomware threats loom large, we’ve gathered insights from cybersecurity experts and CEOs on effective training programs for employees. From showcasing real hacking consequences to practicing cybersecurity simulation training, explore the seven types of programs that can bolster your team’s defenses against cyber threats.
- Show Real Hacking Consequences
- Engage in Monthly Cybersecurity Classes
- Utilize Online Cybersecurity Resources
- Implement Hands-on Experiences
- Host a Cybersecurity Expert Talk
- Conduct Virtual Phishing Exercises
- Practice Cybersecurity Simulation Training
Show Real Hacking Consequences
Ransomware typically occurs when an unsuspecting person clicks on a link that takes them to a malicious website, or they run a dangerous file, or they plug in a malicious USB key.
So, show them how this can happen! Let them see videos of computers actually being hacked via these methods, explain to them how it works (e.g., a USB device will act as a keyboard and start typing to download malicious software), and keep reminding them of these risks. Links are a special case, however.
This requires detailed training so that people understand the end-to-end process for links. That is, hover over the link, extract the domain name, determine if you know and trust that destination, unshorten short links (and QR codes), watch out for other warning signs (e.g., an “@” sign in a link), and learn how to research links (e.g., VirusTotal). Such detailed training is well worth it for your staff, because we can’t escape the ubiquity of links!
Mike Ouwerkerk
Fun, Engaging Cyber Security Awareness Trainer & Cultural Transformation Consultant, Web Safe Staff
Engage in Monthly Cybersecurity Classes
For example, as a growth strategist working for Codific, a cybersecurity SaaS, I have been part of monthly cybersecurity classes with the Cybersec department of the company, where we go through news and words related to ransomware. We also participate in a cybersecurity simulation exercise every quarter, where we are divided into teams and assigned different roles, such as attackers, defenders, managers, and customers.
We have to follow a realistic script and use the tools and resources available to us to either launch or prevent a ransomware attack. The exercise helps us learn how to identify, prevent, mitigate, and recover from ransomware threats, as well as how to communicate and collaborate effectively with our colleagues and stakeholders.
Leo Dahlgren Yukio
Cybersecurity Expert, Codific
Utilize Online Cybersecurity Resources
Education is the first line of defense in cybersecurity, so it’s crucial that companies train their staff to identify and prepare for attacks. There are several ways to do this, and a lot of really useful resources are available online.
It makes financial sense for large organizations to partner with a training company, but for those with a smaller budget, there are lots of free resources on the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) website.
You can take this a step further by becoming certified. Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are government-backed schemes that can help organizations implement measures to prepare for cybersecurity attacks.
Craig Bird
Managing Director, CloudTech24
Implement Hands-on Experiences
I have found that a highly effective training program for our company involves implementing simulated phishing exercises. Drawing from my personal journey in handling similar situations, these programs replicate authentic phishing scenarios, providing employees with hands-on experiences to recognize and counter potential threats.
In our team, we actively engage employees in these practical exercises to enhance their understanding of ransomware risks, foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness, and empower them with the necessary skills to address threats effectively. This personalized and proactive strategy plays a crucial role in fortifying our organization’s defenses against the ever-evolving landscape of ransomware attacks.
Cary Subel
CEO, SafeSleeve
Host a Cybersecurity Expert Talk
Being a small business, one cyber-attack or ransomware incident can cripple our business. Due to that risk, we brought in a cybersecurity expert to speak with all our associates one morning. He talked with our team, went through our processes, and recommended changes and updates to what we were doing on a daily basis to help protect us from hackers. It’s been over a year since this ‘class,’ and we haven’t had any issues as of yet!
Jeff Michael
Ecommerce Business Owner, Moriarty’s Gem Art
Conduct Virtual Phishing Exercises
I believe that a virtual phishing exercise is one form of training program that businesses may present to staff to improve awareness of ransomware dangers and educate them to respond successfully.
Employees can be trained to recognize and respond appropriately to phishing emails, which are frequently used to launch ransomware attacks, through simulated phishing exercises.
During these drills, employees receive imitation phishing emails that are engineered to look like real ones. The emails may include suspicious links or attachments that, if clicked or downloaded, could result in a ransomware infection.
Employees who fall for the simulated phishing effort are either sent to a training program or given immediate feedback on their behavior.
This type of training program allows staff to have personal experience with the potential threats of ransomware in a controlled environment. It encourages them to be more vigilant in reviewing communications, spotting warning signs, and implementing appropriate cybersecurity practices.
Companies can significantly lower the likelihood of successful ransomware attacks by emphasizing the necessity of caution and providing information on how to handle questionable communications.
Conducting simulated phishing exercises regularly also allows firms to assess the effectiveness of their security awareness programs.
It helps businesses identify areas where more training or reinforcement may be needed, thereby enhancing their overall cybersecurity posture and reducing the risks associated with ransomware attacks.
Priyanka Swamy
CEO, Perfect Locks
Practice Cybersecurity Simulation Training
One highly effective training program that companies can implement to raise ransomware awareness and preparedness is cybersecurity simulation training. These immersive programs place employees in hypothetical real-world scenarios where they must identify and respond to ransomware attacks.
The simulations expose staff to the common techniques hackers use, like phishing emails, to gain access. Employees learn how to spot red flags, such as suspicious links or attachments, and practice the proper protocols for reporting suspicious activity. Participants also gain experience with containment and damage control by isolating affected systems and following incident response plans during mock attacks.
Beyond hands-on crisis training, companies can provide cyber safety education through short videos, newsletters, posters, and other media. The key is ensuring all employees, from the mailroom to the boardroom, understand the risk ransomware poses and their role in protecting the organization through vigilance and quick communication. Proactive, engaging, and ongoing ransomware training gives companies the human firewall they need to reduce the likelihood and impact of attacks.
Alex Adekola
CEO, ReadyAdjuster
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