Importance of Information Security Awareness

Information security is often tied with the technical sophistication of implementation measures that protect the information against provincial cyber attacks. However, today, many Chief Information Security Officers(CISOs) &  other  network security specialists believe that the technology is by far, on a par with the standard expectations, but the general awareness of employing basic security measures are lacking largely among the people. 
For instance, the lack of IT security awareness leads to the disclosure of the sensitive details of the organization through unintentional means like routine conversations or social media interactions. Un-reported unusual behavior in an organization, access to a user’s role without proper access privileges, reading unsolicited emails, etc account for the breach of information security compliance. Many times, it is the insufficiency in the knowledge of security exercises among the employees, that compromise the data security.
According to Infotech resources, 97% of the people in the world cannot identify a phishing email and 1 in every 25, clicks on such bait mails. Many companies suffer an insider attack, due to ludicrous website browsing and sharing of sensitive account details and allowing the third-party malware attack on the organization’s internal network.
Hence it becomes crucial to have a qualified information security training program in every company to inform the employees of the elementary ways of ransomware and its usual behavior along with immediate measures of tackling such attacks on a daily basis.
An effective information security training must consist of an on-going awareness program that ensures hands-on training and identification of suspicious acts and direct actions against the same.
This training can be effectively installed in an organization in the following ways.
1) Procuring a security awareness team
The first step is to assemble a team that is particularly responsible for designing, development, and maintenance of the security awareness program. The team personnel can be from varied sectors of the organization, who involve to take up the designated IT security awareness course and ensure its success across all departments. Involving employees from various units ensures consideration of cross-section security requirements & implementations.
2) Identifying the depth of awareness needed
Based on the size and nature of the organization, the depth of the information security awareness course can be drafted. The higher the risks of the company deals, the deeper the roots of the awareness program. The “deep” here refers to the rings of the organization structure, the awareness reaches. Also, the policies and practices involved always increase in complexity with the higher risks.
3) Inclusion of Social Networking Safe Practices
In the era of social media, it is expected to have a leg in the social platform for various reasons, including sales & marketing goals. But owing to the reach of the public to information, it is important to educate the employees of safe social media practices to avoid phishing attacks. Information security employee training modules must incorporate social networking & its liabilities to prevent further misuse.
Also, laying a limit on social media access within the organization network is vital.
4) Information security certifications on common hoaxes and malware
Malware includes spyware, rootkits, viruses, ransomware, adware, backdoors, logic bombs, Trojans, botnets and armored viruses. Hoaxes are the falsely fabricated attack mechanisms that are generally spread through deceptive emails. It is important to educate employees on these topics and teach how to handle the system data in case of any infectious attack.
Information Security of a company encompasses confidential information like intellectual property, reputations & relationships.
Employees play a larger role in drawing businesses to success. A negligent workforce with limited knowledge of security fundamentals can cause multiple data loss and business accidents. Hence, it is important to keep a check on employees with regular training programs, updated practices, consistent reminders, and solid awareness material made available to all. Information security online courses help in the current online era. Additionally, one can announce for extra remunerations and incentives for those who judiciously include & promote healthy practices at work.