How to Train Your Employees on IT Best Practices and Cybersecurity

A staggering 93% of UK organisations report cybersecurity skills gaps, with critical areas like cloud security and artificial intelligence among the most affected. Furthermore, over 700,000 UK businesses lack the expertise to implement basic cyber hygiene practices, which leaves them vulnerable to threats such as impersonation fraud and ransomware attacks. These figures highlight the urgent need for robust employee training programmes to address vulnerabilities that compromise organisational security. 

Despite the growing demand for skilled professionals, only 42% of UK employees participate in regular cybersecurity training, exposing a significant gap in preparedness. Bridging this divide is essential for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining operational resilience in an increasingly digital world. ICT Solutions recognises these pressing issues and offers valuable insights on effective cybersecurity training strategies on this comprehensive guide

1. Start with a Comprehensive Onboarding Program

Human error remains the leading cause of cyber breaches, with 88% of incidents globally linked to employee mistakes. Addressing this issue begins with a robust onboarding programme that integrates cybersecurity training from the outset. New employees must be equipped with essential knowledge to recognise threats such as phishing emails, weak passwords, and improper data handling practices.

A comprehensive onboarding programme should focus on practical skills, including creating strong, unique passwords and identifying suspicious links or attachments. For example, 47% of UK employees admitted to writing down or sharing passwords in the past year, a habit that significantly increases vulnerability to attacks. Training should also highlight the importance of secure handling of sensitive data and adherence to organisational policies.

The onboarding phase is critical for shaping long-term behaviour. Employees who receive targeted training early are more likely to adopt secure practices consistently, reducing organisational risk. By embedding cybersecurity into their initial training, organisations create a foundation for a security-conscious workforce capable of mitigating threats effectively.

2. Develop Clear Security Policies

Clear and well-defined security policies form the backbone of any organisation’s cybersecurity strategy. These policies provide employees with actionable guidelines on data protection, incident response, and device security, ensuring consistent practices across the organisation. A strong policy framework is especially critical in the UK, where cybercrime costs businesses an estimated £27 billion annually.

To develop effective policies, organisations must focus on clarity and accessibility. Employees should be able to easily understand their responsibilities, such as reporting suspicious activity or adhering to specific protocols for handling sensitive data. Policies should address key areas, including password management, secure use of devices, and procedures for responding to breaches or suspicious incidents. For example, mandating two-factor authentication (2FA) can significantly reduce unauthorised access risks.

Regular reviews and updates are essential to keep policies aligned with evolving threats. Businesses should revisit policies annually or after significant incidents to incorporate lessons learned and adapt to new attack vectors. Businesses should also consider consulting experts like ICT Solutions to help organisations design tailored security policies

3. Use Interactive Training Methods

Interactive games can transform cybersecurity training from a routine task into an engaging and impactful experience. Businesses can use simulations, quizzes, and real-world scenarios to teach employees how to identify and respond to threats effectively. For instance:

• Phishing simulations mimic real attacks by sending fake emails to employees, testing their ability to spot suspicious content. These exercises help staff build practical skills in a safe environment while reinforcing their understanding of common threats.
• Quizzes and scenario-based training provide additional layers of interactivity. Employees can test their knowledge through short quizzes, which improve retention by reinforcing key concepts. 
• Scenario-based exercises place them in realistic situations, such as responding to a ransomware attack, allowing them to practice decision-making under pressure.

To implement these methods, businesses can adopt third-party platforms that offer gamified training modules and phishing simulations tailored to organisational needs. By fostering active participation, businesses create a workforce that acts as a robust first line of defence against cyberattacks.

4. Tailor Training to Specific Roles

Every role in an organization faces different cybersecurity risks, which makes tailored training important for effective threat prevention. Executives, for example, are prime targets for spear-phishing attacks due to their access to sensitive data, while remote workers face risks such as unsecured networks and device vulnerabilities. Customising training ensures employees receive relevant knowledge that directly addresses the threats they are most likely to encounter.

To implement role-specific training, organisations should start with a risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities unique to each position. For instance, executives can benefit from modules on recognising social engineering tactics, while remote workers can focus on securing home networks and using virtual private networks (VPNs) effectively.

Tailored training also addresses emerging challenges like IoT vulnerabilities in hybrid work environments. Employees interacting with connected devices need to understand how to configure security settings and identify potential risks.

5. Emphasize Device Security

Device security is essential for protecting sensitive data and preventing cyberattacks, particularly as hybrid and remote work environments become more common. Employees need to understand how to secure devices both physically and digitally. 

Physically, they should avoid leaving laptops or mobile devices unattended in public spaces and keep them locked away when not in use. Organisations can enhance security by deploying Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools, which allow IT teams to remotely lock or wipe a device if it is lost or stolen.

Digitally, employees should use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and install antivirus software to block malware. Regular updates for operating systems and applications are crucial, as outdated software often contains exploitable vulnerabilities. For remote workers, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) ensures secure connections when accessing company resources over public Wi-Fi.

Partner with ICT Solutions Today

Effective cybersecurity begins with a well-trained workforce and robust systems. The strategies outlined above provide a foundation for reducing risks and enhancing organisational resilience. However, implementing these measures requires expertise and tailored solutions.
Collaborate with ICT Solutions to elevate your organisation’s cybersecurity. With years of experience in IT support, cloud services, and network security, we deliver customised training programmes and solutions designed to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can help safeguard your business against evolving threats