Introduction
In the current digital landscape, cybersecurity breaches are a prevalent concern for enterprises, with a significant number of incidents attributed to insufficient employee security awareness. As cyber threats evolve, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) by malicious actors, organizations are increasingly prioritizing security awareness and training programs to mitigate these risks.
Description
Nearly 90% of enterprises experienced breaches in the past year [3], with 67% of business leaders attributing these incidents to a lack of employee security awareness [3]. This concern is echoed by nearly 70% of leaders who believe their employees lack essential cybersecurity knowledge, a significant increase from 56% in the previous year. As malicious actors increasingly leverage AI to enhance the volume and sophistication of their attacks [1] [2] [5] [6] [8], over 60% of leaders anticipate that employees will be more susceptible to these AI-driven threats [2] [5] [6] [8], which are perceived as more difficult to detect and mitigate compared to traditional cyberattacks [3].
In response to these challenges, 80% of organizations are enhancing their security awareness and training programs, recognizing that a broader understanding of AI-augmented attacks has fostered a greater willingness to implement such initiatives. Additionally, three-quarters of leaders are planning security awareness campaigns [4] [5] [6] [8], with 34% delivering content monthly and 47% quarterly [4] [5] [6].
The effectiveness of these programs hinges on high-quality [4], engaging content that aids employees in recognizing threats [4], with phishing prevention identified as a top training priority for 98% of respondents [9]. Among organizations with existing security training programs, 89% reported improvements in their security posture following the implementation of these initiatives [3], with no respondents indicating a lack of improvement [2] [5] [8]. Security training is crucial in combating cybercrime [3], fostering a cyber-aware culture [3], and equipping employees with the knowledge to recognize and avoid attacks [3]. Last year, over 80% of organizations experienced attacks targeting individuals [7], including malware [7], phishing [7] [9], and password attacks [3] [7].
To avoid training fatigue [5] [8], it is crucial to consider the time commitment required from employees [5] [8], with the most common proposed duration being between 1.1 and 2.0 hours [5] [8], and an average of three hours [5] [8]. Experts emphasize the need for increased cybersecurity investments to address growing AI threats [4], highlighting priority areas such as AI-powered content analysis [4], employee training [4] [9], and robust network security measures [4].
Fortinet underscores the necessity of prioritizing cybersecurity awareness and training as a fundamental defense strategy [9]. The Fortinet Training Institute [1] [8], as part of the Fortinet Training Advancement Agenda (TAA) [5] [8], offers a comprehensive Security Awareness and Training service designed to cultivate a cyber-aware workforce [1]. This service encompasses a wide range of topics, allows for content customization [1], and includes periodic reminders to reinforce learning [1]. Organizations utilizing this service benefit from dashboards that track learner progress and assist with cyber insurance and compliance requirements [1]. The annual 2024 Security Awareness and Training Global Research Report from Fortinet highlights the vital role of a cyber-aware workforce in managing and mitigating organizational risk [8], advocating for tailored and interactive content to cultivate a culture of cybersecurity resilience [9]. Additionally, Fortinet offers free cybersecurity training [5] [8], which encompasses broad cyber awareness and product training [5] [8], further supporting organizations in their efforts to enhance security awareness.
Conclusion
The increasing sophistication of cyber threats, particularly those augmented by AI, necessitates a proactive approach to cybersecurity. By investing in comprehensive security awareness and training programs, organizations can significantly enhance their security posture and foster a culture of cyber resilience. As the digital threat landscape continues to evolve, the emphasis on employee education and awareness will remain a critical component of effective cybersecurity strategies.
References
[1] https://vmblog.com/archive/2024/10/23/fortinet-report-finds-nearly-70-of-organizations-say-their-employees-lack-fundamental-security-awareness.aspx
[2] https://investor.fortinet.com/news-releases/news-release-details/fortinet-report-finds-nearly-70-organizations-say-their
[3] https://www.csoonline.com/article/3582372/3-crucial-considerations-for-your-security-awareness-and-training-program.html
[4] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/70-cyber-knowledge-gap-employees/
[5] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024-10-23:newsml_GNX4ZYrfM:0-fortinet-report-finds-nearly-70-of-organizations-say-their-employees-lack-fundamental-security-awareness/
[6] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/10/23/2967831/0/en/Fortinet-Report-Finds-Nearly-70-of-Organizations-Say-Their-Employees-Lack-Fundamental-Security-Awareness.html
[7] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/FTNT/fortinet-report-finds-nearly-70-of-organizations-say-their-employees-ydzltofafizd.html
[8] https://www.fortinet.com/corporate/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/2024/fortinet-report-finds-70-percent-of-organizations-lack-fundamental-security-awareness-for-employees
[9] https://marketwirenews.com/news-releases/fortinet-report-finds-nearly-70-of-organizations-say-6044974149123206.html
