Although most cyberattacks begin by compromising an end user, often via phishing messages, most organizations are not training their end users to recognize those attacks. A new survey found that just 45% of organizations provide employees mandatory, formal cybersecurity training; another 10% give optional training.
According to Mimecast, even those organizations that require formal security training only do so sparingly: Six percent conduct sessions monthly, 4% quarterly, and 9% only when onboarding a new employee. Emailed or printed lists of security tips are the most common format of education (33%).
In addition, nearly one in four employees are not aware of common cyberthreats, such as phishing and ransomware, the study says. Sixty-nine perfect are using corporate devices for nonwork reasons (including news, personal email, social media); however, one in 10 employees are using business devices for personal use more than four hours per day.
Organizations with security-unsavvy users are at particular risk during the holiday shopping season, as both attack activity and personal use of business devices increase.
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