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With the rapid development of technology and the constant increase in cyber threats, cyber literacy is becoming not just a desirable, but a necessary competency for all employees in companies. Cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and data leaks can cause serious damage not only to a company’s financial condition, but also to its business reputation. Cyber literacy training not only increases the level of security within a company, but also creates a culture of responsibility for information protection.
In this article, we will show how important the role of an employee is in cyberattacks and why the development of cyber literacy in an organization is a necessity dictated by progress. Within the framework of the article, we will consider:
There are many social engineering methods in the world of information security, each with its own characteristics and goals. These methods can range from simple manipulations to complex deception schemes. Below are the most common social engineering methods that attackers use to achieve their goals.
1.1 Phishing
A deceptive method in which attackers attempt to obtain confidential information (logins, passwords, credit card numbers) through fake emails or websites.
Example: emails that look like messages from a bank or well-known companies contain an invitation to follow a link and enter your details.
1.2 Vishing
A form of telephone fraud in which scammers use phone calls to obtain sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. The name comes from a combination of the words "voice" and "phishing."
Example: an attacker calls the victim, introducing himself as an FSB officer or a bank security officer.
1.3 Smishing
A form of fraud in which criminals send fake SMS messages in an attempt to obtain sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. The name comes from a combination of the words "SMS" and "phishing."
Example: The attacker sends the victim an SMS message, posing as a bank representative.
1.4 Deepfake
Description: This is a technology based on the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to create fake videos or audio. This technology can be used for both entertainment and disinformation.
Example: An attacker creates a video of a company executive saying words he never said. The video uses deepfake technology to replace his face with someone else's and synthesizes his voice.
1.5 QR-phishing
In this attack, attackers create fake QR codes that lead users to malicious sites or initiate unwanted actions.
Example: QR codes are posted in a public place, such as a company office. The QR code contains a link to a phishing resource, and the legend of the booklet with such a QR code encourages you to take a survey about the comfort level in the office.
Example: the WannaCry virus, which allowed attackers to encrypt data on computers and demand a ransom for its recovery.
Example: an attack on DNS services that led to disruptions in the operation of major Internet resources.
Most successful attacks involve employees, and most often they don’t even know it. Let’s figure out how to instill cyber literacy in companies.
With the advancement of technology, learning has become more accessible through virtual courses and webinars. These formats allow employees to learn at their own pace and time. Virtual courses can include video lectures, interactive assignments, and quizzes to test their knowledge. Webinars, on the other hand, provide an opportunity for live communication with experts, which contributes to a deeper understanding of the topic.
Cybersecurity is not just a technology, it is a culture that can be nurtured and supported.
When information security becomes part of the corporate philosophy, employees begin to perceive it as an integral part of their work. This promotes open discussions about cyber threats and the sharing of best practices, and increases trust between employees and management. Implementing awareness programs creates an atmosphere of responsibility, where everyone feels they have a role in ensuring the company’s cybersecurity.
Investments in employee awareness programs can lead to significant economic benefits for companies. The losses in the event of a security incident, which include the costs of eliminating the consequences and possible fines for non-compliance with regulatory requirements, are not comparable to the costs of staff training. For example, according to information from experts, companies can lose from 300 million to 1 billion rubles to recover from a major cyberattack, including the costs of IT services and reputational losses.
In the process of training employees in the basics of information security and automating this process, it will be useful to implement Security Awareness tools. This software helps to increase employee awareness of cyber threats and safe practices for working with information, simplifies the implementation and management of training programs, and makes training more effective and systematic.
Main functionality of Security Awareness:
We recommend conducting cybersecurity training at least once every six months, adapting training materials in accordance with new threats. Use a variety of interactive training formats, and conduct tests and surveys to assess the level of employee awareness.
Given growing technological dependence and the spread of remote work formats, cyber literacy is becoming a key element of information security and business competitiveness.
Author: Evgeniy Novoselov, Leading Engineer, Information Security Automation, UCSB
Source
In this article, we will show how important the role of an employee is in cyberattacks and why the development of cyber literacy in an organization is a necessity dictated by progress. Within the framework of the article, we will consider:
- Modern cybersecurity threats.
- Key concepts of cyber literacy, as well as methods and approaches for raising awareness of information security among company employees.
Main types of cyber threats
In today's world, where information is a valuable asset, organizations are constantly under attack. Let's look at the most popular and "effective" types of cyber threats.1. Probably the most notorious type of attack is social engineering.
Social engineering is a method of manipulating people to gain confidential information or access to systems that exploits psychology and human weaknesses.There are many social engineering methods in the world of information security, each with its own characteristics and goals. These methods can range from simple manipulations to complex deception schemes. Below are the most common social engineering methods that attackers use to achieve their goals.
1.1 Phishing
A deceptive method in which attackers attempt to obtain confidential information (logins, passwords, credit card numbers) through fake emails or websites.
Example: emails that look like messages from a bank or well-known companies contain an invitation to follow a link and enter your details.
1.2 Vishing
A form of telephone fraud in which scammers use phone calls to obtain sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. The name comes from a combination of the words "voice" and "phishing."
Example: an attacker calls the victim, introducing himself as an FSB officer or a bank security officer.
1.3 Smishing
A form of fraud in which criminals send fake SMS messages in an attempt to obtain sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. The name comes from a combination of the words "SMS" and "phishing."
Example: The attacker sends the victim an SMS message, posing as a bank representative.
1.4 Deepfake
Description: This is a technology based on the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to create fake videos or audio. This technology can be used for both entertainment and disinformation.
Example: An attacker creates a video of a company executive saying words he never said. The video uses deepfake technology to replace his face with someone else's and synthesizes his voice.
1.5 QR-phishing
In this attack, attackers create fake QR codes that lead users to malicious sites or initiate unwanted actions.
Example: QR codes are posted in a public place, such as a company office. The QR code contains a link to a phishing resource, and the legend of the booklet with such a QR code encourages you to take a survey about the comfort level in the office.
2. Malware
Software designed to damage or gain unauthorized access to devices. Includes viruses, trojans, spyware.Example: the WannaCry virus, which allowed attackers to encrypt data on computers and demand a ransom for its recovery.
3. Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
Attacks in which multiple compromised devices send requests to a server, overloading it and making it unavailable to regular users.Example: an attack on DNS services that led to disruptions in the operation of major Internet resources.
Most successful attacks involve employees, and most often they don’t even know it. Let’s figure out how to instill cyber literacy in companies.
What is cyber literacy and what are the methods for its development in the corporate environment
Cyberliteracy includes knowledge of the basics of digital security, understanding the risks of incorrect actions on the Internet, and the ability to protect personal data. The role of cyberliteracy in ensuring information security is invaluable, as it helps users make informed decisions, minimize the risks of data leaks, and protect their personal and financial information from intruders.But how can you teach your colleagues to recognize potential attacks and avoid becoming accomplices to hackers?
Trainings and seminars are one of the most effective methods of teaching cyber literacy. They allow for interactive sessions where employees can ask questions, discuss real cases, and receive practical recommendations. Such events can be organized by both internal security specialists and external experts. It is important to focus on current threats and specific examples that employees may encounter in their daily work.With the advancement of technology, learning has become more accessible through virtual courses and webinars. These formats allow employees to learn at their own pace and time. Virtual courses can include video lectures, interactive assignments, and quizzes to test their knowledge. Webinars, on the other hand, provide an opportunity for live communication with experts, which contributes to a deeper understanding of the topic.
Cybersecurity is not just a technology, it is a culture that can be nurtured and supported.
When information security becomes part of the corporate philosophy, employees begin to perceive it as an integral part of their work. This promotes open discussions about cyber threats and the sharing of best practices, and increases trust between employees and management. Implementing awareness programs creates an atmosphere of responsibility, where everyone feels they have a role in ensuring the company’s cybersecurity.
Investments in employee awareness programs can lead to significant economic benefits for companies. The losses in the event of a security incident, which include the costs of eliminating the consequences and possible fines for non-compliance with regulatory requirements, are not comparable to the costs of staff training. For example, according to information from experts, companies can lose from 300 million to 1 billion rubles to recover from a major cyberattack, including the costs of IT services and reputational losses.
In the process of training employees in the basics of information security and automating this process, it will be useful to implement Security Awareness tools. This software helps to increase employee awareness of cyber threats and safe practices for working with information, simplifies the implementation and management of training programs, and makes training more effective and systematic.
Main functionality of Security Awareness:
- training courses: lessons on the basics of cybersecurity, phishing, password management and other topics;
- knowledge testing: assessing the level of employee understanding on cybersecurity topics;
- attack simulations: phishing attacks and other scenarios to test employees' readiness to respond to real threats;
- reports and analytics: generating reports on employee progress, identifying weaknesses and growth areas;
- gamification: the introduction of game elements to increase employee engagement in the learning process;
- adaptive learning: personalization of courses depending on the employee’s level of knowledge and role in the organization;
- planning educational tracks: creating scenarios for training employees and the ability to automate daily tasks.
We recommend conducting cybersecurity training at least once every six months, adapting training materials in accordance with new threats. Use a variety of interactive training formats, and conduct tests and surveys to assess the level of employee awareness.
Given growing technological dependence and the spread of remote work formats, cyber literacy is becoming a key element of information security and business competitiveness.
Author: Evgeniy Novoselov, Leading Engineer, Information Security Automation, UCSB
Source
