Security Awareness Training topics to cover and why:

• Understanding the different types of attacks and what to look out for. Whether it’s checking the validity of a sender to see if an email is legitimate or refusing to click attachments and links in an email, there are many tell-tale signs that a hacker is up to no good. Becoming aware of what to look for is crucial in helping employees steer clear of havoc.
• The dangers of removable media. That little flash drives you plug into your computer could cause trouble if they unknowingly contain malware or a virus. Other risks could include data loss, and data leakages, among other things.
• Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication. It’s important to stress the need for strong passwords (use upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, special characters) and the use of two-factor authentication for employees. These do keep accounts that much more secure and thwart any possible threats on the horizon.
• Mobile Device security. Ensure employees also know that any personal devices used for work purposes need to have password protection and encryption, if available. Also, having the option to remote wipe a device in the case of loss or theft.
• Remote Work. As with a standard office setup, having anti-virus running on a computer or laptop is a great way to protect your computer or laptop. The same can be said for two-factor authentication and using a VPN. Also, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Also, make sure your home WI-FI is secure, and you are using a password for it.

Don’t forget about these tips:

• Secure Email and Internet usage. Using encrypted email and sending confidential; attachments through a secure portal are a few options to keep the email safe. Also, using a VPN and staying away from downloading files from suspicious websites should be a rule of thumb.
• Public Wi-Fi risks. Public networks are not the most secure in most cases, so connecting a personal device like a cell phone or tablet is a big no-no. In addition, hackers can access your information if you unknowingly choose a network they manage or can get access to.
• Cloud security. Though most cloud services come with their form of protection, they are not always very robust. It’s also essential to make sure there are backups on local drives to avoid catastrophe if a service should go down.
• Social Media use. Keeping personal information private, having a strong password, and being skeptical of messages or prizes, or contests are just a few ways your employees can prevent themselves from the numerous scams that have taken social media by storm.
• Desk etiquette. It is also crucial to keep your computer away from it, not leaving sensitive documents sitting too long on the printer or your desk while away.