Human error remains the biggest risk for organizations when it comes to cyber threats. In fact, according to Proofpoint’s 2024 Voice of the CISO report, 74% of CISOs consider human error to be their organization’s biggest cyber risk. However, 86% of CISOs believe that employees understand their role in protecting the organization, which gives them hope for improvement.
One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to email security is accidentally clicking on phishing links. The increasing sophistication of phishing attempts makes many employees the victims of these tactics. The Proofpoint State of the Phish 2024 report finds that 68% of working adults admitted to taking risky actions online even when they know it’s unsafe, underscoring the need for continued education and awareness.
Some common mistakes include failing to recognize compromised email addresses, misinterpreting suspicious email attachments, and not reporting potential threats. These issues can often be resolved through ongoing, role-specific training and by embedding safety principles into employees’ daily routines.
Practical training to detect and respond to email threats
To effectively train employees to recognize and respond to email threats, organizations must adopt a systematic approach to security education by offering threat-driven, flexible learning programs. These programs assess user vulnerabilities, address specific knowledge gaps, and provide ongoing education, designed to promote a deeper understanding of security risks.
Training should include simulated phishing exercises that simulate real-world attacks and provide practical knowledge in identifying threats. Training content should be inclusive and tailored to individual factors such as role, industry, and skill level. This personalized approach ensures that employees are more likely to retain and use the information they receive.
Measuring the effectiveness of email security awareness programs
Measuring the effectiveness of an email security awareness program is essential to ensure it delivers the right results. When investing in a training and awareness program, look for one that offers tools to track and analyze the impact of training programs. Make sure it delivers insights into key behavioral metrics such as click-through rates on phishing attempts, reporting accuracy, and overall security behavior improvement.
Regular evaluations and the use of benchmarking against industry peers allow organizations to measure their progress and make necessary changes to their programs. Security leaders will want to see metrics that include a reduction in clicks from real-world threats over several months, which can be a clear indicator of success and can be communicated with stakeholders to demonstrate the value of the training program.
It embeds email security awareness in your organization
Building a culture of email security awareness is an ongoing process that requires commitment from both employees and leadership. By understanding common human mistakes, implementing effective training programs, using the right tools, and continuously measuring the effectiveness of these efforts, organizations can significantly reduce their vulnerability to email-based threats.
Proofpoint’s security awareness solutions can equip your organization with the framework and tools needed to develop a strong security culture within any organization. Read more at
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