With increasing cyberattacks, it’s never been more critical for businesses to protect their customers’, partners’, and employees’ information. 

To do this, companies need to train employees about the importance of cyber security and how they can help keep sensitive information protected at all times. 

MANCOSA skillME offers several IT and cyber security courses, including the Cyber Ssecurity Awareness and Risk Management course that teaches individuals the fundamentals of protecting company data against cybercrime.  

This article will discuss cyber security, why it’s essential, and what courses you can take to protect yourself and your company from cyber threats. 

What is cyber security?

Cyber security protects a company’s data, systems, and networks from online attacks. These attacks often aim to steal, change, or destroy information or can also sometimes try to extort money from users. 

There are many different types of cyberattacks, including:

• Phishing: This is where attackers deceive users into providing sensitive information, such as their ID numbers.
• Malware: Malicious software that’s created to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to systems. 
• Ransomware: Malware that locks and encrypts a user’s data and demands payment for its release. 
• Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): These are attacks that flood a website with a lot of traffic, causing it to slow down or crash. 
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: This is where attackers secretly intercept and change communications between two people. 
• SQL Injection: This is where attackers insert malicious code into a database query to manipulate or access the database. 
• Zero-Day Exploits: These attacks happen before the software provider knows and patches any vulnerabilities. 
• Insider Threats: These are attacks or leaks from within the organisation, often by careless or angry employees. 

South Africa is a hotspot for cyberattacks, ranking as the 31st worst country for ransomware due to outdated software and systems, weak access controls, and insufficient security protocols. 

7 Reasons why cyber security training is crucial

Due to continuous tech advancements and the digitalisation of business processes, cyber threats are constantly evolving. Companies and individuals must stay ahead of the potential risks. 

Cyber security training gives employees the knowledge and skills to protect sensitive information. Here are some of the main reasons to consider cyber security training. 

1. Develop a cyber security outlook and culture

Cyber security courses help create a proactive security mindset within a company. By educating employees on the latest online threats, companies can create an ecosystem and culture where security is integrated into every aspect of the business. 

This shift leads to: 

• More vigilant employees
• Reduced human error
• Well-educated employees who are aware of and understand their role in protecting the company and its data

2. Prevent phishing attacks and cyber security breaches

Phishing attacks remain the most common method hackers and cybercriminals use to access sensitive information. Through training, employees can: 

• Learn to recognise and respond to phishing attempts
• Reduce the likelihood of successful attacks

Employees can prevent breaches and safeguard the company’s data and personal information by understanding the signs of phishing attacks, such as suspicious links or emails. 

3. Learn how to use technology to bolster cyber security

Cyber security training includes instructions on using advanced technologies, tools, and software that protect digital assets. This includes everything from: 

• Secure password management
• Encryption software
• Multi-factor authentication

By understanding how to effectively use these technologies, employees can improve the overall security of business systems and make it more difficult for cybercriminals to hack systems and exploit vulnerabilities. 

4. Meet compliance requirements

Many industries have strict regulatory requirements regarding data protection and cyber security. For example, the banking industry requires strong security against these threats since breaches can cost billions. 

Not complying with these rules can result in hefty fines and legal consequences. Cyber security training ensures that employees know the requirements and how to implement security measures or report issues to management. 

5. Optimise social responsibility initiatives and credentials

Investing in cyber security training shows stakeholders that the company is committed to protecting the data and information of its customers, partners, and employees. 

This can increase investment opportunities and allow the company to build a good brand image and reputation. 

6. Create customer security and trust

Customers are more likely to trust a company when it is committed to keeping their information safe. Cyber security coursestraining can teach employees to communicate with customers and let them know their data is secure so they feel more comfortable. 

This can lead to long-term relationships and brand loyalty. It can also help the company stand out as a trusted provider—especially in competitive industries like finance and IT. 

7. Boost confidence and well-being

Employees who learn about cyber security and how to prevent cyber attacks aren’t stressed about potential risks and feel more at ease. This adds to their overall job satisfaction and makes them feel like a valuable part of the team.

Cyber security courses in South Africa

MANCOSA offers several different types of cyber security courses through our skillME platform. These courses cater to individuals who want to enhance their cybersecurity skills and companies who wish to educate their employees. 

Types of cyber security courses: 

• The Cyber security Awareness and Risk Management Course focuses on increasing awareness of cyber security threats and teaching strategies for avoiding and managing online threats. This is an excellent introductory course in the world of cyber security. 
• Other courses, such as Data & Data Analytics and Blockchain for Business, are available for people who want to delve deeper into cyber security. These courses cover the intersection of cyber security with emerging business technologies to help companies be more competitive by securing digital infrastructures. 

Register for a cyber security course with MANCOSA skillME

Now that you understand the necessity of cyber security, you can consider enrolling in one of our a cyber security courses to help build the skills you need to protect yourself and your company from cybercrime. 

If you’re new to cyber security, look at our Cyber Security Awareness and Risk Management course. It teaches individuals the fundamentals of protecting personal and company data in an ever-evolving digital age.