In a time of unprecedented health and safety concerns, there is no doubt that COVID-19 has forced employers across the world to become more dependent on the internet — and with millions of users heading online for work, entertainment and online schooling, cybersecurity is more important than ever.

According to a Forbes report at the end of March, total internet hits have already surged by 50-70%. While issues of server bandwidth and feasibility for remote work-from-home models are prominent, there is an underlying issue created by this surge: as our dependence on virtual operations increases, vulnerability to malware, phishing attempts and cybercrimes follow suit.

Implementing Cybersecurity Training

Providing your staff with cybersecurity training can not only help put protective measures in place but can also boost employees’ individual skillsets — now more than ever, instilling confidence in your employees that they can handle current and future crises is an investment worth making.

With cybersecurity training, employees can gain skills in authentication, Cisco, cryptography, risk assessment and Python and will be able to look into and understand the implications of a possible security threat.

When it comes to the type of certification, there isn’t a “one-size fits all” mentality; typically, different certifications work for different employers, depending on the type of security or training you need most. Some popular certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Certification or GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH).

Cybersecurity Awareness

Although cybersecurity remains a predominant concern during the COVID-19 outbreak, not all employers have the time to implement thorough training. Arming yourself and your team with a base knowledge of cyberthreats can help you stay prepared.

When discussing best practices of cybersecurity with your team, you can educate them on threats like spam, malware, phishing and what those look like — i.e. an error with seemingly no explanation or “valid” antivirus warnings.

Additionally, explaining the importance of creating strong passwords and practicing email and browsing habits in line with your company’s internet and social media policies can help develop the building blocks of a cognizant, confident team.

We Are Here To Help

Applying cybersecurity knowledge, training or certification to your business can help your team members form the first line of defense against the omnipresent threats of the 21st century. As we continue to adapt to the “new normal” of an online work-from-home model during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are in this together — at MDL Technology, your company’s security is our top priority.

We offer services such as 24/7 support, network monitoring, offsite data backups, auditing and compliance and more to help ensure that you don’t need to stress about your team’s private information becoming public — especially as you’ve moved all operations online for the time being.

As you work to recognize the warning signs of cyberthreats with your team, you’ll further understand why delivering business data securely is critical. Our high-capacity transport solutions ensure constant connectivity and seamless business operations so you can send data with ease and confidence.

Learn more about the services we offer by visiting our website.