As cyber threats continue to evolve, ensuring your team is
equipped with the knowledge and skills to combat these risks is crucial. For
small businesses, where resources may be limited, finding effective yet
affordable cybersecurity training tools and resources is essential. Hereโs a
roundup of practical options that can help you strengthen your team’s defense
capabilities:
๐ญ. ๐ข๐ป๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฃ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐: Several platforms offer
cybersecurity training specifically designed for small businesses. These
platforms typically provide courses on a range of topics from basic
cybersecurity awareness to more advanced topics like how to respond to a data
breach. Popular options include Cybrary, Infosec, and Udemy, which often have
courses tailored to various skill levels.
๐ฎ. ๐๐๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ผ๐น๐ธ๐ถ๐๐: Organizations
like the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) offer free toolkits that include tips, best practices, and
templates to help businesses develop their cybersecurity policies and educate
their employees. These resources are designed to be easily implemented into any
businessโs training program.
๐ฏ. ๐ฆ๐ถ๐บ๐๐น๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐ต๐ถ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐: Tools like KnowBe4 and
PhishMe provide simulated phishing platforms where you can test employeesโ
reactions to phishing attempts in a controlled, safe environment. These
simulations help employees recognize and avoid malicious emails, a critical
skill as phishing remains a common attack vector.
๐ฐ. ๐ช๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ช๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ๐: Many cybersecurity
firms and industry groups offer free or low-cost webinars and workshops. These
sessions can be invaluable for staying current on the latest cyber threats and
defense strategies. Look for events from trusted organizations like the Cybersecurity
and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) or local tech councils.
๐ฑ. ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ค๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐: Gamifying
cybersecurity training can increase engagement and retention of information.
Tools like Cybersecurity Lab by Nova Labs and Game of Threats by PwC offer
interactive experiences that challenge users to think like cybersecurity
professionals, making learning both fun and effective.
๐ฒ. ๐๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ ๐๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐: Several government
agencies and industry groups publish comprehensive guides on various
cybersecurity topics. For instance, CISA offers a range of guides and best
practices for securing small businesses, and the SBA (Small Business
Administration) provides online training and resources tailored to small
business needs.
๐ณ. ๐๐ป-๐ต๐ผ๐๐๐ฒ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐: Organize regular
training sessions led by your IT team or a hired cybersecurity professional.
These sessions can cover key topics such as secure password practices, how to
secure mobile devices, and the basics of data protection.
Implementing a combination of these tools and resources can
greatly enhance your team’s cybersecurity knowledge and preparedness. Remember,
the goal is to create a culture of cybersecurity awareness where all employees
play a part in defending the organization.
