Why Phishing Training Is Important and How To Go About It

In 2024, phishing attacks are not just more prevalent; they're also more and more sophisticated. The use of artificial intelligence in phishing attacks allows scammers to bypass traditional security measures. This reality makes it imperative for teams to recognize and respond to these threats effectively.

Understanding why phishing training is important marks the first step towards safeguarding your organization's digital assets. The phishing training programs available through Jericho Security are designed to fortify your organization’s defenses through targeted phishing education for employees and keep your company assets safe from evolving online threats.

In this article, we’ll outline why phishing training is important and how you can implement it in your organization to keep pace with the cyber threats of the 21st century.

What is phishing education for employees?

Phishing prevention training for employees is an essential cybersecurity strategy for businesses. At its core, the goal of phishing is to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information – such as passwords and credit card numbers – through deceptive emails, messages, or websites. Phishing training aims to educate employees about the nature of these threats, how to recognize them, and the steps to take when encountering a potential phishing attempt.

What does phishing prevention training for employees involve?

Phishing training consists of using tools and resources to educate your team on how to recognize and respond to phishing threats. At Jericho Security, these assets include engaging and informative training videos alongside interactive AI simulations. 

Using scenarios that closely mirror real-life situations, these educational tools help employees spot phishing threats and identify telltale signs in email addresses, links, and message content. Simulations further reinforce this learning by challenging employees to apply their knowledge in practice. Phishing training for employees also emphasizes the importance of reporting any phishing attempts they encounter to their organization's IT or security team. So, why is it so important to report phishing attacks immediately? The reason is that it ensures a prompt and coordinated response to potential threats.

The importance of phishing awareness 

As cyber threats evolve, the need for vigilant and informed employees becomes increasingly critical. Team members are often the first line of defense against phishing attacks, so equipping them with the knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to these threats can significantly reduce the risk of a successful attack.

Let’s take a look at the top reasons why phishing phishing education for employees is important:

The goal of phishing training is to protect your sensitive data

The protection of sensitive data is mission-critical for any business. 

Phishing attacks directly target this data, aiming to exploit human vulnerabilities rather than technological ones. Training employees to recognize and react to phishing attempts is a proactive measure that can safeguard your organization's confidential information, financial resources, and reputation.

Phishing email awareness training for employees works

Yes, phishing email awareness training actually works. 

Reports and statistics have shown that companies that introduce phishing training experience remarkable improvements in organizational security. Organizations who implement security training experience:

• Being 70% less likely to fall for phishing attacks
• A 70% reduction in the number of successful phishing attacks
• A 66% reduction in overall phishing susceptibility
• A 39% reduction in the average cost of a data breach

As phishing threats continuously emerge and adapt to existing defenses, staying informed and prepared through ongoing training is not just beneficial – it's essential for the long-term security and viability of your organization.

Phishing threats are constantly evolving

Phishing threats continue to develop with technology. AI in particular has been a game-changer by making phishing attempts harder to detect. AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of data and mimic human communication patterns means phishing emails are no longer easily spotted by odd formatting or spelling mistakes. Instead, they can convincingly replicate the tone, style, and content of legitimate messages from trusted sources. 

This evolution requires a dynamic approach to security awareness training and simulated phishing education. By staying informed and adapting to new threats, organizations can empower their employees to recognize and respond to these advanced phishing attempts. Training that evolves alongside these threats is essential for maintaining robust defenses against phishing.

How to conduct phishing training for staff at your workplace

Conducting phishing training in your workplace is a huge step toward improved cybersecurity. The key is to develop a strategy that is both thorough and capable of adapting to the changing nature of cyber threats. 

Here’s how to conduct phishing training in your organization: 

Create a comprehensive plan for phishing email training for employees

Start by outlining a phishing training plan that covers all aspects of phishing awareness. This plan should include a schedule for regular training sessions, updates on the latest phishing techniques, and metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of the training. A thorough plan ensures that every employee, from new hires to seasoned veterans, receives the necessary education to identify phishing attempts.

Set clear expectations with employees

In addition to offering training, you should set clear expectations with your employees. Communicate the importance of the training and how it applies to their daily responsibilities. Make it clear that everyone has a role in protecting the organization's digital assets and that their vigilance is critical.

Collect phishing training materials and simulations

Finally, gather the materials you'll need for effective training. This might include a mix of instructional guides, real-life examples of phishing attempts, and interactive simulations. 

Jericho Security can be a valuable partner by providing complete training solutions for your employees. Using AI, we generate personalized training materials that provide your team with up-to-date, relevant content. This approach not only engages employees but also tailors the learning experience to reflect the specific threats your organization might face.

With Jericho, your team can benefit from real-life phishing simulation exercises, crafted by our AI-powered email generator. These AI-generated phishing simulations, along with our customized security awareness training, ensure that your employees are not just aware of the risks but are also prepared to act decisively.

Implementing these steps will create a solid foundation for your phishing training program, making your workplace more secure against the ever-evolving cyber threats.

Need phishing education for employees? Jericho Security has you covered

Staying ahead of cybercriminals requires more than vigilance – it demands continuous education and the right tools. Jericho Security offers comprehensive training services that leverage AI technology to equip your employees with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle emerging threats head-on.

From sophisticated AI-trained phishing simulations to a one-click phishing reporting feature to streamline flagging and reporting suspicious activities, Jericho Security makes it easier for your organization to respond to threats efficiently. 

Contact us today to learn more about how our training solutions can help your team protect your organization's most valuable assets. Together, we can create a safer digital environment for your business.