Information security awareness training can help a company to protect its data

Today, the internet or cyber space is an essential part in the life of most people. This is due to the many benefits offered to people over the internet, which includes online shopping (e-commerce), online banking (e-banking) and online channeling, in addition to the ability to access a vast amount of information. Although these aspects of the internet may seem attractive, the internet also poses a host of disadvantages. Viruses and other malware can spread easily through the internet and also the internet provides a way for hackers to gain access to a system. A breach in security can have disastrous consequences to a company, especially if sensitive information has been accessed or destroyed.

Therefore many companies have now taken an interest in Information security training. Most companies which have extensive networks offer these security training courses to their employees; usually free of charge (even though companies incur an initial financial loss, it is advantageous to the company in the long run). Such training courses may teach only the basics pertaining to information security or may include an in-depth study into IT security training. Usually a company will give a basic training to all its employees and give an advanced training to IT professionals within the company. This ensures that no employee’s action makes the company technically vulnerable to hackers, while the IT professionals can constantly take action to improve the overall network.

There are three key aspects in information security, namely Prevention, Detection and Reaction. Prevention is the most primary aspect of information security and probably the most important. It refers to all steps taken to prevent any potential attack to the company’s network. This includes the installation of relevant security software (such as antivirus software and phoenix software) and any physical methods (such as backing up of data and keeping locks on computers containing secure information). Usually the installation of simple security software (such as those installed in home based computer systems) is insufficient for companies. These simple security systems does provide a certain degree of data protection, but can be breached by professional hackers if they put a considerable effort into it. This is why most companies have professional IT teams.

Detection refers to the knowledge that a breach of security has occurred in the network. It is important to detect an attack, so that the company can immediately assess any damages done to the network or any information (data) which has been lost. Reaction closely follows Detection. Reaction refers to all action that is taken to prevent any further breach of security and any action taken to trace back the offender. In order to take reaction, a person should have a good knowledge of digital forensic science. Digital forensic science allows the person to use online log records and other software to investigate the degree of the attack and possibly trace back the offender behind the attacks.

When an Information security training course is designed, these three aspects should be given special consideration. This will allow the company to provide its employees with a comprehensive training course which in turn will serve to increase the data security of the company.