Cybersecurity: It’s Not (Only) About Software

Data protection & thus also the topic of cybersecurity are increasingly coming to the fore – both in private and in the professional sector. The decisive factor here is that software cannot solve all problems because the biggest problem is humans.

Providers of such products filled more than three halls on the topics of cybersecurity, anti-virus protection, and IT infrastructure at this year’s It-as in Nuremberg. That’s hundreds of square meters of space with one promise: safety.

One supplier – so it echoes through the exhibition center – event promises its customers 100 percent security. This is probably not only impossible but, of course, also a challenge. Finally, the program will be analyses carefully – attacks cannot be ruled out.

Awareness Of Cybersecurity Is Growing – Out Of Necessity

But one thing is also clear: the awareness within companies for a good IT infrastructure and cybersecurity is growing. As is so often the case, however, the reason does not lie in companies’ progressive and forward-looking thinking.

Studies show that 68 percent of companies have become victims of cybercrime within the last two years. Accordingly, 86 percent see the threat of hacker attacks as accurate.

The Biggest Problem In Cybersecurity

What is the best way to combat the looming threat of attacks? The desire for perfect software is as logical as it is understandable. And it is also clear: Without good infrastructure, your efforts are often worthless.

However, the software cannot solve all problems by a long shot. Or as Nikolas Schran, responsible for international business development at the security experts at G DATA, says: “Not all users have to fall for it. One stupid person is enough.”

The manager refers to the dangers that threaten security in companies daily – starting with the classic phishing mail to ransomware attacks. Because it is often not the software that fails, but the ignorant employee who naïvely clicks on a link in an email from a supposed colleague and thus opens all the doors.

The Solution: Awareness Training For Employees

That is why G DATA takes an extraordinary approach with its offering. Reliable software is, of course, available. In addition, however, a psychological, educational measure is added. What initially sounds intangible is a learning program with a total of 35 courses and nine subject blocks in everyday life. At the end of each topic block, there is a so-called milestone with a certificate.

This active component is intended to inspire employees who are otherwise somewhat skeptical about the program. This could be the nurses in a clinic, for example. What’s more, the awareness training from G DATA doesn’t take us back to school. The entire course is designed to last two years. That makes about ten minutes of study time per week.

And for all administrators: Yes, the individual modules can be flexibly adapted and changed to the respective company and department. In this way, after a phishing incident, the phishing chapter can quickly be brought up again for all employees in the training plan.

It’s About The People!

If you want to create more awareness of cybersecurity, you have to engage with your employees on a human level. There is no point in building up pressure or constantly criticizing. This is much more frightening and counteracts the actual goal.

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