Securing Tomorrow’s Tech Landscape: The Importance of Cybersecurity Training
The technology landscape is a place where things become obsolete at an alarmingly rapid pace. In some cases, obsolescence can be ignored with minimal risk. For example, choosing not to adopt the latest software update can be a strategic decision that saves time and money.
In other cases, obsolescence can be dangerous. Obsolete cybersecurity systems are one of the most dangerous features in today’s technology landscape. Outdated security frameworks can cause significant financial, operational, and reputational damage.
“Ongoing cybersecurity training is one of the best investments an organization can make,” says Greg Hatcher, Founder of White Knight Labs. “A commitment to comprehensive cybersecurity training provides organizations with access to the skills and insights they need to develop, deploy, and maintain systems addressing the latest security challenges. It also contributes to a culture focused on and capable of securing tech frameworks today and in the future, regardless of the challenges that emerge.”
White Knight Labs is a cybersecurity consultancy firm specializing in offensive cyber engagements. Its guiding principle is that the most robust defense flows from a strategic offense.
“As cybersecurity architects, we champion the art of thinking like an adversary to equip your organization against complex threats,” Hatcher explains. “Our exclusive dedication to penetration testing and offensive security translates to crafting advanced, bespoke solutions that outpace threat actors, safeguarding your business against tomorrow’s digital landscape with precision and confidence.”
The cyber threat landscape
IBM Security’s Cost of a Data Breach Report shows the average cost of a breach during 2023 was $4.45 million. The most common type of attack was phishing, which accounted for 16 percent of breaches. Stolen or compromised credentials were the second most frequent type of attack resulting in a data breach.
The pace of attacks in today’s threat landscape is virtually nonstop. Reports show a cyberattack takes place approximately once every 39 seconds. That frequency results in more than 2,200 attacks per day.
“The fact that 82 percent of today’s cybersecurity breaches involve a human element is significant in any discussion involving training,” Hatcher shares. “The failure of human agents to appreciate the importance of security protocols and commit to them plays a central role in security failures. Proper training is a key factor in inspiring that appreciation and commitment.”
The necessary scope of cybersecurity training
To be effective, cybersecurity training must include every member of the organization. The prevalence of social engineering attacks, of which phishing is a leading type, reveals the average employee is often the most vulnerable. The widespread exploitation of compromised credentials also hints that many employees are not taking the time to update default passwords with stronger versions.
“At a minimum, the average employee should be trained on the type of cyber attacks they may face, the harm that can result from them, and the responsibility they have in helping to counter them,” Hatcher advises. “Training should explain the value of strong passwords and best practices for selecting and managing them. It should cover policies and procedures related to the physical security of digital devices, which plays a key role in repelling social engineering attacks.”
Employees should also be trained on the proper protocol for reporting a security incident, even if it only involves a suspicion of an attack. Reports show it can take organizations as long as 287 days to notice a breach has occurred. Proper training can help alert employees to signs of breaches and minimize their impact by reporting them as soon as possible.
Providing advanced training for cybersecurity professionals
Organizations should also be committed to providing ongoing cybersecurity training for the professionals tasked with developing and managing security systems. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, so cybersecurity professionals must continuously update their understanding and skills. Those who don’t stay current on the latest attack trends and defense protocols will not be equipped to safeguard their organizations.
White Knight Labs offers dynamic training programs that provide a deep dive into the realm of cybersecurity. Its courses include an innovative Offensive Development training course that allows advanced students to explore new techniques and research findings. The two-day Offensive Development course provides a deep dive into modern defense mechanisms and advanced offensive techniques.
The White Knights Lab Advanced Red Team Operations course guides students through practical adversarial emulation exercises, imparting the skills needed to manage the most complex cyberattack scenarios. By revealing how attacks can be carried out on their own organizations — a practice known as network penetration testing — White Knight Labs teaches cybersecurity teams how to identify vulnerabilities, giving them opportunities to address them before they are exploited.
“Organizations must understand that cybersecurity cannot be a one-and-done endeavor,” Hatcher advises. “Hackers never sleep, which means security teams must constantly be sensitive to vulnerabilities, alert to attacks, and prepared to respond in ways that mitigate damage. Ongoing training plays a central role in preparing teams to address current and future threats with the highest level of effectiveness.”
About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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