IT security training is important for everyone that works at your company, but should have a special focus for end users. End users are all of the employees (and yourself) that use desktop and laptop computers, tablet computers, smart phones, or other devices to access or create data through software applications. Because end users make up the majority of your company’s staff, it is very important that end users know how to safely use corporate information systems. Without the proper IT security training, there is potential risk for a security breach every time any end user touches a computer.
IT security training basics
IT support providers recommend that all of your company’s IT security training should directly support all policies that your company had adopted. The top four policies that most companies implement are as follows:
1. Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP) which would typically address the following:
- Approved applications that may be installed and used
- Prohibited applications that may not be installed
- Preferred internet browsers
- Approved times (if any) for personal use of computers
- Accepted social media and instant messaging usage
2. Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) which should define the following:
- Types of information that can be shared
- Methods by which information can be shared
3. Password policy which should at the least do the following:
- Define elements of a “strong” password
- Identify when passwords must be used
4. Remote Access Policy which should at the minimum address the following:
- Who has remote access rights
- Where remote access may occur
- How remote access must be done
IT services providers advise that regardless of how infrequently some of your company’s end users might access information systems, all end users should receive frequent IT security training sessions. The proper training will teach end users how to safely and securely carryout out their daily business tasks while using computers. Training should be flexible to accommodate your business’s schedule while considering end users’ different learning styles. Consider providing ongoing training delivered in the following methods:
- Online classes
- Web seminars
- Staff meetings
- “Brown-bag” lunches
- On-the-spot training
IT security training goals
IT consulting companies believe that with the proper training end users will know how to safely use computer information systems. Specifically, end users should be able to do the following:
- Ensure that actions will not violate security policies
- Understand normal functions of the operating system and applications in order to identify unusual computer behavior
- Ensure anti-virus is running properly
- Identify regular forms of malware
- Utilize specialized security software and devices such as encryption solutions or thumbprint scanners
- Ensure that they will not accidentally expose sensitive information through email or other normal business activity
Learn more
Providing IT security training for your business’s end users is one of the best ways to prevent a security breach. To learn more about IT security training in general, or to discuss your company’s unique needs, please contact All Covered at 866-446-1133.
