IT in Manufacturing


The key to cybersecurity success

I&C July 2024 IT in Manufacturing

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated, requiring organisations to recognise that their employees are both their greatest asset and their greatest vulnerability. While employees are often seen as the weakest link in the security chain due to the unpredictable nature of human behaviour, they can also be transformed into the strongest line of defence through effective training and awareness campaigns. By prioritising initiatives such as comprehensive cybersecurity training, phishing awareness programmes, robust password management, implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA), and establishment of data handling protocols, organisations can empower their employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to mitigate risks and strengthen their overall security position.


Kumar Vaibhav.

Strategies for continuous training and awareness

Cybersecurity training is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires continuous adaptation to keep pace with evolving threats. There are various methods to deliver security awareness training, each with its own advantages and considerations. Interactive workshops offer employees the opportunity to engage with security experts, discuss current threat landscapes and receive actionable insights on risk mitigation strategies. E-learning modules provide flexibility for employees to complete training at their own pace, although they may become tedious if not properly designed. Introducing gamification elements such as leaderboards, badges and rewards can make learning fun and engaging, while phishing simulation exercises help employees recognise and respond to real-world threats. By combining these methods, organisations can foster a culture of security awareness, and prepare employees to identify and mitigate potential cyberthreats effectively.

Tailoring training frequency for enhanced vigilance

Determining the frequency of security awareness training is crucial for ensuring that employees remain well-informed about various security threats and best practices. Collaboration between information security officers and relevant stakeholders is essential in developing a comprehensive security awareness calendar that includes a rotation plan to ensure all departments receive training regularly. While it is recommended to conduct security awareness training sessions at least once per quarter, the frequency may be adjusted based on organisational needs and the evolving threat landscape. By keeping employees regularly informed and engaged, organisations can better prepare them to defend against complex cyberthreats effectively.

Partnering for protection

The complexity and diversity of threats requires organisations to stay abreast of the latest developments and best practices in security awareness training. Third-party providers play a crucial role in this regard, offering specialised expertise, resources and technology to implement effective, up-to-date, and robust training programmes and systems. These providers bring a wealth of experience and insights gained from working with diverse clients across various industries, allowing them to tailor training solutions to meet the specific needs and challenges of each organisation. Additionally, third-party providers often have access to cutting-edge technologies and tools that may not be readily available in-house, enabling organisations to leverage the most advanced training methods and simulations.

The effectiveness of security training varies, depending on the specific needs and characteristics of the organisation and its workforce. While traditional training methods may offer a solid foundation of knowledge, incorporating gamification elements can enhance engagement and retention. Real-world examples and scenarios make content more relatable and memorable, while interactive and rewarding experiences keep employees engaged and motivated. Creating engaging security awareness training is essential for fostering a culture of security consciousness within the organisation and enhancing employees’ understanding of cybersecurity principles. By partnering with third-party providers, organisations can supplement their internal capabilities, enhance the quality and effectiveness of their security awareness training, and empower their employees to become active participants in safeguarding company assets against cyberthreats.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Quantum computing and its impact on data security: a double-edged sword for the digital age
IT in Manufacturing
Quantum computing is poised to redefine the boundaries of data security, offering groundbreaking solutions while threatening modern encryption’s foundations. For third-party IT providers, this duality presents both a challenge and an opportunity to lead organisations through one of the most significant technological transitions in decades.

Read more...
Next-generation road-legal race car.
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) will move to the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software and use it to develop the next generation of its single-seater road-legal race car, Mono.

Read more...
Cybersecurity at a crossroads
IT in Manufacturing
here’s a growing unease in boardrooms, data centres and cabinet offices across South Africa. It’s not just about economic headwinds or political uncertainty, it’s about something quieter, more technical and yet just as dangerous - the rising tide of cyber threats.

Read more...
Enabling a sustainable industrial organisation
IT in Manufacturing
This article explains the top sustainability trends and key actions that you can leverage to become a more sustainable organisation.

Read more...
Navigating discrete manufacturing in South Africa through digitalisation
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa’s discrete manufacturing sector faces mounting pressure from global competition, fragmented supply chains and outdated infrastructure. In this complex environment, digitalisation is a critical lever for survival, resilience and growth.

Read more...
Africa’s pragmatic approach to AI and how data centres are enabling it
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
In Africa, the current AI momentum is driven by a fundamental need, building a resilient digital infrastructure that addresses the real-world challenges of the continent’s communities.

Read more...
World first simulation of error-correctable quantum computers
IT in Manufacturing
Quantum computers still face a major hurdle on their pathway to practical use cases, their limited ability to correct the arising computational errors. In a world first, researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have unveiled a method for simulating specific types of error-corrected quantum computations.

Read more...
Platform to accelerate supply chain decarbonisation
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric has launched Zeigo Hub by Schneider Electric, a powerful new digital platform designed to help organisations decarbonise their supply chains at scale.

Read more...
Future-ready data centres
IT in Manufacturing
The white paper ‘Future-Ready Data Centres’ by Black & Veatch outlines how integrating sustainable design principles not only helps meet ESG goals but also ensures reliability, operational efficiency and business continuity in the face of climate change and growing digital demand.

Read more...
Sustainable energy management
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Utilising its innovative ONE approach technology, Siemens provides complete transparency on resource consumption and offers data-driven optimisation recommendations for sustainable energy management.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved