Essential Education for Staying Safe Online
This January, we hit a milestone at Sterling that's both humbling and exciting—our 26th anniversary. Looking back to 1998, when we started as an Internet Service Provider with those “blazing-fast” 33.6kbps dial-up connections, it's almost surreal to see how technology has leaped forward. Nowadays, it seems everyone has a supercomputer in their pocket, connected to the internet 24/7.
It’s a wonderful time to be alive. Unfortunately, it also brings to mind the ever-more-prevalent threats to cybersecurity. In this era, where technology influences every aspect of our lives, protecting ourselves stands out as a critical concern.
The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently released a report on the activities of state-sponsored cyber actors, such as the Volt Typhoon group, expressing the urgent need for better cybersecurity measures. The group, sponsored by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), exploits vulnerabilities in IT networks, aiming to pre-position themselves for potentially disruptive attacks. It’s noted that Volt Typhoon’s “pattern of behavior” is not consistent with traditional cyber espionage. U.S. Authorities assess that these cyber actors are positioning themselves to do critical damage to our digital infrastructure if they choose to.
It’s a scary thought, to be sure, but it’s also reality—and it more than underscores the evolving nature of cyber threats. Volt Typhoon’s systematic approach and stealthy techniques highlight the critical need for continuous vigilance and adaptive cybersecurity strategies.
The flood of remote work has expanded the vulnarability as companies adjust to the wider working environment. Security isn’t as tight on the average home WiFi network. In fact, during a 2023 study, a thrid of companies reported that they don’t even provide cybersecurity awareness training for their remote employees, despite the fact that 75% of these companies allow access to sensistive data by remote employees. In another report, Verizon Enterprise found that nearly three quarters of data breaches involve the human element (in other words, employee mistakes).
Cybersecurity experts unanimously recommend proactive staff education to mitigate the risk of human error. Training empowers individuals to recognize and respond to cyber threats effectively, transforming them from potential security liabilities into active participants in their organization's cybersecurity posture.
Sterling's Managed Security Awareness Training (MSAT) program is designed to address these challenges head-on. By providing up-to-date training on the latest cyber threats and defense mechanisms, MSAT empowers employees to be the first line of defense. From identifying phishing attempts to implementing best practices for password management and data protection, MSAT covers essential aspects of cybersecurity awareness.
Phishing attacks, poor password practices, and inadvertent clicks on malicious links are just a few examples of how breaches often begin not with a failure of technology, but with a lapse in human vigilance.
Adequate Cybersecurity education can be the difference between a user who clicks a link and a user who stops to think. In light of the continuous evolution of cyber threats, as detailed in CISA's advisories, taking proactive steps toward enhancing your cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. Investing in your team's education through MSAT is a strategic decision that fortifies your organization's defenses against cyber attacks. For as little as $3.00-$5.00 per employee, you can establish a first line of defense against cybersecurity breaches in your company
Let's collaborate to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Reach out today to learn more about how MSAT can benefit your organization and make cybersecurity a top priority. Together, we can turn the tide against cyber threats and safeguard our digital future.