Cybersecurity is increasingly becoming a key priority for organizations globally as threat actors evolve and employ advanced technologies like AI to enhance the sophistication of their attacks. Fortinet’s latest 2024 Security Awareness and Training Global Research Report reveals alarming trends, with nearly 70% of businesses expressing concern over their employees’ lack of critical cybersecurity knowledge.
John Maddison, Chief Marketing Officer at Fortinet, emphasized the importance of comprehensive employee training, stating: “As threat actors harness new technologies like AI to augment the sophistication of their attacks, it’s increasingly crucial that employees serve as a robust first line of defense. Fortinet’s new research underscores the importance of creating a culture of cybersecurity and the need to deploy organization-wide security awareness and training.”
Cybercriminals Amplifying AI to Outmaneuver Organizations
Fortinet’s research found that over 60% of surveyed organizations anticipate that employees will become more susceptible to AI-augmented cyberattacks. These sophisticated phishing schemes and malware attacks are harder for untrained employees to detect. However, the report offers a silver lining—80% of organizations now recognize the need for comprehensive security awareness programs to counter such threats.
Employees as the First Line of Defense
The report also highlights a positive trend. Despite growing risks, employees are open to security awareness programs. A majority of organizations (89%) reported improvements in their cybersecurity posture after implementing training. Additionally, 86% of leaders noted that employees respond positively to these awareness and training opportunities.
Organizations are increasingly deploying high-quality content for cybersecurity training, with many opting for monthly or quarterly training programs. Fortinet’s research found that engaging and consistent content is key to the success of these initiatives.
The Impact of AI-Driven Phishing Attacks
Phishing remains a prominent threat, with 98% of respondents noting its inclusion in their security awareness programs. Fortinet’s report stressed the need for continuous employee training, especially as AI makes phishing attacks harder to recognize.
“Organizations are heavily focused on teaching employees how to recognize and avoid falling victim to these attacks,” the report noted, further highlighting the role of IT and security teams in safeguarding their companies.
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A Strong Cybersecurity Culture is Key
Security awareness training is essential for developing a robust cybersecurity culture within organizations. According to the report, 96% of decision-makers agree that raising employee awareness significantly strengthens the organization’s cybersecurity posture. However, engaging content remains paramount to its success.
Fortinet’s Security Awareness and Training service, designed by its world-class trainers, equips organizations with customized content and tools that reinforce learnings and create a cyber-aware workforce. By providing comprehensive training dashboards and reporting mechanisms, Fortinet’s service ensures continuous improvement and helps organizations stay compliant with evolving cybersecurity standards.
About Fortinet
Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) leads the cybersecurity industry, driving the convergence of networking and security with its integrated portfolio of enterprise-grade products. Trusted by over half a million customers worldwide, Fortinet is committed to enhancing cyber resilience and offers extensive cybersecurity training through the Fortinet Training Institute. FortiGuard Labs, the company’s elite threat intelligence unit, leverages cutting-edge AI technologies to protect customers against the latest cyber threats.
