Cyber Security Awareness Essentials for Employees

Section 1. The Current Cyber Threat Landscape

The digital world is evolving, and so are cyber threats. This section provides an overview of the current cyber threat landscape, highlighting emerging trends, common attack methods, and their impact on businesses. Participants will gain insights into the tactics used by cybercriminals and understand the importance of staying vigilant against evolving threats in today’s interconnected environment.

Research-Driven Insights

To create this section, we have used insights from the World Economic Forum Global Cyber Security Outlook – 2025, which highlights the most pressing cyber threats and emerging trends affecting businesses worldwide. This research-driven approach ensures that participants are equipped with the latest knowledge to address real-world cyber security challenges.

Section 2. Modern Cyber Attacks: Threats and Prevention

Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated, targeting organizations through advanced techniques and vulnerabilities. In this section, participants will explore common modern cyber threats—such as phishing, ransomware, and AI-driven scams—and learn effective prevention strategies. The focus is on recognizing attack patterns, understanding how they work, and applying best practices to defend against them.

Section 3. Cyber Security Best Practices for every Professional (10 Core Practices)

In today’s business environment, every employee plays a vital role in protecting company data and systems. This section presents 10 core cyber security practices, tailored for employees handling business data and using company systems. Each practice includes real-world examples and guidance to help employees apply secure behaviors in their daily work.

3.1. Secure Authentication

When accessing company systems, emails, or cloud services, employees must use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive business data.

3.2. Identifying and Avoiding Phishing & AI-Driven Scams

Employees must stay alert to phishing emails, especially those impersonating vendors, clients, or executives. Be cautious of links or attachments and verify unusual requests through a known contact method.

3.3. Preventing and Responding to Ransomware Attacks

Employees should avoid downloading files from unknown sources and regularly back up their work. If a ransomware warning appears, disconnect from the network and contact the IT team immediately.

3.4. Identifying and Reporting Cyber Security Incidents

Report any unusual activity, such as unexpected system behavior or unauthorized access attempts, immediately to the security team. Quick reporting can prevent data breaches.

3.5. Safe Internet and Email Practices

Avoid accessing sensitive work systems on public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Always verify email attachments and links before clicking to prevent malware infections.

3.6. Preventing Data Mishandling & Unauthorized Access

Handle confidential business data according to company policies. Store files on secure platforms and limit access to authorized personnel only.

3.7. Securing Your Mobile Devices

Protect mobile devices that access company systems by enabling biometric authentication and encrypting data. Keep business apps updated and report lost devices immediately.

3.8. Securing Remote Work Environments

Ensure secure remote access to company systems by using the official VPN, keeping software updated, and locking your screen when away from your desk.

3.9. Safe Social Media Use

Be cautious about sharing company-related information on social platforms. Cybercriminals often gather intelligence from social media to target businesses.

3.10. Safe AI Usage Practices

Use AI tools in compliance with company policies. Do not input confidential business information into public AI models and verify outputs for accuracy.

Section 4. Data Protection and Privacy

This section covers key principles of data protection, privacy laws, and best practices for handling personal and organizational data securely. Participants will learn how to manage data responsibly and reduce the risk of privacy breaches.

Section 5. Summary and Results

In this final section, we recap key concepts covered throughout the course and highlight essential cyber security practices. Participants will review their progress and view the cumulative results of the assessments they undertook throughout the course.