Security Awareness Training Research Articles

A Study on Cybersecurity Challenges and Strategies in a Digitally Transformed Business Environment

In this era of digital transformation businesses are facing a rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape with new technologies, expanded attack surfaces and advanced threats. This article looks at the many cybersecurity challenges that arise from integrating advanced technologies like cloud, IoT and AI into business. The challenges are expanded attack surfaces, system complexity, data privacy and regulatory compliance and advanced threats. The article looks at the solutions to these challenges including Zero Trust architecture, layered security, advanced threat detection, incident response and security awareness training. plus real world case studies of how these solutions are being used and what’s coming next with emerging technologies and regulations. By addressing these challenges with a comprehensive approach businesses can strengthen their cybersecurity, protect their data and be resilient in a digital world. KEYWORDS Cybersecurity Challenges ,Digital Transformation, Cyber Threats ,IT Infrastructure ,Zero Trust Security ,Threat Detection ,Incident Response, Data Protection ,Regulatory Compliance Employee Training, Advanced Security Technologies, Cloud Security, Network Security

Enhancing Cybersecurity Awareness Training for Mitigating Human-Induced Cybersecurity Breaches

In a world where 95% of cybersecurity breaches are due to human error, and a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, the effectiveness of employee’s proper security awareness stands as a pivotal concern [1]. Especially when the employees are the first line of defense for any organization. This highlights the importance of having robust cybersecurity awareness that is dynamic to face the ever-changing threats in the world. However, traditional employee security awareness training programs often fall short, perceived as dull, ineffective, and unable to keep pace with the dynamic cybersecurity landscape [2]. These shortcomings not only diminish engagement but also lead to decreased knowledge retention, rendering employees more vulnerable to cyber threats.

Leveraging AI-driven training programs for enhanced organizational security awareness

Organizations today face an increasing array of cyber threats that are more sophisticated and targeted, often exploiting human vulnerabilities rather than technical flaws. Traditional security awareness programs frequently fail to adequately prepare employees to recognize and respond to these evolving threats. This paper explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance organizational security awareness training programs, offering tailored, dynamic, and interactive learning experiences. By leveraging AI, organizations can create more adaptive and effective training that not only enhances knowledge retention but also fosters a culture of security awareness across all levels. The paper discusses the benefits, technical implementation, and future perspectives for AI-driven training programs, emphasizing how these technologies can create a more resilient organizational culture against emerging cyber threats. This research serves as a valuable resource for both academia and industry in advancing the understanding and enhancement of organizational security awareness.

Strengthening Fintech Security in Uganda: An Analysis of Insider Threats and Effective Risk Management Strategies

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze security policies and risk management practices for reducing insider threats in the Fintech industry in Uganda. The study aims to classify and identify insider threats, examine how they relate to risk management procedures, and offer practical recommendations for improving Fintech companies’ security measures. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design, focusing on diverse respondents across various sectors. Data was collected through surveys from 25 respondents, including IT security specialists, accountants, finance officers, and other relevant roles. The sectors represented included Banking and Finance (52%), Security (12%), Information Technology and Telecommunications (8% each), and others such as Agriculture, Civil Society, and Public Service (each 4%). The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, with secondary data reviewed from existing literature and case studies. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS to interpret the data and identify trends in insider threat occurrences and risk management practices. Findings: The study revealed that insider threats in Uganda's Fintech sector can manifest in both physical and cyber forms. The predominant risk management practices identified include proactive measures such as robust security policies, access controls utilized by 88% of respondents, security awareness training by 80%, and continuous monitoring by 68%. Incident response and reporting procedures were also critical, ensuring that breaches are swiftly addressed to minimize impact. There was a significant positive correlation (r = .65; p < 0.05) between the frequency of past insider attacks and the regularity of risk assessments, underscoring the importance of regular evaluations in mitigating risks. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of how local cultural attitudes and regulatory frameworks impact effectiveness of risk management strategies, providing insights that can inform RMF adaptations in similar contexts. For practitioners, it recommends development and implementation of robust security policies, employee training programs, and advanced monitoring systems. Policy-makers are advised to support regulatory frameworks that mandate regular risk assessments and the adoption of best Fintech practices.

Analysis of problems and countermeasures in computer network engineering security

This paper analyzes the existing security issues in computer network engineering and proposes a series of countermeasures. To address the problems of hacker attacks and information leakage, it is recommended to strengthen network monitoring and the application of encryption technology. For the issues of malware and virus dissemination, it is advised to regularly update antivirus software and enhance employee security awareness training. Regarding network data leakage and privacy breaches, the use of secure transmission protocols and multi-factor authentication technology is advocated. For network security management and maintenance issues, establishing a sound security management system and emergency response plans is recommended to ensure the stable operation of network systems. Through the implementation of the above measures, the security level of computer network engineering can be effectively improved, ensuring the normal operation of network systems and the security of information.

A Comprehensive Survey of Social Engineering Attacks: Taxonomy of Attacks, Prevention, and Mitigation Strategies

Social engineering attacks pose a significant threat to individuals, organizations, and governments globally. These attacks leverage human psychology, manipulating individuals into divulging sensitive information or undertaking actions that jeopardize security. The various forms of social engineering attacks can lead to dire consequences for the targeted victims. However, with preventive and mitigation strategies such as security awareness training, policy formulation, and technical controls, the risks associated with social engineering attacks can be diminished. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of social engineering attacks, delving into their diverse types and methodologies. It further discusses various strategies to counteract and alleviate the threats posed by these attacks. The study introduces a taxonomy of social engineering attacks, categorizing them based on the operator, prevention measures, and mitigation techniques. This thorough analysis underscores the current challenges in the domain and suggests potential future trajectories in the field.

Botnets in Healthcare: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigation Strategies

The increasing digitization of healthcare systems has introduced new opportunities to improve efficiency and accessibility for medical professionals and patients. Examples include the simplified collection, storage, and organization of patient data using electronic health records (EHRs), the use of teleconferencing software like Zoom to allow patients to meet with their care providers remotely, and medical IoT devices like glucose monitors, pacemakers, and other remote patient monitoring devices that leverage software and the internet to provide patients and their healthcare providers with critical information. All of these use cases are examples of how technology can increase the quality of patient care. While the healthcare industry has realized many benefits from its increased investment in new technology, trends have shown that this increased utilization has also opened avenues for malicious cyber actors. One of these threats is botnets. These malicious networks of compromised computers, controlled by cybercriminals, can wreak havoc on all sectors of society, with the healthcare industry proving to be a desirable target. This research is a high-level analysis that investigates the threat botnets pose by employing an exploratory review. We identify the multifaceted nature of botnet threats in healthcare, analyzing their standard forms and the vulnerabilities inherent in healthcare infrastructures, ranging from outdated software to inadequate cybersecurity protocols to poor or total lack of security awareness training for staff. Moreover, the various techniques botnets use to propagate are explored to elucidate the potential points of exploitation and the damage they can cause organizations when proper controls are not implemented. These negative consequences include data breaches, service disruptions, and compromised patient confidentiality, which can endanger medical staff and patients if not addressed. This paper then discusses proven mitigation strategies such as end-user awareness, traffic monitoring, and detection response tools that organizations can employ to reduce the potential and efficacy of such threats. The threat landscape will continue to evolve; however, by staying on top of the latest trends, we can ensure the security of such critical infrastructure and save lives.

Securing the Internet of Things: A Comprehensive Review of Security Challenges and Artificial Intelligence Solutions

One of the major needs and challenges of this century is the use of cutting-edge technology considering the industry 4.0 revolution. The Internet of Things (IoT) falls in the category of a cutting-edge example of such innovation in the computing and information industry. In IoT compared to classical networking methods practically; every device we employ is accessible at any time from any location. Nevertheless, IoT continues to encounter several security challenges, and the magnitude of cyber-physical security risks is escalating alongside the widespread use of IoT technologies considering Moore’s laws expected to be 30 billion devices by 2025. IoT will continue to face vulnerabilities and risks unless there is a comprehensive understanding and proactive approach towards tackling its security concerns. To ensure both the cyber and physical security of IoT devices during data gathering and sharing, it is imperative to evaluate security considerations, identify instances of cyber-attacks, and implement effective security protocols at multiple layers for making highly secured IoT. Conventional security measures like data classification, strict access controls, monitoring privileged account access, encrypting sensitive data, security awareness training, network segregation, segmentation cloud security, application security, patch management, and physical security employed in the realm of IoT are inadequate in light of the current security difficulties posed by the proliferation of sophisticated attacks and threats. Utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, especially machine and deep learning models is becoming a compelling and effective approach to enhance security of the IoT devices. This research article presents a comprehensive review of the key aspects of IoT security, including the challenges, potential opportunities, and AI-driven solutions. The primary goal of this article is to provide technical resources for cybersecurity experts and researchers working on IoT initiatives.

Securing the Industrial Backbone: Cybersecurity Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigation Strategies in Control and Automation Systems

Industrial Control and Automation Systems are the invisible workhorses of modern industry, managing critical infrastructure and manufacturing processes. The increasing convert of IT and OT networks has exposed ICAS to a growing range of cybersecurity threats. This paper explores the current landscape of cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities plaguing ICAS. It delves into the technical aspects of these vulnerabilities, ranging from network weaknesses to human error. Additionally, the paper proposes a comprehensive set of mitigation strategies that can be implemented to bolster the security posture of ICAS. These strategies encompass network segmentation, access control, vulnerability management, incident response planning, and ongoing security awareness training. Finally, the paper highlights the importance of adhering to industry security standards and fostering a culture of cybersecurity within organizations.

Cybersecurity Measures in East African EGovernment Systems

This paper provides a comprehensive examination of cybersecurity measures within e-government systems in East Africa. It begins with an overview of the importance of cybersecurity in e-government, emphasizing the need to protect sensitive data and ensure the integrity of digital services. The paper then explores key aspects of cybersecurity, including risk assessment and management, data encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, access control, and security awareness training. Each section highlights the significance of these measures in enhancing the security and resilience of e-government systems. The conclusion underscores the importance of continuous vigilance and investment in cybersecurity technologies to address evolving threats effectively. Overall, this paper serves as a valuable resource for understanding and implementing cybersecurity best practices in East African e-government initiatives. Keywords: Cybersecurity, E-government systems, East Africa, Risk assessment, Data encryption

A bibliometric analysis of the of cybersecurity policy research

The cybersecurity policy is a fundamental framework for developing a robust defense strategy for an organization's digital landscape. It involves various critical steps, including classifying information based on sensitivity, implementing strict access control, encrypting data in transit and at rest, continuous security awareness training, an incident response plan for addressing security breaches, deploying network security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and physical security protocols to protect data centers and infrastructure. The purpose of this study is to answer the following questions: How are articles on Cybersecurity Policy classified? What are the latest study trends in Cybersecurity Policy analysis? What are the most frequently published research topics? What are the potential areas for future research in Cybersecurity Policy analysis? This research used a quantitative-descriptive technique. This bibliometric analysis explores the extensive and dynamic domain of cybersecurity policy, examining academic outputs from various dimensions. Utilizing standardized methodologies, including Mendeley software, VOSviewer, and PoP, this study navigates the complex terrain of academic literature. The findings reveal major topics such as 'Cybersecurity policy,' 'Network security policy,' and 'Cybersecurity' emerge, illuminating both well-explored areas and less developed fields such as 'National cybersecurity' and 'Cyberspace.' These unexplored aspects present intriguing avenues for future research.

Cybersecurity integration in distance learning: an analysis of student awareness and attitudes

<div align="center"><span>With the rapid growth of distance learning, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity has become increasingly essential to protect students, instructors, and institutions from cyber threats. This paper examines the role of cybersecurity in enhancing students’ security awareness during distance learning. A literature review covers critical cyber threats in distance learning and strategies to mitigate risks through cybersecurity tools, policies, training, and promoting a culture of cybersecurity. Primary research was conducted by surveying 531 university students engaged in distance learning to assess their cybersecurity awareness, attitudes, and behaviors. Results indicate relatively low awareness and adoption of secure practices. Recommendations include implementing multi-layered cybersecurity defenses, student security awareness training, and nurturing a “human firewall” through a cyber-aware campus culture. Cyber risks can be reduced through proactive partnerships between students, faculty, information technology (IT) staff, and administrators to secure distance learning environments.</span></div>

Neurodiversity and Cyber Security Awareness Training

Neurodiversity and Cyber Security Awareness Training

Sosialisasi Program Diklat Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (DPM) Bagi Masyarakat Nelayan dan Taruna Pelayaran

The aim of implementing community empowerment training is to reduce unemployment and increase the competency of training participants to produce professional ship crew human resources as a means of economic equality throughout Indonesia. Types of community empowerment training provided to communities in need include Basic Safety Training (BST), Security Awareness Training (SAT), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), SKK 30 miles on deck, SKK 30 miles on engines, SKK 60 miles on deck, SKK 60 mil on engines, and basic safety for traditional boat. The socialization of community empowerment training is divided into several stages, including the preparation stage, the implementation stage, and the evaluation stage. The implementation of socialization is carried out using the method of direction and discussion regarding the instructor's concepts and abilities, the number of participants, and implementation time in the implementation of training. Community empowerment training, which is carried out free of charge, can provide opportunities for underprivileged communities to develop skills and knowledge regarding competencies in the maritime sector, increasing the capacity and capability of fishing communities.

Enhancing Academic Cybersecurity: Integrated Framework with Network Penetration Testing

This study explores the realm of academic cybersecurity, focusing on the development of a comprehensive framework for network penetration testing tailored specifically to the academic environment. Cybersecurity in academia is of paramount importance, given the wealth of sensitive data and intellectual property stored within academic institutions. The objective of this research is to integrate technical assessments, user education, and policy recommendations into a holistic framework that addresses the unique challenges faced by academic networks. Respondents emphasized the importance of a comprehensive framework, with a focus on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities (92.7%) and enhancing overall network security and data protection (82.9%). The proactive approach to threat identification (85.4%) and user education (85.4%) were also highly regarded. Regarding technical assessments, vulnerability scanning (80.5%) and penetration testing (75.6%) were considered highly effective methods. Respondents largely recommended quarterly assessments (73.2%) to maintain a proactive security posture. User education was deemed extremely important (70.7%), with training workshops or seminars (87.8%) emerging as the preferred method to promote cybersecurity awareness. Additionally, there was recognition of the significance of data protection and encryption (97.6%), access control and user privileges (87.8%), and security awareness training requirements (80.5%) in cybersecurity policies tailored to academia

Evaluation of Measures Taken by Telecommunication Companies in Preventing Social Engineering Attacks in Tanzania

This study aimed to evaluate the measures taken by telecommunication companies in preventing social engineering attacks in Tanzania. The study was guided by the deception theory, the researcher employed a descriptive research design and quantitative approach to conduct this study. Data was collected by using a questionnaire administered to the selected telecommunication companies in Tanzania. Furthermore, the obtained findings were as follows; most of the respondents who participated in this study are aware of social engineering and that they experienced social engineering. The study also revealed that there are common social engineering attacks experienced by the respondents such as business collaboration benefits, alleged wrong remittance of money, sim swaps, SMS phishing and fraudulent SMS from lost or stolen phones, password requisitions and links sharing. The findings of this study went further to reveal that social engineering has effects such as loss of sensitive data, financial loss, reputational damage, disruption of operations as well as legal and compliance issue. The general findings of this study show that most of the respondents said that there is a presence of security measures to prevent social engineering such as the provision of the awareness program, enabling the use of multifactor authentication, there is implementation of policies around social media usage, provision of regular software updates, regular review of security protocols, provision of well-known customer care services number. On the other hand, the study also revealed that telecommunication companies use the following ways to minimize social engineering attacks, provision of security awareness training for employees, implementing security policies and procedures, regularly reviewing and updating security protocols, detecting and responding to social engineering attacks, placing limits on the access each member has in the system, always require a username and password to be configured. On the strategies used to prevent social engineering, the finding of this study showed that telecommunication companies should ensure encrypting data, proper verification of emails or instructions sent to customers, ensure that even if hackers intercept communication they can’t access information contained within, use of SSL certificates from trusted authorities, incorporating phishing and malicious detection solutions into security stack. This study concludes that telecommunications ensure routine reviews of security standards, daily notifications for customers and other system users, and the availability of a well-known customer care services number. Due to the difficulties that information system users face, businesses have been using a variety of protection techniques to avoid social engineering, from putting up multifactor authentication for users' accounts to teaching employees how to spot suspect activity. Hence it is recommended that it is necessary to deploy mechanisms like machine learning-based ways to defend against social engineering-based assaults since cybercriminals exploit human activities to breach security as well as using the security features on messages (filter unknown senders) and calls (silence unknown callers).

How Effective are SETA Programs Anyway: Learning and Forgetting in Security Awareness Training

Prevalent security threats caused by human errors necessitate security education, training, and awareness (SETA) programs in organizations. Despite strong theoretical foundations in behavioral cybersecurity, field evidence on the effectiveness of SETA programs in mitigating actual threats is scarce. Specifically, with a broad range of cybersecurity knowledge crammed into in a single SETA session, it is unclear how effective different types of knowledge are in mitigating human errors in a longitudinal setting. his study investigates how knowledge gained through SETA programs affects human errors in cybersecurity to fill the longitudinal void. In a baseline experiment, we establish that SETA programs reduce phishing susceptibility by 50%, whereas the training intensity does not affect the rate. In a follow-up experiment, we find that SETA programs can increase employees’ cybersecurity knowledge by 12-17%, but the increment wears off within a month. Furthermore, technical-level knowledge decays faster than application-level knowledge. The longer “shelf-life” of application-level knowledge explains why training intensity makes no difference within a month. This study reveals a (relatively) more effective component of SETA programs and cast doubts on the overall effectiveness of SETA programs in the long run.

Mandatory Gamified Security Awareness Training Impacts on Texas Public Middle School Students: A Qualitative Study

Aim/Purpose. The problem statement in the proposed study focuses on that, despite the growing recognition that teenagers need to undergo security awareness training, little is known about the impacts security training experts believe implementing a mandatory gamified security awareness training curriculum in public middle schools will have on the long-term security behavior of students in Texas. Background. This study was guided by the research question: What are the impacts security training experts believe implementing a mandatory gamified security aware-ness training curriculum in public middle schools will have on the long-term security behaviors of students in Texas? The study gathers opinions from experts on the impacts of security awareness training on students. Methodology. Our research used semi-structured interviews with twelve experts chosen through the use of purposive sampling. The population for the study consisted of experts in the fields of security awareness training for and teaching middle school-aged children. Candidates were recruited through the Cyber-Texas Foundation and snowball sampling techniques. Contribution. The research contributed to the body of knowledge by using interviews to explore the impacts of security awareness training on middle school students based on the opinions and views of the teachers and instructors who work with middle school students. Findings. The findings of this study demonstrate that middle school is an ideal time to provide cybersecurity training and will impact student behaviors by making them more conscious of cyber threats and preparing them to be more tech-savvy professionals. The research also showed that well-designed cybersecurity games with real-world application combined with traditional teaching techniques can help students develop positive habits. The research also suggests that teachers possess the skills to teach cybersecurity classes and the classes can be integrated into the current school day without the need for any significant changes to existing daily schedules. Recommendations for Practitioners. A well-design gamification-based curriculum implemented in Texas Middle Schools, combined with traditional teaching techniques and repeated over an extended time period, will impact students’ behaviors by making them more able to recognize and respond to cyber risks and will transform them into more secure and tech-savvy members of society. Recommendations for Researchers. The research shows middle school instructors and technology experts believe the implementation of a security awareness training program in middle schools is both possible and practical, while also beneficial to the students. The recommendation is to encourage researchers to explore ways to build curricula and games capable of appealing to students and implementing the instruction into school programs. Impact on Society. Demonstrating that training provided in middle school will make lasting impacts and improvements to student behaviors benefits children and their families in the short-term and workplaces in the long-term. The development of a more security-conscious workforce can reduce the significant number of data breaches and cyber attacks resulting from the poor security habits of companies’ users. Future Research. Future research that will add significant value to the body of knowledge includes testing the effectiveness of habit-shaping games to determine whether existing long-term games maintain student interest. Qualitative studies could interview parents of teenagers using habit-shaping games to determine the effectiveness of the applications. Another qualitative study could interview teachers to determine how teachers’ ages affect their comfort level teaching technology classes. Both studies could provide valuable insights into how to implement security awareness training in schools.

Research on the Reading Promotion Model of Universities Based on Smart Libraries

With the development of digital technology, smart libraries have become a new model of digital reading services and have received widespread attention. This article analyzes the role of smart libraries in promoting reading in universities, and explores the management mechanism of smart libraries and measures to address issues such as security, data protection, and privacy protection. Regarding security issues, it is recommended to strengthen network security awareness training and adopt multi-level security measures; For data protection and privacy protection, it is recommended to strengthen data classification and permission control, establish secure backup and recovery mechanisms, and take measures such as encrypted transmission and storage. In addition, this article also proposes methods for establishing talent cultivation and management mechanisms, including conducting specialized training programs, actively introducing high-end talents, establishing compensation incentives, career promotion, and role model recognition mechanisms, as well as strengthening team management measures.

Designing Scenarios for In-Organization Training Using the CyberCIEGE Game

Abstract Cyber security awareness training needs to be personalized to address the policies and requirements of a particular organization, although many of the concepts in this training practice are universal. The main reason for the failure of training programs is that the users do not think about applying security concepts. Therefore, the study aims to design scenarios for in-organization training using CyberCEIGE. In this context, CyberCIEGE is considered a flexible and highly interactive video game that is a security awareness tool. It is responsible for supporting organizational training objectives in an engaging security adventure in the presence of typical users. This game has shown success in utilizing information assurance education. The present study indicates that CyberCIEGE is effective in basic information awareness training programs for security purposes, such as the balance between corporate convenience and individual privacy.