Lumen Technologies, a cloud computing platform and solutions provider, has partnered with KnowBe4, the provider of the security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, to help APAC firms expand cyber awareness and build an end-to-end security culture.
What does the partnership mean for customers?
This new partnership between the two allows Lumen to expand its suite of security solutions, by introducing Cybersecurity Security Awareness Training and Phishing Test Campaigns as a Managed Service. This is in line with Lumen’s thorough approach to cybersecurity and real-time threat intelligence underpinned by the company’s ‘See More, Stop More’ principles.
As part of Lumen’s Managed Security Awareness Service, Lumen customers will have access to expanded cybersecurity training capabilities combined with simulated phishing test campaigns to identify gaps in security knowledge thanks to the partnership with KnowBe4. Additionally, in-depth compliance reports and follow-up recommendations enhancing the organisation’s security posture through data-led risk assessments will also be provided.
As a region with rapid digitalisation, several markets across APAC have made headlines due to cybersecurity incidents and data breaches. However, increased cybersecurity knowledge and awareness training remains key in ensuring users do not fall victim to phishing attempts.
Additionally, recent research by KnowBe4 revealed that after one year or more of security awareness training combined with frequent simulated phishing tests, the Phish-proneTM Percentage of users in Asia Pacific organisations dropped from 34.5% to only 5.4%.
What does the partnership mean for Lumen?
Commenting on the partnership, Cheah Wai Kit, Senior Director, APAC Products and Practices, Lumen Technologies, said, “Amidst evolving cyber threats, organisations are increasingly exposed to risks like phishing, social engineering, DDoS attacks, and ransomware.”
“In the APAC region, human errors have been the primary cause of cyberattacks. Recognising that people are the last line of defence, We have joined forces to reinforce enterprises’ ‘human firewall’ through regular employee education on risk awareness and vigilance.”
“This alliance enables Lumen clients to access a variety of cyber security awareness training content and phishing tests. With Lumen’s leading security credentials, advisory services and advanced threat detection expertise, combined with KnowBe4’s integrated security awareness training platform, we help protect firms and proactively reduce cyber risks.”
“Equipped with robust metrics and data-led strategies, Lumen also helps our customers in the region to ultimately develop a structured cybersecurity awareness program and robust compliance standards across their entire organisation,” Wai Kit further commented.
What does the partnership mean for KnowBe4?
“We’re thrilled to work with Lumen Technologies in APAC to deliver KnowBe4’s security awareness training and simulated phishing platform to even more organisations across the region,” said Tony Jennings, EVP of International and Global Channel Sales, KnowBe4.
“This alliance will introduce more occasions to help firms better manage the ongoing problem of social engineering. Beyond that, a greater impact will also be made on customers as we work together with Lumen Technologies to further secure the human firewall and other platform defences through Lumen’s comprehensive suite of security solutions. This is a unique opportunity to help drive real behaviour change to enhance security culture.”
Lumen’s enhanced Managed Security Awareness Service has been designed to protect organisations and employees from falling victim to phishing attacks. The program also provides a structured and compliant way to deliver security awareness training with intelligent tracking and reporting, ensuring increased assurance for cyber insurance providers.
For more about Lumen’s Managed Security Awareness Service in APAC, reach us here.
What is the wider industry context of this partnership?
Why Businesses Fail at Cybersecurity Training
Cybersecurity training is essential for businesses of all sizes. However, many businesses fail to implement effective training programs. This can have serious consequences, as human error is often the root cause of data breaches.
There are a number of reasons why businesses fail at cybersecurity training. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Lack of buy-in from top management. Cybersecurity training is often seen as an unnecessary expense, or as something that can be delegated to the IT department. However, without the support of top management, it is difficult to implement and maintain an effective training program.
- Ineffective training materials. Many training materials are outdated or irrelevant to the real-world threats that businesses face. As a result, employees may not find the training to be engaging or informative.
- Lack of follow-up. Once employees have completed training, it is important to provide them with opportunities to practice what they have learned. This can be done through simulated phishing attacks, security awareness games, or other exercises.
- Poorly designed training programs. Some training programs are simply not designed well. They may be too long, too boring, or too technical. As a result, employees may not pay attention or retain the information.
How to Improve Cybersecurity Training
There are a number of things that businesses can do to improve their cybersecurity training programs. Some of the most important steps include:
- Get buy-in from top management. Cybersecurity training should be seen as a strategic investment, not an expense. Top management should be involved in the planning and implementation of the training program.
- Use relevant and engaging training materials. The training materials should be tailored to the specific needs of the business and its employees. They should be up-to-date and relevant to the real-world threats that the business faces.
- Provide opportunities for practice. Employees should have opportunities to practice what they have learned in the training program. This can be done through simulated phishing attacks, security awareness games, or other exercises.
- Design the training program well. The training program should be well-designed and engaging. It should be the right length, and it should be at the right level of technical detail.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity training is essential for businesses of all sizes. By following the tips above, businesses can improve their cybersecurity training programs and reduce their risk of data breaches.
In addition to the above, here are some other tips for improving cybersecurity training:
- Make the training fun and interactive. People are more likely to remember information that they find engaging. Use games, simulations, and other interactive activities to make the training more fun and memorable.
- Tailor the training to the audience. Not all employees need the same level of cybersecurity training. Tailor the training to the specific roles and responsibilities of each employee.
- Track the results of the training. It is important to track the results of the training to see if it is having the desired effect. This will help you to identify any areas where the training can be improved.
By following these tips, businesses can improve their cybersecurity training programs and reduce their risk of data breaches.
Gerald Ainomugisha is a business news reporter and freelance B2B marketer with over 10 years of experience in writing high-converting copy and content for businesses of all kinds, especially SaaS providers in the niches of HR, IT, fintech, eCommerce and web3. Since joining Upwork in 2012 (back when it was still eLance), Gerald A. has delivered great results for hundreds of clients, maintaining a 98% Job Success rate as well as 5+ years of Top Rated Plus rating (and Premium Writers Talent Cloud membership). Book a meeting with Gerald A. today to get the powerful SEO content you need!
