In today’s digital landscape, your employees can be either your strongest defence—or your biggest vulnerability. While most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) focus on antivirus software, firewalls, and backups, cybersecurity awareness training is often overlooked. But here’s the truth: over 90% of successful cyberattacks are caused by human error.
At Ashdown Solutions, we believe that robust cybersecurity starts with informed people. Here’s why training your team is not just important—it’s essential.
The Problem Isn’t Just Technology—It’s People
Cybercriminals are no longer just exploiting software flaws—they’re exploiting human psychology. Sophisticated phishing emails, impersonation scams, and social engineering tactics are designed to trick even tech-savvy employees.
Unfortunately, SMEs are especially vulnerable. Limited IT budgets, fewer formal policies, and a “it won’t happen to us” mindset often result in serious breaches.
What Is Cybersecurity Awareness Training?
Cybersecurity awareness training equips your team with the knowledge to identify and avoid cyber threats. It typically covers:
- Recognising phishing emails and suspicious links
- Creating strong, secure passwords
- Handling sensitive data safely
- Using public Wi-Fi securely
- Reporting suspected threats quickly
Delivered via short workshops, e-learning modules, or phishing simulations, this training reinforces safe behaviours across your entire workforce.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Breaches
Even the most advanced cybersecurity tools can’t stop mistakes like:
- Clicking on a fake invoice from a “supplier”
- Entering credentials on a lookalike login page
- Reusing the same password across multiple accounts
- Ignoring software update reminders
These small missteps can lead to ransomware infections, data theft, and business disruption.
A Real-World Example: The SME That Lost £20,000 in a Day
A UK-based SME unknowingly fell victim to a phishing attack when a finance employee clicked on an email posing as a supplier. The attacker accessed email accounts, monitored conversations, and altered payment instructions. £20,000 was transferred to a criminal’s account before the breach was discovered.
The cause? No employee had ever received phishing awareness training.
What Effective Training Looks Like
To be truly effective, cybersecurity awareness training should be:
- Regular – not a one-off event, but part of ongoing learning
- Interactive – using real-life examples and testing comprehension
- Role-specific – tailored for departments like finance, HR, and IT
- Measurable – with follow-up phishing simulations or quizzes to gauge improvement
How Ashdown Solutions Can Help
We provide tailored cybersecurity awareness training for SMEs, designed to fit your team, schedule, and risk profile. Whether you need a quarterly refresher, onboarding modules, or full phishing simulations, we’ll help your staff become your first line of defence—not your weakest link.
Take Action Today
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a people issue. Equip your team with the knowledge they need to keep your business safe.
At Ashdown Solutions, we believe security should empower your business—not slow it down. Our tailored IT support and cybersecurity services are designed to help SMEs across Sussex and the South East grow with confidence.
Whether you’re looking for a cybersecurity audit, ongoing monitoring, or a full managed IT service, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to find out how we can make your IT infrastructure more secure, efficient, and future-proof.