Employee Information Security and Phishing Awareness Training

1. Purpose and Importance of Information Security

Objective

• Protecting company data, customer information, and intellectual property

Why It Matters

• Security breaches can lead to:
  • Financial losses
  • Legal issues
  • Reputational damage

Employee Responsibility

• Every employee plays a critical role in information security
• Must follow established security protocols and best practices

2. Core Information Security Policies

Data Handling

• Properly classify and handle company data according to data classification policy
• Follow data handling procedures for each classification level

Device Security

• Secure all devices with:
  • Strong passwords
  • Encryption
  • Regular system updates

Network Security

• Never connect to unsecured networks
• Always use VPN when accessing company resources remotely

Access Control

• Use unique, strong passwords
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where required

Incident Reporting

• Report immediately to security team:
  • Suspected security incidents
  • Unusual activities
  • Potential data breaches

3. Phishing and Social Engineering Awareness

Recognizing Phishing Attacks

Common signs include:

• Unexpected requests for sensitive information
• Suspicious links or attachments
• Urgent or threatening language
• Poor grammar and spelling

Types of Phishing Attacks

• Email Phishing: Fraudulent emails from seemingly trusted sources
• Spear Phishing: Targeted attacks using personal/company details
• Smishing: SMS-based phishing
• Vishing: Voice-based phishing (phone calls)

Social Engineering Tactics

• Be vigilant of manipulation attempts to obtain information
• Verify identities through official channels

4. Safe Email Practices

Sender Verification

• Always verify sender email addresses
• Be cautious of similar-looking domains

Link Safety

• Hover over links to preview URLs
• Type URLs directly instead of clicking when unsure

Attachment Handling

• Never open attachments from unknown senders
• Scan attachments with antivirus software

Information Sharing

• Never share sensitive data via email
• Use approved secure channels for sensitive information

5. Password Security

Password Guidelines

• Minimum 12 characters
• Mix of letters, numbers, and special characters
• Avoid personal information

Password Management

• Use unique passwords for each account
• Employ a secure password manager
• Change passwords regularly

6. Mobile and Remote Work Security

Device Protection

• Enable device locks (password/biometric)
• Use encryption for sensitive data
• Keep devices physically secure

Remote Access

• Always use VPN for company resources
• Avoid public Wi-Fi networks
• Use company-approved hotspots

7. Safe Internet Practices

Web Safety

• Only visit trusted websites
• Verify website security (HTTPS)
• Avoid downloading unauthorized software

System Maintenance

• Keep all software updated
• Run regular security scans
• Install security patches promptly

8. Incident Response and Reporting

Response Protocol

1. Stop work immediately if breach suspected
2. Disconnect from network if necessary
3. Report to IT/security team
4. Document incident details

Reporting Guidelines

• Report all security concerns promptly
• No penalties for reporting incidents
• Better to report false alarms than miss real threats

9. Employee Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have:

• Completed this security awareness training
• Understand my security responsibilities
• Will comply with security policies
• Will report security incidents promptly

Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
Signature: ____________________