Cyber-attacks are becoming a daily concern for Exeter businesses, and many incidents still begin with simple human mistakes. As organisations prepare for 2026, strengthening cyber security and improving risk management is an essential part of everyday operations. Technology plays a vital role, but staff awareness and good habits remain just as important.
Cyber security training gives teams the skills to recognise threats, avoid costly missteps and handle data safely. It also supports a more resilient working culture, where employees understand the part they play in protecting the business.
This blog explores how effective cyber security training and human risk management build stronger, more secure organisations in Exeter – and how our approach at BCNS helps improve resilience ahead of 2026.
Why Cyber Security Training Must Be a Priority in 2026
Cyber threats continue to grow in scale and sophistication, but the biggest changes in recent years relate to how attackers target people rather than systems.
As Exeter businesses rely more heavily on cloud platforms, hybrid working and digital communication, the margin for human error becomes much smaller – and the consequences much larger.
In fact, insights from the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 highlight the urgency: 85% of businesses have experienced a phishing attack in the last 12 months, and they continue to be the most disruptive type of attack throughout the UK.
Most of these incidents stemmed from simple user errors such as unsafe clicks, weak passwords or mishandled data. So, how can Exeter businesses use cyber security training to build resilience?
- Social engineering is now the attacker’s first choice.
Phishing emails, fraudulent login pages, and impersonation attempts have become extremely convincing. Attackers rarely “break in” through technical weaknesses; they wait for someone to let them in. Training helps teams spot subtle warning signs and avoid giving away credentials or sensitive information. - Hybrid working has expanded the risk surface.
Teams move between home, office, and mobile devices throughout the week. This creates more opportunities for insecure networks, personal devices, and rushed decisions to affect business systems. Effective cyber security training ensures staff understand how to stay safe regardless of where they work. - Cloud-based tools require better user awareness.
Modern platforms are fast, flexible, and accessible, but they rely on users managing data correctly. Accidental sharing, misconfigured permissions, and unauthorised access can all lead to data loss. Training provides clarity on best practices and avoids costly mistakes. - Compliance, contracts, and insurance expectations are rising.
More organisations now require evidence of security awareness training and good risk management when forming partnerships or renewing insurance. Businesses that cannot demonstrate a proactive approach may face higher premiums or additional scrutiny. - As threats change rapidly, training must keep pace.
A course delivered once a year is no longer enough to keep up with evolving tactics. Attackers constantly experiment with new approaches, which means teams need regular, digestible, ongoing training to stay sharp throughout 2026.
Reducing Human Risk: How BCNS Helps Exeter Businesses Stay Secure
At BCNS, our comprehensive IT support in Exeter offers reliability and enhanced cyber security through a strong focus on reducing human risk.
By strengthening your team’s awareness, your business can improve your resilience against evolving threats. We offer:
- Proactive Human Risk Management: We help you understand the behaviours that may expose your business to risk, such as weak passwords and unsafe clicks. By identifying these patterns early, we can work together to address vulnerabilities before they disrupt operations.
- Tailored Cyber Security Training: Our training is designed around real threats facing Exeter businesses. Sessions are practical, engaging, and focused on helping staff recognise suspicious activity, handle data responsibly, and stay alert throughout their working day.
- Phishing Simulations That Build Confidence: We run controlled phishing simulations that give your team hands-on experience spotting deceptive emails without any risk. These exercises boost confidence and highlight where extra support may be needed.
- Actionable Insights for Smarter Risk Management: Our reporting provides clear visibility of human-related risks across your organisation. These insights support stronger decision-making, improved planning, and more resilient cyber security practices heading into 2026.
- Local Support You Can Rely On: We believe training should be continuous, not a one-off exercise. Our ongoing guidance keeps awareness high and builds a culture of security across your business for the long term.
Preparing for 2026: Build a Security-Aware Culture
It’s important to remember that human behaviour is one of the most influential factors in your business’s cyber security posture.
Investing in training, awareness, and ongoing risk management ensures your team becomes a strong first line of defence rather than an unintentional vulnerability.
At BCNS, we help Exeter businesses build safer, more resilient environments through effective cyber security training and measurable human risk reduction.
Ready to strengthen your cyber security for 2026?
Book your free consultation today to learn how our cyber security training and risk management services can help protect your business and support your team.
FAQs
- Why is cyber security training important for Exeter businesses in 2026?
Threats are growing more sophisticated, and human error remains a leading cause of incidents. Training empowers your team to recognise risks early and respond safely. - How often should staff receive cyber security training?
Training works best when it is ongoing. Short, regular sessions throughout the year help employees retain information and stay up to date with new threats. - What is human risk management?
Human risk management identifies behaviours within your organisation that could lead to a breach – such as weak passwords or falling for phishing emails – and provides steps to reduce these risks. - How do phishing simulations help?
They test staff awareness in a safe environment. Businesses can understand how well employees recognise threats and where extra support is needed. - Can BCNS tailor training to our industry?
BCNS creates training programmes that reflect the specific risks and regulatory requirements relevant to your sector.
