Are your staff able to confidently spot the red flags of phishing emails? Do they regularly engage in training to update their knowledge? The strength of your business isn’t just about the tools you have in place. In fact, your advanced cyber security tools can be rendered ineffective without a strong cyber awareness culture amongst your teams.
With cyber threats on the rise, Exeter businesses must take a proactive approach to defending their operations – an effective way to achieve this is through regular cyber security audits. Let’s explore how cyber security audits and employee training work together to protect Exeter businesses from evolving threats, data breaches, and costly downtime.
Why Cyber Security Training Matters in 2025
Remaining as a top cyber security risk for businesses across the country, human error due to inefficient training protocols – and in some cases no training at all – leaves businesses susceptible to data breaches and cyber-attacks. The government’s recent Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 found that 85% of cyber-attacks in the last 12 months involved phishing or other user-initiated actions, clearly indicating that even with the best systems in place, a single untrained employee can become the entry point for a major breach.
This is exactly why cyber security training has become a core part of any thorough audit and ongoing security strategy. With comprehensive training, your staff are equipped with the knowledge and instincts to detect suspicious activity, avoid scams, and use digital tools safely.
The Critical Role of Employee Training in Preventing Cyber Threats
Although cyber threats have continued to become increasingly sophisticated, the most common method of attack still targets the human element. Meanwhile, employees remain the first line of defence for businesses. As they are often the weakest link, comprehensive training is essential for Exeter businesses looking to strengthen their cyber security.
Let’s explore how structured employee training plays a vital role in effective threat prevention:
1. Security Awareness Training Platforms
Adding these platforms into your training means you can deliver ongoing education to staff through interactive modules, videos, and quizzes. They cover essential topics such as safe internet usage, recognising social engineering tactics, protecting sensitive
data, and following company policies. With regular updates to reflect the latest threats, security awareness training helps to embed cyber-safe habits into your everyday business culture.
2. Phishing Simulation Tools
As we have already discussed, phishing remains one of the most effective and widespread cyber-attack methods. To combat this, simulated phishing campaigns test your team’s ability to identify suspicious emails without exposing them to real harm. The controlled setting means any employees who need further training are highlighted and provided with practical experience in spotting red flags, like dodgy links, impersonation attempts, and urgent call-to-action messages. This is an excellent way to build reflexes and reduce click-through rates on actual malicious emails.
3. Email Filtering & Protection Software
While technological tools such as email filtering and advanced threat protection are critical, they are not foolproof. Cyber security training ensures your team fully understands the limitations of these tools and remains vigilant. For instance, they’ll learn to inspect sender addresses, verify attachments before opening them, and report anything unusual to IT. This all accumulates to effectively help catch threats that bypass automated filters.
4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Implementation Tools
MFA is one of the simplest and most effective ways to secure user accounts, yet employees must know how to use it correctly. Training should include why MFA matters, how it works (e.g., SMS codes, authenticator apps, biometrics), and what to do if access issues arise. This ensures MFA is seen not as a barrier but as a business safeguard and minimises the risk of account compromise due to weak or stolen passwords.
Going a step beyond the tools themselves, regular training sessions also build a sense of shared responsibility throughout your team. Creating a security-conscious mindset means businesses can significantly lower the risk of accidental breaches and ensure every staff member actively contributes to protecting the organisation.
How BCNS Supports Exeter Businesses with Cyber Security Training
At BCNS, our years of experience working with businesses in Exeter means we remain equipped with a strong understanding of local cyber risks. Our comprehensive cyber security audits don’t stop at checking your systems; they extend to look at your people, processes, and preparedness.
Our tailored security awareness programmes are best designed to suit different industries and roles. Regardless of the size of your business or if you’re a multi-site operation, we help you educate your entire workforce with:
· Engaging online training modules.
· Regular phishing simulation campaigns.
· Guidance on safe remote work and device usage.
· Support for rolling out email filtering, MFA, and endpoint protection tools.
We’ve seen firsthand how regular training and audits dramatically reduce human error, as when your staff understand how cyber threats work and what their role is in stopping them, your business becomes significantly harder to target.
Stay One Step Ahead
Cyber threats are only going to become more challenging, but with the right training and regular audits, Exeter businesses can remain ahead. The powerful combination of regular cyber security audits, staff awareness initiatives, and practical tools like phishing simulation, email filtering, and MFA ensures your organisation can reduce risks, build resilience, and confidently protect its future. Book a free consultation today to find out how our cyber security expertise can help keep your Exeter business safe.
