How to combat social engineering, phishing and ransomware
Woking, Surrey: Thursday, 28th May 2015 - VAD Wick Hill announced today that it has been appointed UK distributor for US-based KnowBe4, providers of the world’s most popular integrated security awareness training and simulated phishing programme, based on Kevin Mitnick’s 30+ year unique first-hand hacking experience. KnowBe4 is seeking to expand it UK presence through two-tiered channel distribution with Wick Hill.
Cyber criminals are increasingly targetting employees with phishing, social engineering and ransomware. KnowBe4 provides automated, internet-based security awareness training to combat these issues. It is cost-effective, continually updated, easy-to-use, requires a relatively short amount of employee time, and is suited to organisations of all sizes.
Ian Kilpatrick, chairman Wick Hill Group, commented: “A key security vulnerability is staff and many organisations are only as secure as their weakest employee. Traditionally, perimeter security addressed this risk, but now that no longer works on its own. With the continual changes in threats, it’s been nearly impossible for most organisations to train and support their entire workforce. We see Knowbe4 as meeting that requirement, by enabling organisations to test their staff at their desks and by automating the processes for providing reporting and focussed training for those who are vulnerable.”
He added: “For resellers, KnowBe4 solutions are a straightforward sell, particularly as potential clients can have a free test of how phish-prone their staff are, before buying. KnowBe4 provides annuity revenues, good margins and opportunities for additional training and professional services.”
Stu Sjouwerman, CEO of KnowBe4, said: “Phishing and spear-phishing are behind 91% of data breaches. It is much less expensive to train your staff than suffer the consequences of a data breach, whether those are financial or a loss to reputation. Companies in the UK are discovering that an essential, additional security layer is to train your users and create a ‘human firewall.’”
Sjouwerman continued: “Today, taking staff through new school security awareness training is a “must” and we are thrilled to partner with a leader in IT security products like Wick Hill, who understand how important it is to manage the social engineering problem.“
KnowBe4 solutions include -
•   Kevin Mitnick Security Awareness Training
High quality, web-based interactive training combined with frequent simulated phishing attacks, using case studies, live demonstration videos and short tests. It is aimed at making sure employees understand the mechanisms of spam, phishing, spear phishing, malware and social engineering.
After the training, KnowBe4’s highly effective scheduled Phishing Security Tests keep employees on their toes. There are several correction options for employees who fall for the attacks, including instant remedial online training.
•   Free Phishing Security Test
91% of successful data breaches started with a spear phishing attack - and they’re getting more sophisticated. KnowBe4 provides a free Phishing Security Test (PST) which will show you what percentage of your users is Phish-prone.