The Importance of Cybersecurity Training in an Evolving Landscape

The world of cybersecurity is facing a range of challenges, including artificial intelligence (AI), and new regulations. Despite technological advancements, the human factor remains the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. Consequently, cybersecurity training has become more crucial than ever. Hudson Cybertec, a member of the Kiwa Group, with its hands-on experience in cybersecurity, recognizes the significance of training programs to enhance resilience in the face of evolving threats. Marcel Jutte, Managing Director of Hudson Cybertec explains.

New Regulations and Directives: NIS2, CRA, and RED

Marcel Jutte: “A lot is happening within the cybersecurity field and with the emergence of new regulations, such as the NIS2 (Network and Information Security Directive), thousands of companies now have legal obligations concerning cybersecurity.” The NIS2 builds upon existing legislation, expanding the number of businesses subject to these obligations from a few dozen to several thousand. Hudson Cybertec expects a surge in demand due to this increased client base. Additionally, the forthcoming Radio Equipment Directive (RED) introduces cybersecurity requirements for devices with antennas or wireless communication capabilities. The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) will also impose obligations on companies to manage cybersecurity across the supply chain. These new regulations signify a significant shift and call for increased vigilance.

Marcel Jutte said: “Cybersecurity training is essential due to the expanding attack surface and the increasing number of regulations. Organizations need to enhance their knowledge and understanding to comply with these requirements effectively.” Hudson Cybertec recognizes this growing demand and provides training programs tailored to the market's needs. The company's expertise in various regulations, including NIS2, CRA, and RED, makes its training programs valuable for both national and international organizations.

Marcel Jutte, Managing Director of Hudson Cybertec

The Impact of AI

Artificial intelligence presents both opportunities and challenges in cybersecurity. While AI is not extensively employed in process management at present, its potential for growth in the field is significant. Attackers can already leverage AI to prepare for cyber-attacks. Even today, ChatGPT, an AI-based language model, can generate code that exploits vulnerabilities, facilitating cyber-attacks. As AI continues to advance rapidly, it will pose increasingly complex challenges for cybersecurity. Marcel Jutte explains: “Think of the role AI can play in social engineering, enabling the creation of convincing deep fake videos or impersonations, potentially leading to sophisticated attacks. People and businesses need to be made aware of the dangers and risks involved. Our training courses can be an important part of this awareness.”

The Growing Need for Cybersecurity Training: The Human Factor

In the realm of cybersecurity, people are the decisive factor, as highlighted by the classical human-organization-technology triangle. Despite significant technological advancements, unaware and inadequately trained personnel with extensive access to digital environments remain the Achilles' heel of cybersecurity. Over the years, awareness regarding cybersecurity has increased, but there are still small businesses that underestimate its importance. Companies operating critical processes are generally aware of the risks they face, but their suppliers sometimes struggle to address cybersecurity adequately. Marcel Jutte: “The importance of companies prioritizing their cybersecurity is growing. When faced with this challenge, the initial query commonly raised is how they can improve their control over the situation. Many companies ultimately opt for the IEC62443 standard, but they often seek guidance on how to implement and utilize it effectively. This is precisely where our training courses become valuable, offering the necessary knowledge and skills.”

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, requiring professionals to stay updated. Hudson Cybertec ensures its specialists remain current by engaging in practical work, participating in discussions, and attending training sessions and seminars. This commitment to continuous learning enables them to tackle emerging threats effectively.

Achieving Demonstrable Control 

Hudson Cybertec has been providing cybersecurity training for over a decade. By partnering with Kiwa, the company has expanded its training offerings to reach a broader range of clients and sectors. Kiwa's role in certification further enhances the value of these training programs. As companies increasingly require demonstrable control over their cybersecurity, certification plays a crucial role. Hudson Cybertec's training programs equip organizations with the knowledge to meet these certification requirements and provide evidence of their cybersecurity practices.

As the world faces various cybersecurity challenges, including new regulations and the increasing role of AI, the importance of cybersecurity training cannot be overstated. Hudson Cybertec recognizes the need for hands-on training to enhance resilience and ensure organizations remain compliant with evolving requirements. Marcel Jutte concludes: “With our practical experience and expertise, we are well-positioned to provide valuable training programs to clients worldwide, contributing to a more secure digital landscape.”