human firewall: cybersecurity training for finance and accounting teams.

tl;dr:

• The majority of financial cyber breaches are caused by human error, not system failures.
• Cybersecurity training in finance should prioritise phishing, social engineering, and remote work vulnerabilities.
• Finance professionals are uniquely targeted due to the sensitivity and value of the data they handle.
• Interactive, role-specific cybersecurity courses help build lasting awareness.
• Ongoing training sustains the human firewall and embeds secure behaviour into daily operations.
• F&A leaders must take proactive ownership in building a cyber-resilient workforce.

What if the weakest link in your finance department’s cybersecurity wasn’t outdated software or a missing patch, but your own team?

In today’s digitised finance landscape, cybercriminals often don’t need to hack into your systems. They simply trick the people who use them. According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach report, 95% of cybersecurity breaches are attributed to human mistakes or oversight. For finance and accounting (F&A) professionals, the stakes are particularly high: you manage sensitive data, process payments, and oversee compliance. A single phishing email can trigger a financial loss or regulatory breach. Cybersecurity training in finance isn't just a technical necessity, it’s a business-critical strategy.

This article explains why finance and accounting teams are prime targets for cybercrime, outlines the most common digital threats, and explores how tailored cybersecurity training can help you build a human firewall. You'll learn what good training looks like, how to keep it engaging, and why ongoing learning is essential for lasting protection.

why are your people considered critical cybersecurity assets?

When thinking about cybersecurity in financial services, you might instinctively consider firewalls, encryption, or threat-detection systems. But while these defences are essential, they can all be bypassed with a well-executed social engineering attack.

A social engineering attack is a cybercrime technique that manipulates human psychology rather than exploiting technical vulnerabilities. These attacks rely on deception, manipulation, and exploitation of trust to trick individuals into divulging confidential information, granting unauthorised access, or performing actions that compromise security. Rather than breaking through digital defences, cybercriminals exploit the human element—often the weakest link in any security chain.

F&A professionals are prime targets. Here’s why:

• They regularly access sensitive financial data.
• They have approval or visibility on payments.
• They often interact with external vendors and clients.

Cybercriminals exploit predictable routines and professional trust. Social engineering in finance often involves impersonating suppliers, senior executives, or clients to trick team members into transferring funds or revealing credentials.

Cybersecurity in finance is no longer just about tools. It’s about building awareness and fostering a security-first mindset in your people to build a so-called human firewall.

the critical need for cybersecurity training in finance and accounting.

Cyber threats in finance are evolving rapidly. From ransomware targeting accounting systems to invoice fraud exploiting remote work setups, traditional training is no longer sufficient. The World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Risks Report highlights cybercrime as one of the top ten global risks over the next decade.

Finance ransomware attacks, phishing, and insider threats are now daily realities. Two-thirds of financial institutions experienced cyberattacks in 2024, with ransomware representing a significant portion of these incidents. That’s why cybersecurity awareness training must be:

• role-specific: Generic training misses nuances in F&A workflows.
• scenario-based: Simulated attacks like phishing tests help employees respond correctly under pressure.
• compliance-aligned: Especially crucial for organisations in regulated sectors like banking, fintech, or insurance.

what are the cyber threats in finance?

Here’s a non-exhaustive list you need to watch out for — and what each threat actually means:

• business email compromise (BEC) - When criminals hack or spoof work email accounts to trick staff into transferring money or sharing confidential information.
• spear phishing and credential theft - Targeted emails or messages designed to steal usernames, passwords, or banking details by pretending to be someone you trust.
• ransomware attacks on accounting platforms - Malicious software that locks access to systems or data — often accounting software — and demands payment to restore it.
• supply chain fraud (fake vendor scams) - Fraudsters impersonate suppliers or service providers to reroute payments or deliver fake invoices.
• remote work data leakage - Sensitive company information gets exposed through unsecured home networks, personal devices, or public Wi-Fi.
• poor data hygiene practices - Mistakes like weak passwords, outdated software, or mishandling sensitive documents that open the door to cyberattacks.

Each of these can be neutralised if your team is trained to spot the warning signs and act quickly.

how to design engaging cybersecurity courses for finance & accounting teams?

Standardised corporate training often fails to resonate with professionals. To build a resilient workforce, cybersecurity training for finance must feel relevant, urgent, and engaging.

Here’s how to do it:

• integrate real-world F&A case studies - Use examples where accounting fraud started with an innocent click. Show the consequences.
• deliver interactive content - Micro-learning modules, simulations, and gamified assessments are proven to improve retention.
• segment by team - Accounts payable might face vendor fraud risks, while controllers must secure access credentials.
• embed cybersecurity in onboarding - Every new hire in finance should complete cybersecurity awareness training within the first month.
• offer refresher courses quarterly - The threat landscape shifts fast. Your training must evolve just as quickly.

how to sustain a human firewall?

Building the human firewall isn’t a one-off project. Like financial compliance, it requires constant upkeep. Ongoing cybersecurity training is essential for embedding secure behaviour into daily operations.

To keep cybersecurity in accounting teams top of mind:

• schedule monthly simulations: Phishing, fake invoice, or social engineering tests.
• run internal campaigns: Highlight a ‘Security Tip of the Month’ or recognise vigilant employees.
• collaborate with HR and IT: Make cybersecurity awareness training a shared priority, not a siloed task.
• use analytics to track progress: Monitor who clicks phishing simulations, completes courses, or flags risks.

Cybersecurity in finance is no longer just an IT issue. It's a people issue. The more your team understands the risks, the better they can respond when something doesn't feel right.

Investing in training that reflects real-world finance scenarios can make all the difference. It's not about turning accountants into tech experts. It's about giving them the awareness to spot red flags before it's too late. Give your team the tools to protect what matters. The next phishing attempt could land in anyone’s inbox. Make sure your people know what to do when it does.

FAQs.