Why Cybersecurity Employee Training is Essential: Lessons from Recent Attacks on Schneider Electric

In today’s world, cybersecurity isn’t just about technology—it’s about ensuring peace of mind, protecting what matters, and empowering teams to work confidently. The recent cyber incidents at Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation, remind us of the importance of building robust defenses against cyber threats. This year alone, Schneider faced two high-profile cyberattacks, proving that even well-prepared companies can be vulnerable and highlighting the importance of proactive cybersecurity strategies.

Let’s break down who Schneider Electric is, the security steps they had in place, what happened during these attacks, and how proactive cybersecurity—especially employee training—can be a game-changer for every organization.

Who is Schneider Electric?

Schneider Electric is a respected name in the field of energy management and digital automation. As a Fortune Global 500 company, they provide systems that keep vital infrastructure running and help businesses manage energy efficiently. Like many large organizations, Schneider has made cybersecurity a core part of its strategy, implementing strong systems and dedicated teams to protect sensitive data and operations.

Yet, despite their efforts, they faced sophisticated cyber threats, which show us all that staying secure means continually improving our defenses, our awareness, and our team’s ability to respond.

Schneider’s Cybersecurity: Strong but Tested

Schneider Electric has implemented a range of cybersecurity measures, including advanced tracking platforms and a global incident response team trained to act quickly when issues arise. They exemplify the “multi-layered” approach to cybersecurity that many businesses strive for.

However, even strong protections can be tested. Cyber threats evolve constantly, and the events Schneider experienced reveal the importance of ongoing vigilance and improvement.

What Happened? A Year of Cybersecurity Challenges

In January 2024, Schneider Electric faced an attack from the Cactus ransomware group, which impacted the company’s Sustainability Business division. This group targeted the Resource Advisor platform, which clients rely on, causing disruptions. Schneider’s response was quick—they engaged their incident response team, contained the breach, and restored platform access within weeks. Schneider’s official response highlights how valuable a prepared team can be when a breach occurs.

In November 2024, another attack struck. This time, the Hellcat ransomware group claimed they accessed over 40 gigabytes of sensitive data from an internal platform. According to the Wall Street Journal, Schneider took immediate action to investigate and contain the incident, confirming that client-facing services remained secure. These incidents emphasize the importance of resilience—keeping calm, responding effectively, and learning from each experience.

Why Proactive Cybersecurity Strategies Matter

Schneider’s experience this year underscores a critical truth: cybersecurity is a continuous journey, not a destination. For any organization, proactive strategies make all the difference. Here are three key approaches every business can consider:

1. Cybersecurity Risk Assessments: Identifying potential risks gives a clear picture of where improvements are needed. Our Free Cybersecurity Checkup does just that, helping you pinpoint vulnerabilities specific to your industry and close those gaps.

2. Employee Training: Often, employees are the first line of defense. Training empowers them to recognize threats like phishing emails and social engineering tactics. Our Cybersecurity Essentials Training offers a practical way for teams to learn how to prevent common cyber threats.

3. Customized Training: Every business is unique, and our In-Depth Cybersecurity Workshop tailors training to fit your organization’s specific needs, helping your team become resilient against specialized threats.

The Power of Employee Training

Many cyber threats take advantage of human error rather than technical flaws. According to the 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 68% of data breaches involve a human element, highlighting how employee training can drastically reduce risk by empowering teams to recognize and prevent threats.

Without proper training, employees may accidentally click on a malicious link or download an infected file, leaving your business exposed. By educating your team, you turn a potential weakness into a strength. They learn to stay vigilant, reducing the chance of successful attacks and giving you peace of mind.

How Cyber Hoplite Can Help

At Cyber Hoplite, we’re committed to building a strong cybersecurity foundation that supports your team’s work and protects your business’s future. Our Free Cybersecurity Checkup reveals your current risks, our Cybersecurity Essentials Training gives your team the tools they need to prevent attacks, and our In-Depth Cybersecurity Workshop offers custom training designed for your business’s unique challenges.

We also provide free resources on our website and social media channels to help businesses stay updated on cybersecurity best practices. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Secure Your Business, Empower Your Team

No business is immune to cyber threats. Schneider Electric’s experience reminds us that proactive measures, including employee training, are essential for securing your organization’s reputation, data, and operations.

Ready to protect your business? Start with our Free Cybersecurity Checkup—a practical way to assess your risks and learn how to build a safer digital environment. Together, we can make cybersecurity a powerful tool for your organization’s success.

For more information on how Cyber Hoplite can help, contact us today or explore our online resources. Let’s take action to secure your business, one step at a time.