For organisations that rely on Google Workspace in Australia, finding effective cybersecurity training services can be a challenge. While some providers, like Revology, offer basic end-user Google Workspace training, their coverage of cybersecurity risks is limited. In today’s environment, where phishing and ransomware dominate the threat landscape, this level of training simply isn’t enough.
At Sentry Cyber, we specialise in building tailored cybersecurity training programs designed specifically for the systems and applications your staff use every day. For heavy Google Workspace users, that means email security, file collaboration safety, video meeting practices, and strong focus on cybersecurity incident response in Australia.
Why Cyber Awareness Training Is Critical
Over 90% of cyber incidents start with a phishing email. This makes phishing awareness one of the most important parts of a training program. But good training must also cover password safety, secure data handling, incident response, and compliance requirements such as SMB1001 certification.
By combining training with practical simulations and follow-up testing, businesses ensure their employees can confidently spot and report threats before damage occurs.
Key Topics Every Google Workspace Training Program Should Cover
1. Understanding Different Types of Phishing Attacks
Phishing has evolved far beyond the simple “fake invoice” email. Users must learn to recognise a wide range of attack types, including:
- E-Signature Impersonation – Attackers send documents for signing that appear legitimate. Employees must verify senders before clicking.
- Voicemail Lures – Victims are told they missed a voicemail, leading to a malicious download.
- Financial Documents – Fake invoices or payment requests trick staff into wiring funds.
- Image-Based Content – Instead of text, attackers embed malicious links in images to bypass filters.
- Living Off Trusted Sites (LoTS) – Malicious links hosted on platforms like Google Docs or Dropbox appear safe but redirect to phishing pages. Here is recent example of malicious files encrypted in google drive
- Fake Threads/Reply Chains – Criminals hijack or mimic existing email conversations to build trust.
- QR Code Phishing – QR codes in emails take users to fraudulent login pages, often bypassing filters.
Explaining how each works helps staff build a mental library of “red flags” to spot suspicious messages.
2. Reporting Phishing with Secure Email Gateways
If your business uses solutions like Ironscales, staff should be trained not just to identify phishing but also to report it. Reporting suspicious emails allows the system to automatically:
- Remove the phishing email from everyone’s inbox
- Improve detection by feeding AI learning
- Reduce repeat attacks
Employees should also understand quarantine processes. Sometimes legitimate emails are flagged incorrectly. Staff should know how to request release of these emails and escalate to IT when needed.
3. Data Handling in Google Workspace
Proper data sharing practices are critical to prevent leaks. Training should emphasise:
- Use Shared Drives – Keep business data in Shared Drives rather than personal My Drive.
- Use Links, Not Attachments – Share via Google Drive links instead of attaching files to emails. This keeps data centralised and permissions controlled.
- Lock Screens – Staff should lock their computers whenever stepping away.
- Safe Device Wipe – IT should securely wipe devices at end-of-life to prevent data exposure.
Clear policies and consistent practice ensure sensitive data doesn’t leave the business unintentionally.
Beyond Google Workspace: Other Critical Training Areas
4. Vishing Attacks
Vishing (voice phishing) is on the rise, as seen in the Qantas breach where attackers called staff pretending to be from IT. Employees must learn to verify phone requests and never share credentials over the phone.
5. Social Media Privacy
Oversharing online gives attackers clues to common security questions. For example, your high school or pet’s name might be public on Facebook, making it easy for attackers to bypass identity checks. Training should highlight why it’s best to lie or keep details vague on personal profiles.
6. Risks of Using Single Sign-On (SSO)
Although convenient, using your company Google login to sign up for external apps carries risks. If the app is hacked or untrustworthy, attackers gain access to corporate data. Best practice is to:
- Create accounts with unique credentials
- Use complex passwords
- Store them in a password manager
- Get IT approval before connecting third-party apps
Password Managers and Multi-Factor Authentication
7. Using a Password Manager
We recommend Keeper, which integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace. Training should cover:
- How to store and share credentials securely
- How to store MFA codes inside the password manager
- How to safely create shared folders for teams
This reduces risky behaviour like emailing passwords or using spreadsheets to share logins.
8. Avoiding SMS MFA
SMS is highly vulnerable to SIM-swapping scams, where criminals hijack phone numbers to reset accounts. Safer alternatives include:
- Authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy)
- Keeper’s built-in two-factor codes
- Push notifications to an app
- Physical USB security keys (YubiKeys)
Training ensures staff understand the why behind MFA policies and follow them consistently.
Policy Awareness and Compliance
Training should also cover any recent policy updates. Too often, organisations create policies but fail to communicate them. For SMBs pursuing SMB1001 certification, these are essential:
- Cyber Security Policy
- Physical Security Policy
- Physical Document Destruction Policy
- Asset Disposal Policy
- Use of Technology Policy
Explaining these in training ensures staff understand their responsibilities, not just the IT team.
Delivering Effective Training
From our experience, the most effective training sessions are:
- Delivered live via video meeting – Accessible to remote and office staff.
- Recorded for reuse – Handy for onboarding new employees.
- Interactive – Real phishing examples and Q&A encourage engagement.
- Reinforced with phishing simulations – Tools like Ironscales test staff regularly and keep awareness fresh.
Cybersecurity Incident Response in Australia
Awareness training is only one part of the picture. Staff must also understand incident response playbooks. Quick action is crucial to reduce damage. Employees should know:
- Who to notify immediately
- What steps to take (disconnect, report, preserve evidence)
- Legal and reporting obligations under Australian law
When combined with awareness training, this empowers staff to act confidently during a crisis.
Why Sentry Cyber Is Different
Most MSPs & Cyber security consulting businesses in Australia have strong expertise in Microsoft 365, with Google Workspace as an afterthought. Sentry Cyber is the only consultancy in Australia dedicated to Google Workspace cybersecurity.
Our cybersecurity training services are tailored to your business, focusing on phishing, ransomware, data safety, and incident response. We also help businesses meet compliance requirements like SMB1001.
Other services we provide include:
Conclusion
With threats like phishing, ransomware, and vishing on the rise, cybersecurity training services are no longer optional for businesses using Google Workspace in Australia. Training that goes beyond generic awareness, covering phishing types, password safety, incident response, and policy updates, ensures staff are prepared for real-world attacks.
👉 Ready to strengthen your organisation’s defences? Contact Sentry Cyber today for affordable and tailored cyber awareness training.
FAQs
Q1 – What cybersecurity risks are most common for Google Workspace users?
A1 – Phishing emails targeting Gmail accounts are the top risk, followed by unsafe file sharing in Google Drive and misconfigured Workspace settings.
Q2 – How should staff share files in Google Workspace safely?
A2 – Employees should use Google Drive links instead of attaching files, and keep business data in Shared Drives. This ensures IT can manage permissions and revoke access if needed.
Q3 – Can Google Workspace admins get specialised security training?
A3 – Yes. Google Cloud offers Workspace Admin Security Training with videos, guides, and quizzes to help IT teams secure environments effectively.
Q4 – Why is phishing awareness training so important?
A5 – Because over 90% of cyber incidents start with phishing, making it the top attack vector.
Q6 – How does Ironscales help with phishing?
A6 – It removes reported phishing emails from all inboxes and learns from user reports to improve future detection.
Q7 – Why should businesses avoid SMS MFA?
A7 – SMS is vulnerable to SIM-swapping. More secure alternatives include authenticator apps and security keys.
Q8 – Can training sessions support compliance?
A8 – Yes. Awareness training supports SMB1001 and other frameworks by ensuring staff understand policies and obligations.
Q9 – How can we reinforce training after the session?
A9 – Phishing simulations and ongoing reminders keep staff vigilant long after the initial session.
Q10 – What role does cybersecurity training play in Workspace incident response?
A10 – Training ensures staff know who to notify, how to report suspicious activity, and how to act quickly. This reduces damage and supports compliance with Australian cybersecurity requirements.