Security Awareness:

7 ways security awareness can make or break your 2023  

So, why is security awareness training so important? And how can you make your security program more effective? 

Glad you asked, because we just so happen to have some handy tips on that.

1. By preventing data breach and phishing attacks

Okay, this one’s simple. But we make no apologies for that. Good information security awareness training helps prevent breaches.

The hard bit? Knowing how many breaches a security awareness training program prevents.

That’s because any sane organization is understandably reluctant to equip only half their people with training and leave the other half untrained, just to compare the results. 

But in an ideal cybersecurity world, that’s what we’d do. A controlled trial comparing those who received training and those who didn’t.

So, how can we demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of security awareness training? 

By comparing a before and after. That is, looking at the number of incidents before and after cybersecurity awareness activities. The resulting metrics can be used to get a sense of ROI.

But we don’t need metrics to know that data breaches can cost millions. Meanwhile, cybersecurity awareness training is relatively inexpensive. So, really, it doesn’t take much to get serious returns.

2. By creating a culture of security

A people-centric security culture—it’s the holy grail for cybersecurity professionals. 

But . . . it’s notoriously hard to achieve, as you’ve probably figured.

It means building security values into the fabric of your organization. Something any human risk management platform worth its salt should help you with.

3. By bolstering technological cyber defenses against cyber threats

Technological defenses are a valuable weapon in preventing breaches. But they still require input from people.

Firewalls need to be turned on. Security warnings need to be heeded. Software needs to be updated.

Few organizations today would dream of operating without technological defenses. And yet, without security awareness training and cybersecurity education, technological defenses can’t fulfill their potential.

Security awareness training helps people make the most of technological defenses, keeping attackers out.

4. By reassuring your customers

Consumers are increasingly aware of cyber threats. Your customers want to feel safe and secure. The same goes for any partners your organization has.

We all know that a trusted organization breeds loyalty. So, what measures will generate consumer trust?

Recent research tells us 70% of consumers think businesses are slacking on cybersecurity. And nearly 2 out of 3 consumers would stay away from an organization that had experienced a cyber attack in the past year.

Consumers were asked what types of security incidents would put them off an organization. The list included compromised endpoint security, phishing attacks, social engineering, and data breach as possible red flags.

When you provide cybersecurity awareness training to your employees, your customers see you as more responsible—which you are, really. And this can only benefit your business.

5. By meeting compliance requirements

Achieving compliance doesn’t mean your organization is secure.

Read that again.

If you launch a training program solely to comply with regulations, you’re doing the bare minimum. And that’s not good enough.

Compliance should be a by-product of good security awareness training. When you provide the right training content, you’ll wind up smashing those regulatory requirements, almost by accident.

6. By upping your organization’s social responsibility credentials

Is lax security training an antisocial faux-pas? We think so.

Cyberattacks can spread quickly. WannaCry and NotPetya made this painfully clear back in 2017.

As an infection spreads to more networks, other networks become increasingly at risk. As one new network succumbs, the risk rises for as-yet-unaffected networks.

Which means one organization’s lack of security awareness training makes other organizations vulnerable. 

It’s a little like leaving your house door unlocked—with your neighbor’s keys inside.

Security awareness training doesn’t just benefit you. It benefits your customers, your suppliers, your people’s friends and families, and everyone else in your network.

So, we’d argue that failing to train your people is pretty inconsiderate. And that investing in security awareness training is a socially conscious act.

7. By improving employee wellbeing

Happy people are productive people. Countless studies tell us that. And you’ve no doubt noticed it in the wild, too.

Yes, your job may be focused on managing the risk in your organization. But cybersecurity threats aren’t confined to the workplace.

So, keep in mind that security awareness training doesn’t just keep people safe at work. It keeps them safe from cybersecurity threats, phishing threats, and social engineering in their personal life, too.

Effective cybersecurity awareness training delivers threat prevention tools to people, not simply an organization. That means it isn’t just an employer benefit. It’s also an employee benefit.

What topics should security awareness training cover?

So, as you know, a staggering portion of cybersecurity incidents are linked to people. 

And one of the ways to help people improve their security behaviors is training. 

But not all programs are created equal. You need data-driven training that can help you bring about real and lasting behavior change in your organization.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s take a look at the main types of security awareness training, and the pros and cons of each.

Generally speaking, security awareness training is delivered in one of four ways:

1. Classroom-based training program

In case there’s even a smidgen of doubt, this is the sort of awareness training where people step away from the day job while an instructor leads them through various security topics.

The main benefit is that people can get immediate feedback. Plus they can chat with the trainer, which means they can pick an expert’s brains. So they could discover more useful information than in, say, a video seminar. 

However, some argue that a classroom approach conflicts with something called Adult Learning Theory, which suggests that classroom learning suits children far more than it does adults.

What’s more, classroom-based training can be pricey, and it takes people away from their main roles for a large chunk of the day. Both these hurdles mean the sessions are often long and  infrequent.

Neither of which bodes well for information retention.

2. Visual aids

Visual aids aim to influence cybersecurity behavior through (gasp) visuals. We’re talking anything from posters to handouts to videos, all of which can cover a range of topics, from password security to phishing scams.

Visual aids are easy to process. Unlike written messages, visuals are simple to understand. That means they communicate complex information quickly, without overwhelming people. 

What’s more, they’re pretty cheap to get in place, especially compared to classroom-based training. You’re potentially just looking at covering the costs of a graphic designer (if you need one), printer ink, and some paper. And, in return, people are reminded to stick with good cybersecurity practices. 

However, they do have some downsides. Visual aids can be easily ignored if they’re not engaging or interactive. Plus, over time, we stop “seeing” things that we’re used to. And unlike classroom-based training, there is no feedback loop between the sender and receiver. 

Last but not least, we know that follow-up testing can boost recall rates. So, visual aids may result in a lower rate of the important advice sticking in people’s minds.

3. Through phishing simulations

The popular way to test people’s response to cyber threats—attacking them! Okay, it’s just a simulation. You can send a phishing email, SMS, and even a “misplaced” USB stick.

Evidence tells us that simulated attacks are a super-powerful way of cementing messages in people’s minds, thus changing long-term behavior.

Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Wrong. 

Some argue that simulated attacks are unproductive—even immoral. You’re choosing to put people through the wringer, which can raise a few eyebrows. Plus, it’s an emotionally charged experience, and that can impact people’s mental wellbeing.

We’re behavioral science nuts. So, we know that phishing sims can do more harm than good—if they’re done wrong. But that’s not a good reason to dispense with them. It is; however, a reason to make sure you get them right.

4. Computer-based training

Online training can take many forms, from text to audio, video and quizzes. It’s also dynamic—when a new threat emerges, you can add a new module.

Some providers offer compliance-based training that’s no more than a tick-box exercise. Training should influence long-term security behaviors and reduce the risk of a breach.

It’s also important to look for training offered by security specialists, not training specialists. That’s not to say all security specialists are created equal, and they’ll need to demonstrate how their offering can go about influencing security behaviors, and how it can nurture a culture of security.

What’s the best security awareness training style?

So, the right training program fosters awareness. And it makes it easy for people to turn that awareness into action.

In the past, CISOs may have chosen only one training method for their organization. Today, it’s widely accepted that it takes a combination of techniques to cater to different learning styles, roles, and risks to effectively tackle the human aspect of cybersecurity.

What topics should be covered in security awareness training? 

Well, it depends on who you are and what you do. But here are 10 you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss:

Want more? We explore these topics in more detail in this write-up on cybersecurity awareness training topics.  If you’re seeking inspiration for Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM), take a look at our top creative ideas.

Modern security awareness training vs traditional training

The landscape is evolving—fast. A solution that meets today’s challenges is worlds apart from traditional solutions.

We’ve said it above, and we’ll say it again. Traditional training just doesn’t cut it. In fact, it’s holding you back. And frankly, we all need to mourn and move on.

With the rise of sophisticated cyber attacks, security awareness is long overdue an overhaul. And with criminals’ mind games playing off human behavior and our relationship with risk, organizations need to rethink their approach—and the sooner, the better.

The differences? Immense. Let’s take a look.

Traditional security awareness training is more likely to be an annual or six-monthly thing with a focus on technical concepts.

By comparison, modern security awareness training uses a blend of fresh training methods to engage people daily, prevent complacency, and make security a part of their daily routine. 

Back in the day, awareness training was probably one-way, and probably as dry as last week’s office donuts. Modern security awareness; however, is engaging, interactive, and, dare we say, fun!

Now, this one’s super important when you’re looking at providers. 

Traditional awareness training eats lunch at the table where annual first-aid refreshers and basic health-and-safety courses sit. Which is to say it’s normally about ticking boxes to achieve compliance.

But the truth is: Paying lip service to basic compliance gets you nowhere. 

Modern security awareness and training platforms reduce the risk of a breach and protect your organization from the consequences of lost data, reputational damage, and financial loss by influencing people’s long-term security behaviors.Traditional training could NEVER.

What cybersecurity certifications are worth pursuing?

There are many certifications that demonstrate a commitment to security. Here are some of the most common certifications:

What is the best protection from cyber threats?

We’ve talked about what security awareness training is, ways of delivering it, and what it should cover. We’ve touched on why we think binning traditional security awareness training is long overdue, and why we believe you need a modern, holistic IT security awareness strategy instead.

But what features of a good security culture should organizations be trying to cultivate? Here are some main players.

Overall, reducing the risk of cyber attacks requires a combination of technical measures, security awareness training, and behavioral change. 

By putting these strategies in place, organizations and individuals can better protect themselves from the ever-evolving threat of cyber attacks.

People’s role in protecting against cyber threats is absolutely vital. They deserve security awareness training that engages them, motivates them, and makes a difference to them.

Your security team deserves solutions that raise security awareness, yes, but also influence security behaviors, measure risk, and foster a positive security culture in your organization.