The ongoing presence of cybersecurity threats presents a noteworthy danger to organizations of various sizes, indicating the importance of including security awareness training and human risk management in any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Due to the latest advancements in generative AI, cyber criminals are improving their abilities to craft convincing phishing emails and messages, making their attacks increasingly difficult to detect. By educating and guiding employees on the most up-to-date threats and optimal protocols, as well as monitoring their knowledge and actions, companies can effectively address human risk and empower their teams to identify and thwart cyberattacks, ultimately lessening the likelihood of a successful breach.

With a wide range of cyber security awareness training programs to choose from, how can you determine which one is the most suitable for your team? Here are 6 essential factors to take into account while looking for the optimal security awareness training program for your team.

1. Training Tailored to Your Team’s Needs

Selecting a cyber security training program that aligns with your industry and addresses the potential risks faced by your organization is crucial. A recent Gartner Report indicates that, by 2030, all prevalent cybersecurity control frameworks will prioritize measurable behavior change over compliance-based training as the primary criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of human risk management. The conventional approach of compliance-based cybersecurity awareness training is becoming obsolete as contemporary cybersecurity training heavily relies on tools that assess human-related risks.

The Human Risk Assessment developed by AwareGO surpasses traditional questionnaires, quizzes, and phishing simulations with its comprehensive approach to assessing human behavior in cybersecurity. Designed by behavioral scientists and cybersecurity experts, it offers interactive scenarios that provide employees with a sandbox-like environment to demonstrate their abilities. This enables cybersecurity leaders to effectively address the human aspect of cybersecurity and provide targeted training to the appropriate individuals.

Security leaders can utilize the findings of the Human Risk Assessment to gain practical insights and pinpoint vulnerabilities within their organization, thereby facilitating the development of an informed cybersecurity strategy. Upon receiving the results, security leaders will receive recommendations for tailored training or nudges that are more applicable, based on their individual assessment outcomes.

2. Interactive, Engaging and Accessible Training

Training that is interactive and engaging is more likely to capture the attention and participation of employees. The most effective security awareness training programs employ a range of teaching techniques, including videos, quizzes, and simulations, to ensure employees remain interested and committed to the training. AwareGO provides comprehensive training that includes over 100 original pieces of content, featuring interactive assessment scenarios, high-quality micro-learning videos (without cartoons), quizzes, whitepapers, ebooks, posters, stickers, checklists, and more. The training programs and blog are regularly updated with new content each month.

The delivery of all AwareGO content can be done via email, Slack, or Teams messages. The platform was designed to seamlessly integrate with other software and is not burdened by outdated problems. Furthermore, AwareGO’s content and Human Risk Assessment can be incorporated into other platforms using Scorm integration.

3. Automated and Sustainable Training

The need for ongoing and automated security awareness training arises from the ever-changing nature of security threats. AwareGO has developed their own cloud-based platform (LMS) with a focus on simplicity and user-friendliness. This platform serves as a dashboard for automated and customizable delivery through various channels, aiming to enhance employee engagement. The process of selecting and delivering assessments or training, as well as incorporating personalized content or policies, is effortless. Following the initial Human Risk Assessment, AwareGO’s platform will automatically recommend personalized training and assessment steps for each employee based on their individual results.

The suggested training content for employees is based on positive reinforcement and nudge theory. Instead of long messages or lectures by email or commandments, short, targeted, and automated messages that offer tips for improving security awareness behavior are more effective in the long term. Video content is an effective method of nudging employees with new training content, and AwareGO’s award-winning reminder videos, which depict real-life situations, overcome cognitive biases and obstacles to promoting security behaviors.

4. Customizable Training

It has been proven that implementing a uniform security awareness training approach is ineffective as every organization has its own distinctiveness. The most effective security awareness training programs offer the option to customize the training, allowing organizations to align it with the unique needs and requirements of their teams.

5. Reporting and Analytics

The best security awareness training programs offer reporting and analytics on employee engagement, completion rates, and performance on simulated attacks to monitor the effectiveness of the training. This information can assist organizations in pinpointing areas that require additional training and showcasing compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. AwareGO utilizes dashboards for cybersecurity training administrators to monitor the advancement, completion, and achievements of each individual, department, or team.

6. Industry Certifications

Seek out security awareness training programs developed and managed by industry-certified leaders like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Recognition should be given to Ragnar Sigurdsson, Co-founder of AwareGO, who is not only a CISSP but also holds certifications in CEH and ethical hacking. Recognizing the inefficacy of conventional training methods, Ragnar devised a fresh approach to educate employees on appropriate security protocols.

Careful consideration of various crucial factors is necessary when deciding on the most suitable security awareness training program and human risk management for your team. By opting for a program that aligns with your specific requirements, organizations can empower their staff to recognize and avert cyber threats, thereby minimizing the likelihood of a successful breach.

Top 10 security awareness training topics for your employees

It is crucial to guarantee that your top security awareness training program encompasses the cyber threats that are most probable to confront an organization when creating it.

1. Email scams

Cybercriminals primarily rely on phishing attacks to infiltrate an organization’s network, making it the most frequently employed method. Exploiting human behavior, they manipulate their targets into falling for the scam by enticing them with incentives (such as free items or business prospects) or inducing a sense of urgency.

Incorporating examples of common and relevant phishing emails, as well as tips for detecting attempted attacks, is crucial in any organization’s security training program to enhance phishing awareness.

Do not trust unsolicited emails
Do not send any funds to people who request them by email, especially not before checking with leadership
Always filter spam
Configure your email client properly
Install antivirus and firewall program and keep them up to date
Do not click on unknown links in email messages
Beware of email attachments. Verify any unsolicited attachments with the alleged sender (via phone or other medium) before opening it
Remember that phishing attacks can occur over any medium (including email, SMS, enterprise collaboration platforms and so on)

2. Malware

Cybercriminals utilize malware, a type of malicious software, to either steal sensitive data (such as user credentials and financial information) or harm an organization’s systems (for instance, through ransomware or wiper malware). Various methods can be employed to deliver this malicious software to an organization, including phishing emails, drive-by downloads, and malicious removable media.

It is essential to include in employee security awareness training comprehensive information concerning common delivery methods, threats, and the effects that malware can have on the organization. Valuable advice comprises:

Be suspicious of files in emails, websites and other places
Don’t install unauthorized software
Keep antivirus running and up to date
Contact IT/security team if you may have a malware infection

3. Password security

Passwords are the simplest and most widespread authentication system available. Many employees possess numerous online accounts, which require a username (often their email address) and a password for access.

When it comes to modern enterprise security, inadequate password security poses a significant threat. It is crucial to incorporate these essential tips on password security in training content.

Always use a unique password for each online account
Passwords should be randomly generated
Passwords should contain a mix of letters, numbers and symbols
Use a password manager to generate and store strong passwords for each account
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) when available to reduce the impact of a compromised password

4. Removable media

The utilization of removable media, like USBs and CDs, is advantageous for cybercriminals as it allows malware to evade an organization’s security defenses that rely on the network. By installing malware on the media and setting it to automatically execute through Autorun or using enticing file names, employees can be deceived into clicking on them. Such malevolent removable media can pilfer data, implant ransomware, or even cause destruction to the computer they are inserted into.

Employees should undergo training on how to effectively handle untrusted removable media as it can be maliciously distributed through methods such as being left in parking lots and common areas or given out at conferences and other public events.

Never plug untrusted removable media into a computer
Bring all untrusted removable media to IT/security for scanning
Disable autorun on all computers

5. Safe internet habits

The secure utilization of the internet is crucial for companies, considering that nearly all employees, particularly those in the tech industry, have internet access.

When designing security training programs, it is crucial to include safe online practices that can effectively safeguard your corporate network against potential attackers. The training should encompass significant content such as:

The ability to recognize suspicious and spoofed domains (like yahooo.com instead of yahoo.com)
The differences between HTTP and HTTPS and how to identify an insecure connection
The dangers of downloading untrusted or suspicious software off the internet
The risks of entering credentials or login information into untrusted or risks websites (including spoofed and phishing pages)
Watering hole attacks, drive-by downloads and other threats of browsing suspicious sites

6. Social networking dangers

Enterprises utilize social networking as an effective mechanism to establish a brand (within local or global contexts) and drive digital sales. Regrettably, cyber perpetrators exploit social media platforms for malicious purposes, jeopardizing an organization’s systems and reputation.

In order to avoid the loss of crucial data, it is imperative for the company to implement an effective social networking training program that not only restricts the usage of social media but also educates employees about the risks associated with it.

Phishing attacks can occur on social media as well as over email
Cybercriminals impersonating trusted brands can steal data or push malware
Information published on social media can be used to craft spearphishing emails

7. Physical security and environmental controls

It is important for employees to be cognizant of potential security risks in physical aspects of the workplace, not just limited to the contents of their company’s computers or handheld devices.

Visitors or new hires watching as employees type in passwords (known as “shoulder surfing”)
Letting in visitors claiming to be inspectors, exterminators or other uncommon guests who might be looking to get into the system (called “impersonation”)
Allowing someone to follow you through a door into a restricted area (called “tailgating”)
Leaving passwords on pieces of paper on one’s desk
Leaving one’s computer on and not password-protected when leaving work for the night
Leaving an office-issued phone or device out in plain sight
Physical security controls (doors, locks and so on) malfunctioning

8. Clean desk policy

Thieves and nosy individuals can easily access and view sensitive information left on a desk, including items like sticky notes, papers, and printouts. To safeguard against this, it is important to enforce a clean desk policy that restricts the visibility of such information to only what is currently required. Before exiting the workspace, it is crucial to securely store all sensitive and confidential data.

9. Data management and privacy

A large amount of sensitive information is typically amassed, stored, and operated upon by most organizations. This encompasses customer data, employee records, vital business strategies, and other data crucial for the smooth functioning of the organization. In the event that any of this data becomes publicly accessible or falls into the hands of a competitor or cybercriminal, the consequences for the organization can be severe. This may include substantial regulatory fines, impairment of customer relations, and the erosion of competitive edge.

It is important to train employees in an organization on the proper management of sensitive data in order to safeguard data security and maintain customer privacy. The crucial training material includes:

The business’s data classification strategy and how to identify and protect data at each level
Regulatory requirements that could impact an employee’s day-to-day operations
Approved storage locations for sensitive data on the enterprise network
Use a strong password and MFA for accounts with access to sensitive data

10. Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy

The use of personal devices in the workplace is enabled by BYOD policies. Although this can enhance efficiency through allowing employees to use their preferred devices, it also introduces security risks.

The following tips should be included in BYOD policies and employee security awareness training.

All devices used in the workplace should be secured with a strong password to protect against theft
Enable full-disk encryption for BYOD devices
Use a VPN on devices when working from untrusted Wi-Fi
BYOD-approved devices should be running a company-approved antivirus
Only download applications from major app stores or directly from the manufacturer’s website