Cyber security threats are at an all-time time, with global cybercrime costs expected to touch $10.5 trillion a year by 2025. Cyber security is now too big to be the IT team’s responsibility. It requires a concentrated enterprise-wide effort to thwart cyber attacks.  Approaches to combat the menace vary depending on the budget, size, and nature of the business. But cyber security awareness training programs are a common thread in all approaches. An effective program educates the rank-and-file employees and equips them to handle attacks. 

Here are the essential ingredients of a cyber-security awareness training program.

Step 1. Get the C-suite buy-in

At the onset, get the C-suite buy-in. Top management support avoids potential roadblocks down the road. Cybersecurity awareness and training programs need funds for success. The C-suite is likely to release the purse strings only if they become convinced of the imperativeness of such an initiative. 

Step 2: Identify the risks and threats specific to the enterprise 

All enterprises face cyber threats in today’s digital world. Common risks and threats most enterprises face include:

• Phishing attacks. Threat actors send fraudulent emails and messages that contain malicious links. Phishing accounts for 32% of all confirmed data breaches and 78% of all cybercrimes. Advanced forms of phishing include deepfakes and other social engineering attacks.
• Cloud-jacking. Threat actors infiltrate the organisation’s cloud. They reconfigure the code to take control of the cloud or steal sensitive information.
• Password attacks, such as using brute force or other methods to gain unauthorised access to a user’s account.
• Physical security breaches, where attackers gain unauthorised access to facilities or steal equipment.

But the nature of the threats varies among enterprises. To understand the specific vulnerabilities, threats and risks faced by the organisation: 

• Conduct a thorough risk assessment of the enterprise systems, networks, and digital assets.
• Track the number of incidents reported by employees or logged by network monitoring tools. 

Cybersecurity awareness and training programs would lose effectiveness if they are too long and cover a vast area. As such, prioritising the risks becomes significant. 

Step 3: Define the objectives of the training program

Define the goals of the cyber security awareness training program. Ensure it addresses the organisation’s issues and aligns with the wider cyber security strategy.

A cyber security awareness training program may aim to :

• Educate employees about potential risks and threats.
• Teach employees to identify and respond to phishing and other threats. 
• Explain the importance of strong passwords.
• Make employees aware of the importance of physical security 
• Teach employees how to protect sensitive information during work-from-home. 
• Provide employees with the tools and resources to report security incidents.

There is no one best structure for the program. The best program is tailored for the enterprise and is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Step 4: Develop the training materials

After defining the objectives of the training program, it is time to develop the training materials. These best materials engage and educate employees.

• Keep the content clear and concise.
• Address the threats specific to the enterprise, as identified in the risk assessment.
• Provide practical tips and best practices that employees can apply daily.
• Use interactive content with a liberal dose of visual media. For instance, interactive games make cybersecurity training more engaging and fun.
• Create videos demonstrating threats, explaining best practices, and providing real attack examples. Employees can access such resources from anywhere, at any time, and proceed at their own pace. 
• Include role-playing exercises to prepare employees to respond to potential cyber threats in real time. Make sure these exercises simulate real-world scenarios. For instance, apply simulated phishing attacks to help employees identify real phishing emails. 

Step 5: Delivery

Developing awareness and training materials is not enough. It is equally important to deliver the training to employees the right way. 

A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. The best method of imparting training depends on the organisation’s size, structure and culture. Use various content methods and mediums appropriate for different situations and scenarios. 

• Schedule training sessions, including repeat sessions as needed. Make sure the training schedules do not come in the way of work performance or add stress to the employee.
• Offer a mix of online and offline training. Online training methods such as webinars allow flexibility and remove geographical constraints. But there may be situations where offline mode and even printed materials are more effective than online training. For instance, in-person classroom training gets the participant’s undivided attention. The exercise becomes more engaging and fruitful. Trainers can ask questions, comprehend the trainees’ visual cues, and get immediate feedback.
• Use emails to provide ongoing reminders and reinforce key messages and best practices. Employees who receive such emails during work refresh their memory and become alert.
• Posters and infographics also reinforce key messages and best practices. Display such appealing content in common areas such as break rooms and hallways.

Dispense the training through a learning management system. A sound system consolidates the training materials and keeps track of the progress. 

Step 6: Evaluate and improve the program

After delivering the training program, evaluate its effectiveness to improve as needed. 

• Take feedback to assess the effectiveness of the training interventions. Conduct surveys, monitor focus groups, and apply other feedback mechanisms. Make sure the feedback identifies areas where the specific employee needs additional training.
• Test the employees’ knowledge before and after the training to measure the success of the training intervention. For instance, conduct before and after simulated phishing tests to identify how employees react. 
• Track attendance to assess employee acceptance. Also, monitor employee participation in each training intervention. Training interventions succeed with active involvement and buy-in from the targeted audience.
• Communicate effectively with employees. Make them understand the importance of such an initiative and secure their buy-in.
• Co-opt the cyber security awareness and training program in the onboarding sessions. 
• Evaluate and improve the program periodically for relevance. Cyber threats evolve, and the nature of risks keeps on changing. Revise the content from time to time, and offer refresher courses to keep employees up-to-date. 

A cyber-security awareness training program has become indispensable to any organisation’s cybersecurity strategy. But enterprises should remember there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Success often depends on a trial-and-error approach.