When it comes to cyber security, one of the biggest challenges for any organisation is the “human factor”. The risk that an employee will inadvertently click on a link or open an attachment or give away login credentials – thereby letting a hacker into your system.
Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility and it is crucial that everyone is vigilant and knows what they should be looking out for. Training is therefore key, and many businesses provide their people with a cyber security course – often as part of an induction programme when they first join the organisation.
However, initial training alone is not enough. The most effective training, which is more likely to “stick” with people, is done through an ongoing programme.
Why cyber security training needs to be an ongoing process
- A one-off training course can be forgotten over time.
- Repeated exposure to training materials builds habits that become second nature, strengthening security across the board.
- Cyber security threats aren’t static – they change and become more sophisticated. Cyber criminals constantly adapt their methods, from phishing scams to ransomware tactics. Without regular reinforcement, employees may fail to recognise emerging threats.
How to keep cyber security training engaging
The most effective cybersecurity programs keep employees engaged, interested, and active in their learning. Here are some strategies to help keep the focus on cyber security awareness.
- Interactive training sessions: Use interactive, hands-on training sessions which might include phishing simulations, quizzes, or problem-solving.
- Publish results in a league table, showing how many courses each person has completed. Consider rewards for correctly identifying threats or completing cybersecurity quizzes, helping make learning memorable.
- Regular threat awareness updates: Send out regular updates on current cyber threats and scams making headlines. This keeps cyber security relevant, reminding employees that threats are real and evolving.
- Monthly security check-ins: Conduct brief monthly check-ins or training refreshers that focus on specific areas, such as secure password management or safe browsing habits. These bite-sized sessions reinforce knowledge without overwhelming people.
- Encourage team challenges: Create team-based cyber security challenges where employees work together to identify simulated threats. As well as promoting teamwork, this reinforces security concepts in a practical and memorable way.
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