Cyber security training once a year doesn’t work

If you plan cyber security training for your employees once a year, I’ve got bad news: It’s not working. Why? Because it’s probably BORING. And if you don't provide training at all, why not? Your people are your biggest risk! Here’s what you need to do.

3rd May 2024

Employees sat around a table doing cyber security training

We all know how important it is to keep our people up to date on the latest cyber threats. After all, with cyber attacks on the rise, staying one step ahead is crucial to protect your business from potential breaches.

But here’s the thing – annual cyber security training just isn’t cutting it anymore.

Sure, it’s become a routine part of the calendar for many organisations. And it’s great that it’s happening at all. But ask any security leader, and they’ll tell you employees find it time-consuming and uninspiring. From clicking through slides to skimming through videos at double-speed, it’s usually seen as just another box to tick.

Women looking bored whilst looking at computer screen

And let’s be honest, even for those who do engage with the training, there’s little evidence it leads to real behaviour change.

That’s because the traditional approach lacks interactivity and doesn’t connect with employees on a personal level. It’s more about ticking boxes than building a culture of cyber security vigilance.

Guess what? There’s a better way. It’s all about small, regular, human-centric interventions. Think of it like the speed signs you see when you’re driving. They remind people to stop and think before they engage in risky behaviour. Just as the signs work for driving, this kind of training makes your employees more aware of what they’re clicking.

Stop sign

By nudging employees toward safer decisions in real-time, we can help them develop better cyber hygiene habits without overwhelming them with information overload. It’s about empowering them to make smarter choices every day.

And with the amount of Generative AI and third-party tools we’re surrounded with right now, it’s more important than ever to give employees the guidance they need to navigate potential risks. Whether it’s through real-time coaching or policy reminders, we can help employees understand the importance of safeguarding sensitive data.

So, while there may be a place for annual training, it’s time to think about using a more proactive approach to cyber security education.

This is something we can help you with. Regular, bitesize training, that your employees can do individually in their own time. And it’s fun too!

If you want to learn more, let’s talk.

Any questions?

If you have any questions in relation to this blog post, contact us. We would be more than happy to help!

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