What is security awareness training?

Security awareness training transforms employees from potential security risks into your organization's strongest defense against cyber threats. With non-malicious human error contributing to 60% of data breaches, this strategic approach to cybersecurity education is indispensable in today's threat landscape.

This article deep dives into what security awareness training entails, why it matters more than ever, and how to implement an effective program that actually changes behavior.

Security awareness training explained

Security awareness training is a strategic educational program that equips employees with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize, avoid, and respond to cybersecurity threats. The training program targets the human element of cybersecurity by teaching staff to identify social engineering tactics, phishing attempts, and other manipulation techniques that technology alone cannot stop.

Modern programs combine multiple delivery methods, such as interactive modules, simulated phishing campaigns, microlearning sessions, and real-world scenarios, to accommodate different learning styles and maximize retention. The goal is to create a security-conscious culture where every employee understands their role in protecting organizational assets.

Why is security awareness training important?

The cybersecurity landscape has fundamentally shifted. While organizations invest heavily in firewalls, endpoint protection, and advanced security tools, attackers have discovered a more profitable path: exploiting human psychology. According to OpenText's 2024 Global Ransomware Survey, 91% of companies now require employees to participate in security awareness or phishing training.

This focus on training reflects a critical reality: even the most sophisticated technology can be rendered ineffective if employees unknowingly fall victim to social engineering attacks. Cybercriminals increasingly target individuals with tailored phishing emails, deceptive links, or fraudulent requests that bypass technical defenses. Security awareness training empowers employees to recognize these threats, understand their role in safeguarding sensitive information, and respond appropriately when suspicious activity arises. It transforms the workforce from a potential vulnerability into a frontline defense.

When done consistently, security training helps organizations cultivate a security-conscious culture that adapts to emerging threats. As attack tactics evolve rapidly, periodic reinforcement ensures employees stay vigilant and up to date on best practices. Ultimately, investing in security awareness strengthens an organization’s resilience and protects its most valuable asset: its people.

How does security awareness training work?

Security awareness training operates through a layered approach that combines education, real-world simulation, and continuous reinforcement. Here's how the process typically unfolds:

1. Baseline assessment
Training often begins with a baseline evaluation to understand the current risk levels. This assessment:

• Identifies knowledge gaps across departments or teams
• Establishes a benchmark to measure progress over time
• Helps tailor the training program to specific needs

2. Core training modules
The heart of the program includes interactive lessons that adapt to different learning styles. These modules typically cover:

• How to recognize phishing and social engineering tactics
• Password hygiene and safe web browsing practices
• Learning modules broken into digestible segments that employees can complete during natural workflow breaks

3. Simulated phishing campaigns
Realistic phishing simulations are essential for turning theory into practice. These exercises:

• Send mock phishing emails that test user awareness
• Track who clicks links or shares credentials
• Trigger real-time, contextual feedback when a user falls for a simulated threat

4. Just-in-time coaching
When an employee makes a mistake during a simulation, they receive immediate, relevant feedback that:

• Reinforces learning during real decision-making moments
• Builds memory retention better than one-time training sessions
• Encourages behavior change over time with progressive difficulty levels

5. Ongoing measurement and adaptation
Effective security training programs are continuous by design. Security teams regularly:

• Analyze simulation results to uncover recurring risks
• Update content to reflect evolving threats
• Deliver targeted interventions based on department or user-specific data
• Schedule recurring training and phishing simulations — often monthly or quarterly — to keep security top of mind and reinforce key behaviors

6. Reporting and risk scoring
Visibility into program performance is key. Advanced platforms offer:

• Metrics like click rates, training completion, and incident reporting
• Behavioral risk scores to prioritize follow-up training
• Recognition for employees who consistently demonstrate secure behavior

Options for how to build the training program

Organizations have two primary paths when it comes to implementing security awareness training: building a program in-house or partnering with an external vendor. The right choice depends on your organization’s size, budget, expertise, and need for customization. 

Option 1: Building in-house programs
Creating a training program internally gives organizations complete control over content, format, and delivery. This approach works well for companies with dedicated security or learning and development teams.

Advantages of building in-house:

• Training can reflect your company’s unique policies, risks, and compliance needs.
• Messaging can be aligned with internal language, tone, and known incidents to make training more relatable.
• Internal teams can quickly revise training as new threats or policy changes arise.
• Content can be woven into existing learning management systems (LMS) and onboarding programs.

Considerations:

• Developing content can be resource-intensive and requires skilled instructional designers, threat intelligence experts, and frequent updates.
• Internal teams must stay current on threat trends, training best practices, and compliance requirements.
• As the program grows, managing updates and delivery across departments may become complex.

Option 2: Partnering with Vendors
Vendor-provided security awareness training offers turnkey access to proven tools, expert content, and scalable infrastructure, without the heavy lift of internal development.

Advantages of using a vendor:

• Vendors bring deep experience in threat research, behavioral science, and adult learning theory.
• Most platforms include phishing simulations, policy training, and role-specific content that’s continuously updated.
• Vendors offer scalable solutions with enterprise features at lower costs than building and maintaining programs internally.
• Built-in reporting dashboards, behavioral risk scoring, and customer success guidance help you keep the program effective and continuously improving.

Considerations:

• Some vendors may offer limited flexibility for branding or tailoring content to your environment, so look for a vendor that can address your needs.
• Vendor selection matters, so you’ll want to choose a provider who can adapt to your industry, compliance needs, and training cadence.

Best practice approaches for security awareness training

Successful security awareness programs, whether delivered in-house or outsourced, share key characteristics that drive lasting behavior change.

Executive leadership buy-in
Leadership involvement is essential to making security a company-wide priority rather than just an IT mandate. When executives actively participate in training and reinforce security messages, employees understand the real importance of cybersecurity practices.

Ongoing, timely training
Frequency matters. Instead of once-a-year compliance sessions, modern programs use continuous education: monthly microlearning modules, quarterly in-depth updates, and event-driven training tied to emerging threats. This steady cadence keeps security top-of-mind for your users and enables quick responses to new risks.

Personalized content
Tailoring training to specific roles boosts engagement and relevance. Executives might focus on business email compromise and whaling attacks, while customer service teams learn to spot social engineering during phone calls. Personalization helps employees apply lessons directly to their daily work.

Measurement and feedback
Tracking early warning signs like how many people click on simulated phishing emails or complete their training alongside real-world outcomes such as actual security incidents or policy breaches, helps show what’s working and where to improve. Sharing these results regularly keeps everyone engaged and makes it easier to justify keeping the program strong.

Cultural integration
Embedding security awareness into the company culture encourages employees to view it as a shared responsibility. Encouraging employees to report incidents without fear and rewarding good practices create positive cycles that help make lasting change.

Conclusion
Effective security awareness training is about creating a culture where every employee feels empowered and responsible for protecting the organization. By combining leadership support, ongoing tailored education, clear measurement, and cultural reinforcement, organizations can build strong defenses from the inside out. Investing in people is empowering your first line of defense.