How to Build an Effective Security Awareness Training Program

Summary

A practical guide to employee security-awareness programs recommends ongoing training, realistic phishing simulations, easy reporting, leadership support, and metrics to help reduce human-related security risks.

Key points

• Training should address phishing, social engineering, ransomware, password security, and multifactor authentication.
• Run regular, realistic phishing simulations in a safe environment and use them to coach employees.
• Make reporting suspicious emails simple so security teams can respond promptly.
• Use a learning management system to distribute training and track participation, including for contractors.
• Support the program with clear policies, leadership involvement, employee feedback, and ongoing training rather than a one-time course.
• Track measures such as completion rates, phishing reports, quiz scores, and clicks on simulated phishing messages.

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