Planning for a Strong Security Awareness Training Program

Are you considering updating the security controls in your business? Maybe you’re thinking about adding multi-factor authentication or increasing controls surrounding your endpoints. Whatever the case, your revamped procedures might not be as effective as you hope without the right security awareness and training.

Technology comes with a learning curve for many employees, especially with each company having a unique set of protocols. This makes it important to leverage the right security awareness training program in your business, keeping everyone on the same page and ensuring seamless integration.

Comparing Today’s Best Security Awareness Training to the Past

Twenty years ago, security awareness and training were very different from the procedures in place today. Technology wasn’t dictating a majority of business operations and training sessions were held in long seminars.

Today, businesses have more flexibility in the use cases of technology and the training format. Employees no longer need to sit through weekend-long seminars on best practices. Instead, they can leverage interactive online programs, resulting in more effective and efficient training.

How to Plan for a Strong Security Awareness Training Program

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to implementing the right security awareness training program. In fact, the program that fits your organization the best depends on a few different factors.

First, how do your employees learn the best? Is it sitting through a seminar or utilizing an interactive online program? Determining how your employees prefer to learn can increase retention and participation.

Next, be sure that your security and awareness training sessions are short. Studies show that the optimal training course length is between 15 and 30 minutes. If your training program takes longer than this timeframe, consider breaking up the course into different modules.

Another way to ensure the success of your security awareness program is to offer continuous learning. Employees should be able to easily revisit training material or re-take courses. This bolsters their learning and helps your business protect its sensitive information.

Understanding the Cyber Security Awareness Training Cost

Implementing the right security controls isn’t always cheap, which is why it’s important to budget for security awareness training program costs. Before you invest in the piece of technology, be sure that you allocate funds toward training. How effective will your program be if employees don’t understand how to properly use the procedures and processes?

Let’s say that you pay $5,000 to properly train employees on the dangers of phishing emails. If even just one employee utilizes their training to avoid a phishing attack, your company could save thousands. Investing in the right risk IT management security training proves its value to your business. 

The cyber security awareness training cost varies based on your program and number of employees. However, you can expect to pay around $25-$100 per employee on an annual basis. Adding a fixed percentage on top of upfront security implementation costs is a great way to set a preliminary budget for security awareness training expenses.

Getting Started

Has your business factored in security and awareness training into the implementation process? If not, it’s important that you develop the right approach and budget for costs. You don’t want to be blindsided by an unexpected bill.

For more information on security awareness training, reach out to schedule a consultation today!