Who is responsible for data breaches? If you answered “cybercriminals,” you’re only half right. Human error (usually by employees) plays a part in over 90% of data breaches.
Your organization needs to prioritize security awareness training as an essential part of cyber risk management. What training topics should be included in security awareness?
Critical Cybersecurity Awareness Training Topics
Security awareness training programs are designed to teach company stakeholders how to follow cybersecurity best practices every day. Cyber “awareness” means being able to recognize risks, understand the dangers, and know how to respond.
1. Phishing Attacks
Phishing should be one of the first topics you cover for security awareness. This avenue is a major vector for malware, ransomware, and data breach attempts. It’s also a leading vulnerability in organizational security.
According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency:
- Over 80% of employees fall for the attack and open emails with malware
- Fewer than 15% of recipients identify and report phishing emails
- Only 85% of malware and malicious links are blocked by security software
In the past, recognizing suspicious communications was easier because of language barriers, spelling mistakes, and strange formatting. AI has changed things by allowing bad actors to sound convincing.
Now, workers need a “don’t trust” approach by default, always verifying any email requests independently, such as calling the co-worker or business contact directly instead of using an email link.
2. Email Security Habits
Learning email security best practices gives employees a stronger defense against phishing, social engineering, and malware attacks:
- Links: Wherever possible, avoid all email links. Instead, visit the official website for companies/banks/organizations directly.
- Attachments: Scan all attachments with a security tool. Avoid clicking on or downloading files that weren’t directly requested.
- Unexpected emails: Do not click on or open suspicious emails, especially if you weren’t expecting them. Be especially careful with “URGENT” emails or clickbait headlines.
Your business should limit risks with technical tools at the network level (e.g., blocking suspicious IP addresses by default), but workers also need to know how to react.
3. Social Engineering Attacks
Because of AI, voice-based vishing, pretexting attacks, videoconferencing scams, and other social engineering attacks are all on the rise. Teach workers to recognize the warning signs: urgent or strange requests, threats, warnings, and offers.
Attackers often pretend to be executives, co-workers, customers, regulators, or bank employees. Reinforce training with practice sessions that mimic real-life phishing attempts.
4. Password Security and Multifactor Authentication
Good password hygiene can stop many cyberattacks cold. Training topics for security awareness can cover:
- Never storing copies of passwords on your desk or computer
- Choosing long passwords (12 to 16 letters) that the person can remember
- Creating unique passwords, never the same as home accounts
- Using a company password manager to keep track of complex credentials easily
Hands-on training is important, too. Show employees how to set up multifactor authentication.
5. Secure Data and File Handling
Employees need to know the right way to upload, store, access, and secure sensitive files. Cover the difference between public folders and internal or confidential storage. If your organization has encryption tools, teach workers to use them.
6. Safe Internet Browsing
Explain the security reasons for your NSFW browsing policies. Highlight the dangers of visiting prohibited pages, including malware, ransomware, and scripting attacks. Teach workers to never click on pop-ups, such as browser update warnings.
7. Ransomware Attacks
Cybersecurity awareness training topics should cover what to do in the event of attacks, not just how to prevent them. Explain how to disconnect affected devices from the network ASAP. Run through practice scenarios.
8. Social Media Security
Poor social media security can expose worker credentials and give threat actors inside information about your organization. Security training should cover what information not to share online and how to spot fake LinkedIn accounts. Cover the dangers of taking selfies at work, including sensitive data that can appear in images or reflections by accident.
The Most Important Security Awareness Training Topics for Enterprises
Organizations that mitigate security risks at the employee level have a powerful line of defense and react more quickly to threats.
9. Business Email Compromise
It’s hard for employees to say no to requests that seem to come from superiors. Outline your company’s approved method of verifying someone’s identity. Cover restricted transactions, such as never authorizing purchases over X amount without secondary approval.
10. Cybersecurity and Regulatory Compliance
If your organization needs to adhere to regulatory frameworks, include key cybersecurity topics in your training program. Compliance training makes it easier for employees to understand HIPAA, PCI DSS, CMMC, and GDPR, instead of relying on a thick manual.
11. Physical Security Dangers
Cyberattacks and insider threats can target physical security failures. Security awareness means following guidelines for security badges, keys, and off-limits areas. Employees should never “lend” badges, open doors for strangers, or let unauthorized personnel inside restricted areas, even co-workers.
12. Device Policies and Mobile Endpoint Security
Carefully cover your policies for personal devices at work. If BYOD is prohibited, explain why.
Outline risks when using company devices, such as unsafe apps, plug-ins, and online tools. Rehearse on-device security practices, including using lock screens, never leaving devices unattended, and not letting family members use work devices.
13. Remote Log-In Security
Employees and executives at every level need to know what to avoid when working remotely or when traveling for business. Use security awareness training topics to highlight the dangers of public Wi-Fi and USB charging stations. Teach good practices for account security at airports, cafes, and hotels.
14. Incident Reporting
Encourage employees to report suspicious coworker behavior, strange emails, or even personal security mistakes. You can only develop a security-conscious company culture if you reward it instead of punishing it.
This approach is vital for preventing internal threats. Mistakes are inevitable, but responding quickly can literally prevent a data breach.
Granular Insights for Security Awareness Training Topics and Programs
An automated compliance platform like Compyl can strengthen your security awareness training programs. Not only does Compyl help you centralize training data, but you can also track participation at the organizational, group, and individual levels.
Ensure high-risk roles and departments complete key security awareness training topics successfully. Request a demo to learn more about cutting-edge risk management solutions today.
