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Is Security Awareness Training Just Another Cost or a Vital Investment?

“Is security awareness training really worth it?”

If that question’s been lingering in your mind, you’re not alone. In a world where cyber threats are more common than ever, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. Security awareness training is no longer a “nice to have”; it’s vital for your organisation’s defence, and the return on investment (ROI) doesn’t lie.

Security Awareness Training ROI

Research from the Ponemon Institute shows that investing in security awareness training and programs leads to substantial returns. Even the least effective training programmes yield a high return on investment (ROI), with a 7-fold ROI. While more effective training programmes result in a 37-fold ROI. Additionally, investing even a small amount in these programs has a 72% likelihood of significantly mitigating the impact of a cyberattack on the business.

For every euro you invest, you could be saving €37. That’s not just good business; it’s smart security.

The return on investment (ROI) for security awareness training is calculated based on the reduction in cyber risk achieved through employee education. This raises an important question: how effective is security awareness training in mitigating cyber threats? Osterman Research indicates that employees who undergo security awareness training are much more adept at identifying security threats compared to those who haven’t received such training.

How is this level of ROI achieved?

It’s simple: training empowers your employees to become your first line of defence. They learn how to spot phishing scams, understand the importance of data protection, and react quickly to security incidents. Security awareness training prevents organisations from becoming overly reliant on technology. Firewalls and antivirus software alone are not enough. A human-centric approach is essential, as human error remains the top cyber security threat. With 32% of breaches involving phishing attacks, which are often indefensible by technology-based security tools, it is no surprise that NIS recommends security awareness training for every organisation

Percentage of IT/security professionals reporting employees as “capable” or “very capable” of recognising cyberattacks.

The Completion Conundrum: Get Everyone On Board

Here’s the catch: training only works if it’s completed; a half-trained team is a vulnerable team. So how do you ensure everyone completes their training?

Top-Down Commitment

Ensure senior management leads the initiative. When leadership actively supports and participates in security awareness training, it sets a precedent for the entire organisation. Senior management should communicate the importance of the training, allocate necessary resources, and most importantly, lead by example. This top-down approach fosters a culture of security and ensures that everyone understands the critical role they play in protecting the organisation.

Death by Slide Deck

Ditch the snooze-worthy slide decks. Embrace interactive and engaging training content.  Traditional training methods can be monotonous and ineffective. Instead, opt for interactive modules, gamified learning experiences, and real-world scenarios that keep employees engaged. Incorporate quizzes, simulations, and hands-on activities to make the training more dynamic and memorable. Engaging content not only enhances learning but also encourages employees to take the training seriously.

Constant Reminders

Keep training top-of-mind with regular reminders. Security awareness training should not be a one-time event. Regular reminders and updates help reinforce key concepts and keep security practices fresh in employees’ minds. Use emails, newsletters, and internal communication channels to provide ongoing tips, updates on new threats, and reminders about best practices. Consistent reinforcement ensures that security awareness remains a priority.

Accessibility is Key

Make training easy to access, anytime, anywhere. Flexibility is crucial for effective training. Provide online modules that employees can access at their convenience, whether they’re in the office or working remotely. Ensure that the training platform is user-friendly and compatible with various devices. By making training accessible, you remove barriers to participation and encourage completion.

Ongoing Support

Provide continuous resources and support. Security awareness training should be an ongoing process. Offer additional resources such as webinars, workshops, and Q&A sessions to address emerging threats and answer employees’ questions. Create a support system where employees can seek help and report suspicious activities. Continuous support helps maintain a high level of security awareness and empowers employees to stay vigilant.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your training program is comprehensive, engaging, and effective. A fully trained team is a resilient team capable of defending against cyber threats and safeguarding your organisation’s assets.

For security awareness training to be effective, it is essential that employees complete the training. Incomplete training can leave gaps in knowledge, making the organisation vulnerable to cyber threats. Promoting the importance of completing the training within organisations is crucial. Here are some strategies to ensure high completion rates:

  • Engage Senior Management: Secure support from senior management to emphasise the importance of the training.
  • Develop Engaging Training Materials: Use interactive and engaging content to keep employees interested.
  • Promote Training Sessions: Regularly remind employees about the training sessions and their importance.
  • Make Training Accessible: Ensure that the training is easily accessible to all employees, regardless of their location or schedule.
  • Provide Ongoing Support and Resources: Offer continuous support and resources to help employees understand and apply what they learn.

Measuring ROI

To measure the effectiveness of security awareness training programs, organisations can use various metrics, including:

  • Phishing Simulation Click Rates: The percentage of employees who click on simulated phishing emails.
  • Reporting Rates: The frequency with which employees report suspicious emails or activities.
  • Repeat Clicker Rates: The number of employees who repeatedly fall for phishing simulations.
  • Training Completion Rates: Ensuring that employees complete their training is vital for its effectiveness. High completion rates indicate that the training is being taken seriously and is accessible to all employees.
  • Incident Reduction: Monitoring the number of security incidents before and after implementing training can provide a clear picture of its impact. A decrease in incidents signifies successful training.
  • Cost Savings: Calculate the reduction in costs associated with security breaches and incidents. This includes direct costs like remediation and indirect costs like downtime and reputational damage.

The next step in measuring the ROI of security awareness training involves calculating the following costs:

  • Costs of a security awareness training platform
  • Costs to implement an employee training program
  • Costs for employees to complete training

In the simplest terms, the ROI of security awareness training compares the financial benefit provided by the training program with all associated costs.

A vital investment

Security awareness training is not just a worthwhile investment; it’s a critical component of any robust cybersecurity strategy. The substantial ROI, as evidenced by research, underscores its effectiveness in mitigating cyber threats and reducing the risk of costly security breaches. By empowering employees to recognise and respond to threats, organisations can create a resilient first line of defence that complements technological safeguards.

However, the success of security awareness training hinges on comprehensive implementation and engagement. Ensuring senior management’s commitment, developing engaging training materials, providing constant reminders, making training accessible, and offering ongoing support are essential strategies to maximise completion rates and effectiveness.

Ultimately, the financial benefits, coupled with the enhanced security posture, make security awareness training an indispensable tool for safeguarding your organisation.

Not sure where your organisation stands with security awareness?

We’re here to help; reach out to us on 0818 987 900 or at hello@intuity.ie to learn how to get started or how to make the most of your current security awareness training programme.

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