How often should I conduct security trainings for my employees?

When asked this question, I jokingly answer, “ALWAYS”.

Your business is vulnerable to attacks that can disrupt operations, damage reputation, and lead to financial loss. One of the most effective ways to protect your business is through security training for your employees.

Why Regular Training is Crucial

• Awareness: Security training helps employees understand the importance of cybersecurity and most importantly, recognize potential threats (like phishing attempts).
• Best Practices: Employees learn about best practices for handling sensitive information, using strong passwords, and avoiding phishing scams.
• Incident Response: Training can prepare employees to respond effectively to security incidents and minimize damage.
• Compliance: Regular training can help your business comply with industry regulations and standards, a violation of which usually carries a huge penalty.

Frequency Recommendations

While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some general guidelines for security training frequency:

• New Hires: All new employees should receive security training as part of their onboarding process.
• Annual Refresher: Conduct annual security training sessions to reinforce key concepts and address emerging threats.
• Incident-Based Training: If your business experiences a security breach, provide additional training to prevent similar incidents in the future.
• As Needed: Consider providing targeted training on specific topics, such as phishing awareness or password management, as needed.
• Micro Training:  Micro training refers to the practice of delivering content regularly but in small pieces. For instance, the employees would receive a two to three-minute video every other day or weekly. This helps keep security at the forefront and avoids them having to sit through hours-long courses and potentially forgetting key concepts. Microtraining provides better retention of knowledge due to its limited focus per topic.

Key Elements of Effective Security Training

• Relevance: Tailor training to the specific needs and roles of your employees.
• Engagement: Use interactive methods, such as role-playing or simulations, to keep employees engaged.
  Reinforcement: Provide ongoing reminders and resources to reinforce security best practices.
• Feedback: Encourage employees to ask questions and provide feedback on the training.
• Additional Considerations
  • Budget: Consider the cost of training materials, time commitment, and potential productivity loss.
  • Technology: Utilize online training platforms or virtual meetings to make training more accessible.
    Compliance: Ensure that your training aligns with industry regulations and standards.

Where to Find Training?

Your MSP will be able to provide you with referrals to training resources. If you don’t have an MSP, some others who might be able to connect you with reputable training:

• Your Cyber insurance policy agency
• Email provider
• Trade organization
• Peer groups 

Cybersecurity training for your employees is, in my eyes, critical to your overall protection strategy. Most times, it’s the human layer that offers the last layer of defense. Educating your employees helps decrease your overall chances of an incident.