Cyber security training programs are often perceived as dull and uninteresting, leaving employees feeling disconnected so, it’s of utmost importance to add personality to your security awareness programme. It is a known fact that cybercriminals are also becoming more skilled in developing new frauds and methods to hack data so to bridge this gap, it’s essential to keep your employees engaged. Here are three effective ways to do just that!
Storytelling: Humanising Cyber Security
One of the most effective ways to add personality to your security awareness program is through storytelling. People are naturally drawn to stories, and they provide context that helps individuals relate to abstract concepts, such as cyber security.
Start by sharing real-world stories about security breaches or incidents that had a significant impact on other organisations. Highlight the consequences and lessons learned. You can also use success stories of employees who identified and prevented a potential security threat, emphasising their role as cyber security heroes – a great way to start individualising cyber security education is by recognising and working with different personality types.
Additionally, consider creating a fictional character who embodies both the positive and negative aspects of cyber security. Develop a persona that employees can connect with and follow as they navigate various security challenges. Use this character to convey security best practices and offer relatable examples of how to handle different situations.
Remember that effective storytelling requires creativity, emotion, and engagement. The goal is to make your security awareness program memorable and relatable, making it easier for employees to internalise and apply the principles you’re teaching.
Gamification: Making Learning Fun
Gamification is a powerful tool that can add personality and engagement to your security awareness program. Instead of relying on monotonous lectures and lengthy policy documents, turn cyber security training into an interactive game. Create quizzes, puzzles, and simulations that challenge employees to apply security principles in a fun and competitive manner. For example, you can develop a cyber security-themed escape room where employees must solve puzzles and riddles related to security best practices to “escape” a virtual threat. This not only educates your staff but also fosters teamwork and enhances their problem-solving skills.
Another approach is to establish a rewards system. Offer incentives, such as gift cards or recognition, to employees who complete training modules or demonstrate exemplary cyber security practices. This can motivate employees to actively participate in the program. Gamification also allows you to track and measure employee progress effectively. By integrating a leaderboard or point system, you can foster friendly competition and keep employees engaged as they strive to improve their cyber security knowledge and skills.
Personalised Training: Tailoring to Individual Needs
A one-size-fits-all approach to security awareness training is often ineffective. Merely focusing on the technical aspects of information security is not enough as cyber security is multidisciplinary in nature and the human aspect plays a major part in it. People have different levels of cyber security knowledge and diverse learning preferences. To make your program more engaging and personal, consider tailoring the training to individual needs.
Start by conducting a baseline assessment of employees’ cyber security knowledge and skill levels. Use the results to create customised training paths, where employees can access resources that address their specific areas of weakness or interest. This approach ensures that employees receive relevant information and aren’t overwhelmed with redundant content.
Additionally, offer flexible training options to accommodate various learning styles. Some employees may prefer hands-on workshops, while others might excel with online courses or video tutorials. By providing a range of training formats, you cater to different preferences and make learning more engaging.
Encourage employees to take ownership of their cyber security education by allowing them to set personal goals and track their progress. Recognise and reward their achievements, reinforcing the importance of security awareness and creating a sense of personal investment in the program.
Adding personality to your security awareness program is essential for increasing employee engagement and, ultimately, improving your organisation’s cyber security posture. By incorporating storytelling, gamification, and personalised training, you can make your program more relatable, interactive, and effective. Remember that the key to successful security awareness is not just in conveying information but in fostering a culture of cyber security awareness within your organisation.
