Cybercrime has become a major global concern, impacting organisations of all sizes and sectors. Headlines frequently report the latest cyber attacks, data breaches, and the far-reaching consequences of this digital crime wave.
According to the Ninth Annual Cost of Cybercrime Study from Accenture and the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of cybercrime per organisation has risen by $1.4 million over the past year to $13 million, with the average number of security breaches increasing by 11%.
New threats emerge constantly, and organisations can no longer rely solely on technology to defend themselves. Cybercriminals employ sophisticated social engineering techniques, meaning that just one employee clicking a malicious link can compromise the entire organisation.
Employees are the first line of defence against cybercrime, so equipping them with the knowledge and skills to protect your organisation is vital. A comprehensive Cyber Security Awareness program educates staff and fosters a security-first culture.
What Should a Successful Cyber Security Awareness Program Address?
1. Identify Risks
The first step in an effective cyber security awareness program is evaluating the threat landscape and identifying top risks. Targeted training ensures employees receive relevant information without being overwhelmed, preventing potential gaps that leave the organisation vulnerable.
Common threats across industries include phishing, malware, and poor security practices. Phishing alone accounts for 71% of all cyber attacks worldwide, with human error as the key factor behind most breaches. Identifying risks enables you to tailor your Cyber Security Awareness program effectively, ensuring messaging, delivery, and targeting are optimised.
2. Change Behaviour
Training methods have evolved beyond classroom sessions or one-off compliance courses. Employees must engage actively with training to understand their role in maintaining organisational security.
Role-specific, tailored, and interactive content is essential for behavioural change. Engaging videos, realistic scenarios, quizzes, policies, and simulated phishing exercises help employees recognise the latest threats.
Supplementary communications, such as awareness posters, blogs, and real-life case studies, reinforce key messages.
3. Schedule Delivery of Training
Security awareness training should be continuous, conducted at regular intervals. Annual training alone is insufficient to keep pace with evolving threats. Employees need ongoing reinforcement to recognise emerging scams and phishing attempts.
An annual campaign combining videos, policies, quizzes, surveys, and simulated phishing exercises keeps employees engaged and prevents content fatigue. Materials can be tailored to different teams based on the specific threats they face.
4. Test Effectiveness of Training
Start with a baseline assessment to identify risk areas, then conduct regular phishing simulations to test employee susceptibility. Controlled simulations help staff recognise, avoid, and report threats.
Combining simulations with educational programs, quizzes, and tests reinforces key messaging and reduces risk.
5. Track Metrics
Measuring the success of your Cyber Security Awareness program is vital. Track participation, engagement, and progress across departments to identify weaknesses and adapt training accordingly.
Detailed metrics allow organisations to determine which staff require advanced training and highlight areas for improvement. If security incidents persist despite training, it may indicate the need for a revised approach.
MetaCompliance Solutions: Transforming Cyber Security Awareness
Enhance your organisation’s security culture with MetaCompliance’s comprehensive suite of solutions, designed to reduce human risk, strengthen defences, and support a robust Cyber Security Awareness program. Our Human Risk Management Platform includes:
- Automated Security Awareness – Deliver targeted training to educate employees and reinforce safe behaviours.
- Advanced Phishing Simulations – Test staff readiness and help prevent phishing attacks with realistic exercises.
- Risk Intelligence & Analytics – Gain actionable insights to identify vulnerabilities and improve your organisation’s security posture.
- Compliance Management – Streamline policies and regulatory compliance to foster a security-conscious culture.
Discover how these tools can strengthen your Cyber Security Awareness program and proactively protect your organisation. Contact us to book a demo.
FAQs about What is a Cyber Security Awareness programs
What is a Cyber Security Awareness program?
A Cyber Security Awareness program is a structured approach to educating employees about cyber threats, safe practices, and compliance requirements.
How often should cyber security awareness training be delivered?
Regular cyber security awareness training is recommended at least every six months, with ongoing simulations and refreshers to keep knowledge current.
Can cyber security awareness training be customised for different roles?
Yes. Tailored, role-specific cyber security awareness training ensures content is relevant to each employee’s responsibilities, improving engagement and risk reduction.
How can organisations track training effectiveness?
Tracking metrics such as engagement, quiz results, and simulation performance allows organisations to identify weaknesses and optimise their training.