How to Promote Cyber Security Awareness and Improve Cyber Security at the Workplace

Understanding how to promote cyber security awareness and improve cyber security in the workplace is crucial, particularly as cyber attacks against businesses have doubled over the last five years, according to the World Economic Forum. As cybercrime continues to escalate globally, organisations must take proactive steps to protect their people, data, and systems.

This requires sustained investment in security awareness initiatives and computer security training for employees, alongside the implementation of robust technical and organisational safeguards to strengthen overall cyber security resilience.

Employees are frequently targeted through a range of cyber attacks, including phishing attacks, social engineering attacks, ransomware attacks, and malware attacks. These threats can be delivered via email, social media, or other digital channels and are designed to manipulate employees into sharing sensitive information or installing malicious software.

In fact, over 90% of successful cyber attacks involve information unknowingly disclosed by employees. As technical defences become more sophisticated, cybercriminals increasingly exploit human error as the easiest route into an organisation’s network.

Staff play a central role in maintaining a secure working environment. Equipping employees with the right knowledge, skills, and awareness is essential to safeguarding organisational data, systems, and reputation.

Top Tips to Promote and Improve Cyber Security Awareness in Your Organisation

1. Develop an Effective Security Strategy

Cyber security should be embedded into the culture of your organisation so that every employee understands its importance and the potential consequences of a data breach. Educating staff on best practice behaviours—such as creating strong passwords, recognising suspicious activity, and handling data securely—helps reduce risk across the organisation.

Human error remains the leading cause of cyber incidents. A comprehensive information security strategy helps protect sensitive data, minimise threats, and preserve organisational trust and reputation.

2. Update Defensive Practices

Security policies are only effective when they are actively monitored and reinforced. As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, organisations must ensure employees receive ongoing training to recognise and respond to emerging risks. Regular risk assessments are also essential to identify vulnerabilities and apply appropriate controls.

3. Deliver Targeted Security Awareness Training

A well-designed security awareness programme empowers employees to identify and respond appropriately to cyber threats. Training should be delivered to all staff, regardless of role or seniority, and tailored to reflect real-world risks. Personalised cyber security awareness training that is engaging and relevant ensures employees understand their responsibilities and the critical role they play in protecting organisational data.

The key benefits of security awareness training include:

  • Educating employees about current cyber threats
  • Raising awareness of the sensitivity of organisational data
  • Ensuring security procedures are followed correctly
  • Helping staff recognise phishing emails and scam tactics
  • Reducing the likelihood of data breaches
  • Building a strong culture of cyber security compliance

How to Promote Cyber Security Awareness and Improve Cyber Security with MetaCompliance

Building strong cyber security awareness among employees requires the right tools and insights. MetaCompliance offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to reduce human risk, improve security behaviours, and enhance cyber resilience across your organisation. Our Human Risk Management Platform includes:

To see how MetaCompliance can help you improve cyber security awareness and strengthen your organisation’s security posture, contact us today to book a demo.

FAQs: How to Promote Cyber Security Awareness and Improve Cyber Security at the Workplace

What is cyber security awareness?

Cyber security awareness refers to educating employees about cyber threats, safe online behaviours, and how to protect organisational data.