Your security awareness training is in full swing. How do you gauge its true effectiveness?
To ensure your security awareness training is making a real difference, you need to implement robust evaluation methods. Here’s how to measure its true effectiveness:
How do you measure the success of your security training programs?
Your security awareness training is in full swing. How do you gauge its true effectiveness?
To ensure your security awareness training is making a real difference, you need to implement robust evaluation methods. Here’s how to measure its true effectiveness:
How do you measure the success of your security training programs?
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SECURITY AWARENESS is always needed to actively teach best security practices. Untrained users are as dangerous as unpatched systems. The "fox can get into the henhouse" more often by user mistakes than the bad guys hammering technologically. SANS or KNOWBE4 training courses can become MANDATORY for ALL EMPLOYEES. Users cannot fast-forward 15 MIN videos & must pass multiple choice tricky tests. Non-passers must take entire 15 MIN unit over again. One soon begins to see the bright light of security best practices - lol Firms should invest in a highly active & creative SECURITY AWARENESS program. When users are more defensive & knowledgeable & risk adverse - each person & the company overall are safer.
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While phishing simulations, incident analysis, and feedback are excellent starting points, true effectiveness lies in aligning training outcomes with organizational security goals. I recommend incorporating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like a reduction in time-to-detect threats or fewer policy violations as metrics. Periodic, role-specific threat simulations ensure employees handle real-world scenarios effectively. Finally, benchmark results against industry standards to identify gaps. By fostering an environment where mistakes lead to learning, you’ll create a culture of vigilance. Continually adapt the training to address emerging threats—security is never static.
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Typically, an increase in user inquiries about information security issues they are unsure of, along with a notable rise in reported incidents, indicates the effectiveness of our awareness efforts. We also conduct phishing simulations to assess employees’ ability to detect and report incidents without falling victim to them. Our awareness program extends beyond securing users at work; we also emphasize the importance of protecting their families at home. The security measures that safeguard them at work can similarly enhance their personal security. A key indicator of success is when users begin asking how to implement the recommended security tools or measures for their personal use, this signifies an improvement in security culture.
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Um boa forma de avaliar a efetividade de treinamentos é através de indicadores, verificando se os objetivos desejados foram alcançados e como mudam a longo do tempo. Treinamentos devem ser realizados para alcançar objetivos concretos, normalmente para que uma prática de segurança seja adotada. Então, se o objetivo é, por exemplo, reduzir a exposição a incidentes de phishing, uma simulação de phishing pode entregar as informações necessárias. Pode-se realizar uma simulação antes do treinamento e outra depois, e assim comparar a sua efetividade. Outras técnicas podem ser utilizadas para obter esses indicadores, como: avaliações de conhecimento, incidentes, riscos, vulnerabilidades, monitoramento de segurança, pentests, auditoria, etc.
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To gauge the true effectiveness of security awareness training, focus on measurable outcomes and employee engagement. Conduct regular phishing simulations to assess how well employees recognise and respond to threats, identifying areas for improvement. Track and analyse incident reports to see if the frequency of security breaches decreases over time, indicating better awareness and practices. Collect employee feedback through surveys and interviews to understand their confidence and understanding of security concepts. Combining these methods provides a clear picture of whether the training is driving meaningful behaviour change.
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