Summary
Many organizations still rely on once-a-year security awareness training, but this outdated model leaves employees unprepared for modern threats. Continuous, engaging, role-based programs not only improve retention and behavior but also help build a lasting culture of security awareness. That’s something worth emphasizing this Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
[Estimated read time 3 minutes]
When “good enough” security training stops being good enough
Over the last few years, cyberattacks have repeatedly shown that humans are the most popular attack vector. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach report found that 39% of attacks involved a human element: phishing, vishing, or stolen credentials. That’s despite companies’ continued focus on security awareness training.
Most organizations have invested heavily in training platforms and phishing simulations, yet employees remain the number-one entry point for cyber incidents. The problem isn’t that awareness training itself is obsolete, it’s that the traditional approach to it is.
The obsolete practice: Annual, generic security awareness training
The outdated model of infrequent, untargeted training, typically delivered once a year in a broad presentation, no longer keeps pace with evolving threats. These “check-the-box” sessions often provide the same content to every employee, regardless of their roles or exposure to risk.
This approach falls short for several reasons:
- Low retention: One-time information dumps don’t stick. Without reinforcement, most of what’s learned is forgotten within weeks.
- Generic content: One-size-fits-all training fails to connect with employees’ daily tasks or actual risks.
- Stale material: Threats evolve rapidly, leaving annual content outdated almost as soon as it’s delivered.
- Passive learning: Videos and slide decks don’t foster engagement or behavioral change.
- No personalization: Different roles, technical skill levels, and risk exposures demand different approaches.
The risks of clinging to an outdated model
Continuing to rely on generic, infrequent training creates a dangerous false sense of security. Employees remain ill-equipped to spot and respond to modern phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attacks. Beyond the immediate risk of a breach, organizations face:
- Compliance exposure: Many regulatory frameworks require effective, ongoing training. Minimal annual efforts may not qualify.
- Reputational harm: Breaches caused by human error can erode public trust and stakeholder confidence.
- Wasted investment: Money spent on low-impact programs yields little improvement in security posture.
Shift your training strategy to match modern threats
Effective security awareness is dynamic. Leading organizations are shifting toward programs that are continuous, role-based, and interactive, embedding security into daily culture rather than treating it as an annual event.
A modernized program includes:
- Bite-sized, ongoing learning: Short videos, quizzes, and infographics delivered regularly to reinforce key behaviors
- Role-specific content: Tailored lessons for teams such as finance, IT, or HR, addressing the threats they actually face
- Interactive formats: Simulations, gamified exercises, and real-world scenarios that drive active participation
- Just-in-time guidance: Real-time prompts or reminders when employees encounter potentially risky actions, such as suspicious links or attachments
- Measurement and feedback: Tracking engagement, phishing click rates, and reported incidents to refine training over time
Conclusion: Build a culture of security awareness
Security awareness isn’t a box to check but a mindset to cultivate. The human element will always be a potential vulnerability, but it can also become an organization’s strongest line of defense when employees are equipped and empowered to act securely every day.
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s time to retire outdated practices and invest in modern, adaptive training that evolves with the threat landscape and with your people.
