Cyberattacks are hitting businesses harder and faster than ever. From phishing scams to ransomware and social engineering, these threats are becoming smarter—and more dangerous. If your organization relies only on software to stay protected, it’s not enough. You need a team that knows how to spot risks and stop them in their tracks.
So, here’s the big question: How often should security awareness training be conducted? Some companies go with annual sessions, while others swear by quarterly or biannual training. The truth? It all depends on your organization, but one thing’s certain—consistent training is a game-changer when it comes to keeping your business safe.
Also known as cybersecurity training, security awareness training helps employees develop the skills they need to recognize and respond to threats. Let’s break down why this matters and how to decide on the right schedule for your team.
Security awareness training, also known as cybersecurity training, provides employees with the knowledge to prevent and respond to cyber threats. According to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, human error is a leading cause of breaches, with phishing attacks being one of the most common tactics.
Without proper training, employees may fall for scams, mishandle passwords, or fail to recognize suspicious activity. However, businesses that prioritize regular training programs experience fewer breaches and faster recovery times.
Key benefits of security awareness training include:
When employees know how to spot phishing scams or flag suspicious emails, they protect your business daily. Even better, it builds a culture where everyone takes responsibility for security. This isn’t just training; it’s how you create a confident, accountable team that can stand up to any threat.
Once you decide to implement security awareness training, preparation is key. Taking the time to get employees and leadership ready will maximize the program's impact.
Set clear expectations for security awareness training at the onset by:
By clearly defining objectives, providing a roadmap for the sessions, and emphasizing the personal and professional benefits, you help employees see the value right away. When your team knows what to expect and how it will make their jobs easier—like reducing the stress of handling suspicious emails—they’re more likely to engage fully. A little upfront planning goes a long way in making your training impactful and empowering your employees to take cybersecurity seriously.
Leadership involvement is essential. When executives emphasize the importance of training, employees are more likely to take it seriously. Recommended steps include:
When executives champion the training and lead by example, it sends a powerful message that cybersecurity matters at every level. By actively supporting the initiative, leadership creates a ripple effect, fostering a culture where cybersecurity is a shared priority across the organization.
Cybersecurity training should help employees feel empowered, not pressured. Studies show that businesses with supportive environments have teams that make better decisions. You can achieve a similar result by:
When training is framed as a chance to grow rather than a test to pass, employees are more engaged and willing to learn. A positive environment ensures your team makes thoughtful, informed decisions—not just during training, but when it matters most.
Now that we’ve established the importance of training, it’s time to answer the main question: How often should security awareness training be conducted? The frequency depends on your organization’s industry, risk level, and workforce dynamics. Let’s explore three common approaches.
Frequent training sessions are ideal for industries with rapidly changing threats like finance or healthcare. Organizations with high turnover rates also benefit from quarterly training because it ensures new employees are consistently educated.
Advantages of quarterly training include:
Recommended practices:
For many businesses, conducting training twice a year strikes the right balance between frequency and practicality. This approach works well for companies with moderate risk levels and stable teams.
Here’s why biannual training works for these businesses:
Tips for success:
Annual training can work for smaller organizations or those with lower risk profiles. However, this approach requires careful reinforcement throughout the year to prevent knowledge gaps.
Risks of infrequent training include:
How to address these risks:
Consistent security awareness training is one of the best investments you can make to protect your organization. It reduces the likelihood of human error, equips employees to identify threats, and promotes a security-conscious workplace culture.
The ideal training frequency depends on your company’s size, industry, and risk profile. Regardless of the schedule, regular reinforcement is the key to success.
Jericho Security offers tailored cybersecurity training solutions that adapt to your team’s needs. With tools like phishing simulations, actionable insights, and AI-driven personalization, Jericho makes it easy to keep your employees prepared. Explore our training programs today and build a workforce that’s your strongest asset.