How Often Should Security Awareness Training be Conducted?

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.  

Why do employees need security awareness training?

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.

Preparing employees for cyber awareness training

Key benefits of security awareness training include:

• Employees learn to identify phishing scams and malicious emails.
• Teams develop better habits, such as using stronger passwords and reporting suspicious activity.
• Organizations foster a culture of responsibility, where every employee contributes to keeping systems secure.

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.

Set clear expectations for security awareness training

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:

• Defining the objectives of the program so employees know what to expect.
• Sharing a schedule and outlining the topics covered during each session.
• Highlighting how the training benefits employees, such as reducing stress when dealing with suspicious emails or improving personal cybersecurity habits.

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.

Get your leadership team onboard

Leadership involvement is essential. When executives emphasize the importance of training, employees are more likely to take it seriously. Recommended steps include:

• Encouraging leaders to promote the program through messages or announcements actively.
• Highlighting the importance of their role in setting an example by practicing secure behaviors.
• Showing how leadership support fosters a company-wide commitment to security.

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.

Create a supportive learning environment

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:

• Reassuring employees that the training is a learning opportunity, not a test.
• Encouraging questions and discussions to address misconceptions or concerns.
• Fostering an atmosphere where mistakes during training are seen as learning moments.

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.

How often should cybersecurity training be conducted?

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.

Quarterly security awareness training

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:

• Employees remain informed about the latest risks and best practices.
• Regular touchpoints reinforce concepts and improve retention.

Recommended practices:

• Pair quarterly sessions with phishing simulations to test employees’ knowledge in real-world scenarios.
• Use short, focused modules to avoid overwhelming participants.

Biannual security awareness training

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:

• Aligning training sessions with existing business schedules, such as quarterly reviews or technology updates, minimizes disruptions.
• Employees stay updated on key concepts without feeling overburdened.

Tips for success:

• Share regular reminders or cybersecurity tips between sessions to keep security top of mind.
• Conduct follow-up phishing tests to gauge progress and identify areas for improvement.

Annual security awareness training

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:

• Employees may forget what they learned as new threats emerge.
• A single session may not provide enough depth for employees to understand complex topics fully.

How to address these risks:

• Supplement annual training with periodic emails or quick updates about emerging threats.
• Implement mini-tests or quizzes to keep employees engaged year-round.

The bottom line – conduct security awareness training often! 

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.