What is Security Awareness Training?

What is Security Awareness Training?

Security awareness training is an educational program designed to teach employees about cybersecurity threats, security best practices, and their responsibilities for protecting organizational data and systems. Human error remains one of the leading causes of security incidents, making awareness training a critical control for reducing risk. Every major compliance framework requires or strongly recommends security awareness training.

Why security awareness training matters

Technology controls alone cannot prevent all security incidents. Employees interact with sensitive data, click links, open attachments, and make decisions that affect security every day. Effective training:

• Reduces the likelihood of successful phishing and social engineering attacks
• Helps employees recognize and report suspicious activity
• Builds a security-conscious culture throughout the organization
• Meets compliance requirements across multiple frameworks
• Reduces the frequency and impact of human-caused security incidents

Core training topics

A comprehensive security awareness program typically covers:

• Phishing and social engineering — how to identify and respond to phishing emails, phone-based pretexting, and other manipulation techniques
• Password security — creating strong passwords, using password managers, and understanding multi-factor authentication
• Data handling — proper classification, storage, transmission, and disposal of sensitive data
• Physical security — securing workstations, preventing tailgating, and protecting physical access badges
• Remote work security — securing home networks, using VPNs, and protecting devices outside the office
• Incident reporting — how and when to report suspected security incidents
• Acceptable use — organizational policies on technology use, internet access, and personal devices
• Regulatory requirements — specific requirements based on the organization's compliance obligations (HIPAA for healthcare, PCI DSS for payment card handling)

Training requirements by framework

• SOC 2 — CC1.4 requires that the organization demonstrates a commitment to attract, develop, and retain competent individuals, including security training
• ISO 27001 — control A.6.3 requires information security awareness, education, and training
• HIPAA — the Security Rule requires security awareness and training for all workforce members (45 CFR 164.308(a)(5))
• PCI DSS — Requirement 12.6 requires security awareness training for all personnel upon hire and at least annually

Training frequency and delivery

Best practices for training delivery include:

• Upon hire — all new employees should complete security awareness training during onboarding
• Annual refresher — all employees should complete refresher training at least annually
• Role-specific training — employees in high-risk roles (developers, administrators, finance) should receive additional targeted training
• Continuous reinforcement — supplement formal training with simulated phishing campaigns, security tips, and brief micro-learning modules throughout the year
• Triggered training — require additional training when an employee fails a phishing simulation or is involved in a security incident

Measuring effectiveness

Training effectiveness should be measured through:

• Phishing simulation click rates (tracked over time to show improvement)
• Training completion rates
• Security incident trends related to human factors
• Employee knowledge assessments (quizzes or surveys)
• Time to report suspicious activity

Evidence for auditors

Auditors expect to see:

• Training policy documenting requirements and frequency
• Records of training completion for all employees
• Training content covering relevant topics
• Phishing simulation results and trends
• Evidence of new hire training

How episki helps

episki tracks security awareness training completion, sends reminders to employees and managers, and maintains training records as compliance evidence. The platform integrates with popular training providers and maps training requirements to framework controls. Learn more on our compliance platform.