Security awareness training educates employees about security threats, organizational policies, and their individual responsibilities in protecting information and systems. People remain the most targeted entry point for attackers — phishing, vishing, and social engineering attacks succeed because they exploit human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities.
Effective awareness programs go beyond annual compliance training. Phishing simulations test whether employees apply what they learned. Role-specific training addresses distinct risks faced by executives, finance staff, IT administrators, and general users. Metrics track improvement over time.
CISSP Relevance
Security awareness training is covered in Domain 1 (Security and Risk Management). CISSP candidates must understand how to design effective training programs, measure their effectiveness, tailor content to different audiences, and integrate training with broader security culture initiatives.
External reference: CISA Free Cybersecurity Training and Awareness Resources
Related terms: Phishing, Social Engineering