Security Awareness Training educates employees about security threats, policies, and their role in protecting organizational assets. Training covers topics like phishing recognition, password security, data handling, physical security, and incident reporting. The goal is building a security-conscious culture where employees are the first line of defense.
Effective programs go beyond annual compliance videos. They include regular phishing simulations, role-specific training, timely updates on emerging threats, and positive reinforcement for security-conscious behavior. Metrics track training completion, phishing simulation results, and security incident trends.
CISSP Relevance
Domain 1 (Security and Risk Management) covers security awareness as a key control for managing human risk. Understand program components, delivery methods, measurement approaches, and how awareness training complements technical controls. Know that humans are often the weakest link—and training addresses that gap.
NIST provides awareness training guidance in SP 800-50 Building an Information Technology Security Awareness Program.
Related terms: Phishing, Security Policy