The opportunity for cyber criminals to attack is on the rise, with figures indicating that one attack occurs every three seconds.

Worryingly, only 1 in 10 employees can remember their cyber-security training, and over a third of organizations still lack formal cyber security practices.

Given these alarming statistics, it's clear that updating cyber-security training content is urgent. Experts at Indusface suggest the following effective and engaging ways to train the workplace in cyber security:

Five Effective and Engaging Ways to Train Employees in Cyber Security

1. Raising Awareness on a Personal Level

Employees should recognize the personal consequences of a workplace data breach. For example, a recent breach compromised an estimated 270,000 military payroll records, including sensitive information like bank details and national insurance numbers. Understanding that cyber attacks can have personal ramifications will drive engagement and underscore the importance of vigilance.

2. Incentive-Based Training

Research shows that incentive programs can significantly boost performance, with businesses achieving their targets 79% of the time. By setting training goals, creating tasks, and offering rewards for high scorers, companies can motivate employees to engage deeply with the material. Although this approach requires resources to set up, it's more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of a cyber attack, which costs medium and large businesses an average of £10,830 per incident in 2024.3

3. Micro-Learning Modules

To prevent employees from feeling overwhelmed, training should be delivered in small, manageable modules that can be completed at their own pace. E-learning and EdTech companies report a 74% or higher completion rate for micro-learning courses, which are also 50% cheaper and 300% faster to develop than traditional training programs. This approach saves time and money while enhancing learning outcomes.

4. Case Studies of Similar Workplaces

Many employees don’t realize the real threat of cyber attacks until they occur. Using case studies of similar organizations that have been victims can make the threat more tangible. Scammers often tailor their methods to their targets, so understanding these real-world scenarios can help employees recognize potential threats specific to their workplace.

5. Interactive Training Tools

Research indicates that interactive training promotes better recognition and recall of content. Given that employees’ primary responsibilities may not involve cyber security, interactive methods help keep the material memorable and engaging. Tools such as simulated phishing attacks, like those provided by Hornet Security, can be particularly effective.

Venky Sundar, Founder and President of Indusface, emphasizes the importance of effective cyber security training:

"Effective cyber security training is crucial given the rising trend and complexity of cyber attacks. Personalized awareness helps employees understand real risks to their own data, while real-world cases make threats more tangible. Incentive-based training boosts engagement, and interactive tools enhance retention. For employees less interested in technology, micro-learning modules can make complex aspects more manageable."

By implementing these strategies, organizations can significantly improve their cyber security posture and better protect both their data and their employees' personal information.