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Jeremy Turner

People are the weakest link in IT security and having an effective information security awareness training program can help reduce many of the associated risks. This course will teach you how to build your own program from start to finish.

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People are the weakest link in IT security and having an effective information security awareness training program can help reduce many of the associated risks. This course will teach you how to build your own program from start to finish.

Did you know that the biggest threat to an organization is its own employees? Have you tried phishing simulations or basic information security awareness training lectures at your organization but feel like something is missing? In this course, Building and Implementing a Security Awareness Training Program, you will learn everything required to setup a program from scratch that makes sense for your organization's unique needs. First, you will learn the critical elements of any security awareness training program that must be in place before you even think about sending that first phishing simulation email. Next, you will learn how to properly scope and develop security awareness and training material that is razor-sharp focused and can be presented in a way that will convince your leadership to give you a healthy budget. Finally, you will learn how to deal with many common problems that plague security awareness training programs by using a number of communication techniques and ensuring that the right performance metrics are in place that will prove your program is winning. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge required to step into any organization and develop an information security awareness training program that will inspire your organization to be more security minded in a manner that doesn't waste everyone's time.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Making Sure You Are Not Building on Sand
Setting up the Program Foundation
Selling the Program
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Preparing the Content
Implementing Awareness and Training
Monitoring and Improving Your Program
Knowing When Your Program Is Winning

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Builds a solid foundation of security awareness training essentials needed in today's corporate climate
Taught by Jeremy Turner, a recognized expert in information security and security awareness training
Provides real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the importance of security awareness training
Offers a comprehensive and structured approach to building and implementing a security awareness training program
Covers a wide range of topics, including phishing simulations, security awareness lectures, and communication techniques
Provides guidance on how to measure the effectiveness of a security awareness training program

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Building and Implementing a Security Awareness Training Program with these activities:
Review phishing and social engineering techniques
Start by brushing up on common phishing and social engineering tactics to ensure a strong understanding of the topic
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Show steps
  • Identify social engineering tactics
  • Practice identifying phishing emails
Explore Online Security Awareness Training Platforms
Exploring online security awareness training platforms will expose you to best practices and innovative approaches in the field.
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Show steps
  • Research and identify reputable online security awareness training platforms.
  • Explore the features and offerings of these platforms.
  • Consider the cost, user experience, and support options provided.
  • Select and sign up for a platform that meets your needs.
Review Information Security Frameworks
Reviewing information security frameworks will strengthen your understanding of the foundational principles and best practices in the field.
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  • Identify relevant frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001/27002,NIST Cybersecurity Framework, COBIT).
  • Read and understand the key concepts of each framework.
  • Map the frameworks to your organization's current security posture.
11 other activities
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Join or Start a Security Awareness Community
Joining or starting a security awareness community will connect you with like-minded individuals and provide opportunities for knowledge sharing.
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Show steps
  • Research and identify existing security awareness communities online or in your local area.
  • Join or connect with these communities.
  • Participate in discussions, share knowledge, and collaborate with other members.
Participate in phishing simulations
Engage in simulated phishing exercises to test your ability to detect and avoid malicious emails
Show steps
  • Register for phishing simulations
  • Practice recognizing phishing emails
  • Analyze results and identify areas for improvement
Explore security awareness best practices
Seek out tutorials and resources to learn best practices for effective security awareness training
Browse courses on Security Training
Show steps
  • Search for credible sources
  • Review articles and whitepapers
  • Identify best practices
  • Apply best practices to your training program
Join a security awareness community
Engage with peers in online forums or meetups to share knowledge and insights on security awareness
Browse courses on Security Training
Show steps
  • Identify relevant communities
  • Join and participate in discussions
  • Share experiences and best practices
Conduct Phishing Simulations
Conducting phishing simulations will provide hands-on experience in detecting and mitigating security threats.
Show steps
  • Design realistic phishing scenarios.
  • Launch the simulations and monitor user responses.
  • Analyze the results and identify areas for improvement.
Develop Security Awareness Training Materials
Creating security awareness training materials will help you develop effective and engaging content for your program.
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Show steps
  • Identify the target audience and their specific security needs.
  • Research and gather information on relevant security topics.
  • Design and develop training materials using various formats (e.g., videos, presentations, interactive exercises).
  • Review and iterate on the materials based on feedback from subject matter experts.
Develop awareness-building materials
Create engaging and informative materials such as posters, infographics, or videos to raise awareness about security risks
Browse courses on Security Training
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  • Identify target audience and their needs
  • Develop messaging and content
  • Design and create materials
  • Distribute and promote materials
Start a Security Awareness Blog or Newsletter
Starting a security awareness blog or newsletter will establish a platform for ongoing engagement and education.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic focus and target audience for your blog or newsletter.
  • Create a content calendar and schedule for regular updates.
  • Write and publish informative and engaging articles or newsletters on security topics.
  • Promote your blog or newsletter through various channels.
Conduct an information security risk assessment
Identify and analyze potential security risks to enhance your organization's information security posture
Show steps
  • Establish project scope
  • Gather data and identify risks
  • Analyze and prioritize risks
  • Develop mitigation strategies
  • Implement and monitor mitigation strategies
Mentor or Train New Hires on Security Awareness
Mentoring or training new hires will solidify your understanding of security awareness concepts and enhance your communication skills.
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Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor or train new hires.
  • Develop a training plan or curriculum.
  • Conduct training sessions or provide guidance to new hires.
  • Provide feedback and support throughout the learning process.
Conduct a Security Risk Assessment
Conducting a security risk assessment will provide a comprehensive understanding of your organization's security risks.
Show steps
  • Identify and analyze potential threats, vulnerabilities, and risks.
  • Prioritize risks based on likelihood and impact.
  • Develop mitigation strategies and recommendations.
  • Implement and monitor the recommended security controls.

Career center

Learners who complete Building and Implementing a Security Awareness Training Program will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts are the first line of defense for protecting organizations from cyber attacks. A high percentage of information security breaches involve human error, and this course can help those who work in this field to understand how to communicate with employees to minimize the risk of this type of breach. This course can help you to reduce risk, limit the impact of a breach, and detect and respond to threats.
Security Consultant
Security Consultants help organizations to improve their security posture, which includes employee training and education. This course will help you build a comprehensive training program that meets the unique needs of any organization so that you can help them to avoid the cost and reputational damage associated with some types of information security breaches.
Information Security Engineer
Information Security Engineers design and implement security controls to protect organizations from cyber attacks. By taking this course, you can build the skills you need to develop training that will help your organization's employees to understand and follow these controls.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
CISOs are responsible for managing the overall security strategy of an organization and for ensuring that employees are aware of and compliant with security policies. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to develop a training program that will help your employees to understand and follow these policies, and will help you to prove that your program is effective.
IT Auditor
IT Auditors assess an organization's security posture and make recommendations for improvement. This course can help you to understand how to develop a training program that will help organizations to comply with regulations and avoid security breaches.
Security Architect
Security Architects design and implement security solutions for organizations. This course can help you to help you understand how to develop a training program that will help organizations to implement these solutions effectively and keep their employees safe online.
Ethical Hacker
Ethical Hackers use their skills to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks. This course can help to give you the knowledge you need to assess the effectiveness of an organization's security awareness training program.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers are responsible for securing an organization's network from cyber attacks. This course can help you to develop a training program that will help your organization's employees to understand and follow network security policies.
Incident Responder
Incident Responders are responsible for responding to security incidents and breaches. This course can help you to develop a training program that will help your organization's employees to understand their role in incident response and to minimize the impact of security breaches.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts monitor and analyze security data to identify and respond to threats. This course can help you to develop a training program that will help your organization's employees to understand their role in cybersecurity and to protect themselves and the organization from cyber attacks.
Cloud Security Engineer
Cloud Security Engineers are responsible for securing cloud-based systems and applications. This course can help you to develop a training program that will help your organization's employees to understand the risks of cloud computing and to use cloud-based systems securely.
Privacy Officer
Privacy Officers are responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with privacy laws and regulations. This course may help you to gain a better understanding of the privacy implications of information security breaches.
Information Security Manager
Information Security Managers are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of an organization's information security program. This course may help you to develop the skills you need to lead a security awareness training program.
Security Trainer
Security Trainers develop and deliver security awareness training programs. This course may help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a security trainer.
Compliance Manager
Compliance Managers are responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with laws and regulations. This course may help you to develop a training program that will help your organization comply with information security regulations.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Building and Implementing a Security Awareness Training Program.
Provides a deep dive into the art of deception and how it can be used to improve security. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the human factor in security.
This document provides a comprehensive set of security and privacy controls for federal information systems. It valuable resource for anyone who is involved in the development or implementation of security controls.
Provides a practical guide to penetration testing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to test the security of their systems and networks.
Provides a comprehensive guide to social engineering, the art of manipulating people into giving up information or access. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to protect themselves from social engineering attacks.
Provides a guide to managing a security awareness training program. It covers the different roles and responsibilities of a security awareness officer, how to develop and implement a security awareness program, and how to measure the effectiveness of the program.
Provides a guide to security awareness for managers and executives. It covers the importance of security awareness, the risks of not having a strong security awareness program, and how to develop and implement a successful program.
Provides a guide to managing a security awareness training program. It covers the different roles and responsibilities of a security awareness officer, how to develop and implement a security awareness program, and how to measure the effectiveness of the program.

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