How to Select the Right Cybersecurity Awareness Training Vendor

At Security Quotient, we believe that the human factor is the strongest defense against cybersecurity threats. However, employees need ongoing education and support to acquire the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to these threats.

Security awareness training (SAT) is essential to a comprehensive cybersecurity program. One of the main pain points organizations face when incorporating SAT into their security strategy is choosing a reliable partner who can understand their specific needs and develop a tailored training experience.

Why Selecting the Right Awareness Training Provider Matters?

Cyber attackers often use social engineering and other tactics that exploit human behavior and tendencies as a primary method of intrusion. However, effective educational programs can transform this vulnerability into the strongest component of your cybersecurity efforts. Achieving this requires selecting an educational partner who provides compelling and insightful material and customizes it to meet your organization’s unique requirements.

This proactive approach to training helps build a culture of security within the organization, where employees are aware of the risks and empowered to take the right actions. By partnering with the right provider, security awareness training (SAT) can shift from being a mere formality to an essential element of your organization’s cyber resilience strategy.

Types of Cybersecurity Awareness Training Vendors

1. E-Learning Platforms

Online platforms provide a variety of courses and activities that allow employees to learn according to their own schedules. Such platforms are easy to start with and typically offer varied training, including instructional videos, assessments, and interactive activities. They are well-suited for businesses seeking an adaptable and expandable solution.

2. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs)

MSSPs offer a range of cybersecurity services, including security awareness training. These providers will typically better understand your security posture and needs as they focus on improving all security aspects, not just employee awareness. The main benefit of MSSPs is that you have a single point of contact for all your cybersecurity needs, including training.

3. Interactive Simulation Providers

These providers focus on offering hands-on learning experiences through simulations and gamified learning environments. Employees can practice responding to simulated cyber threats in a safe, controlled setting. This training type effectively reinforces practical cybersecurity skills and decision-making in real-world scenarios.

4. In-House Training Programs

You could consider developing an in-house training program if you’re a larger organization with a formidable IT team or a CISO or CIO. This approach will cost significant resources and time to develop and maintain but will allow maximum customization that aligns directly with the organization’s policies and culture.

Main Factors to Consider When Selecting a Cybersecurity Awareness Training Vendor

If you decide to outsource your security training program, you will likely meet with several candidates who will explain how they plan to execute the training. Here are the main factors and questions you should be asking during those meetings:

1. Comprehensiveness

Cybersecurity threats come in many forms. A successful security awareness program must cover all core cybersecurity areas, such as phishing, password security, VPNs, etc. Ensure the training provider has the capability, experience, and infrastructure to conduct all-encompassing security training. Another point to consider is how often the training will be updated to stay on top of the latest threats and trends.

2. Ensuring engagement and interaction

One of the main problems with the SAT is that employees typically consider it a burden, especially during busy workdays. The training provider needs to be clear on how they plan to engage your employees and make the training sessions interactive, appealing, and relevant to their daily tasks.

3. Delivery methods

Another factor to consider is how the training will be delivered. If you have a small, in-house team, you might consider in-person training, which is more memorable and impactful. However, most organizations must use online methods such as videos, quizzes, webinars, and interactive simulations.

4. Industry experience

Points of reference are critical in business decision-making. Before investing in a client, ask for relevant case studies of how their programs have impacted organizations, preferably in the same industry. Some training providers specialize in particular industries and will generally have a better idea of the intricacies and unique challenges that companies within those sectors face.

5. Measuring progress

Last but not least, enquire about the methods and metrics the provider uses to measure the effectiveness of the training program, including engagement, knowledge retention, and behavioral change. Avoid getting into a long-term contract before seeing positive results from the security training.

How to Choose the Ideal Cybersecurity Awareness Training Partner?

• Selecting the right training provider can make or break the success of your security awareness training (SAT) efforts.
• There are several types of training providers, each suitable for different organizational needs, sizes, and learning preferences.
• Several key factors, such as comprehensiveness, delivery methods, industry experience, etc., can help you choose your SAT partner.