Would you recognize a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scam such as CEO fraud? What about your employees? Do they understand their information security responsibilities?
Even if your company previously had retired, decrepit systems and has now invested in technology to protect sensitive business data, it's important to note that even the most advanced technology in the world will fall short if your employees are not cyber aware.
According to the Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, "the human element was a component of 68% of breaches." Previous high-profile breaches at major corporations demonstrate that no organization is immune.
The following article outlines six reasons your business needs cyber security awareness training.
Combat Ever-Evolving Cyber Crime
As our world becomes more connected through advancements in technology, hacking methods and cyber-attacks are advancing too.
Business operations rely heavily on technology, as well as customer service, accounting, communications, and more. To avoid setting off any alarms, cybercriminals have gotten savvier at developing scams and attack vectors to trick victims without disrupting business operations.
Beyond traditional threats, cybercriminals are now using artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic phishing attempts, deep fakes, and voice cloning attacks that can fool even cautious employees. These AI-powered threats are often sophisticated enough to bypass technical security controls. Human awareness is your critical final layer of defense.
Strengthen Information Security
A critical element of any company’s cybersecurity program is having security controls and policies that are customized for their business.
Through cybersecurity awareness training, users are brought up to speed on an organization’s IT security procedures, policies, and best practices. These education modules not only help to ensure staff is aware of these principles but that they also follow and understand them.
In 2025, organizations need to consider new security frameworks and address remote work security challenges. The permanent shift to hybrid work environments has created significant security vulnerabilities as employees regularly transition between secure office networks and potentially vulnerable home setups. Effective training helps employees maintain consistent security practices regardless of their work location.
Build a Culture of Cybersecurity
Insulating sensitive business information goes beyond strong passwords. A comprehensive security awareness program sets clear cybersecurity expectations for all employees and educates users about how to recognize attack vectors, help prevent cyber-related incidents and respond to a potential threat.
To create a culture of cybersecurity in your workplace, training employees about safe online computing, strong passwords, social engineering, and more is essential in molding your organization into your first line of cyber defense and ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive business data.
"No matter how advanced your technology is, employees will always be the last line of defense—and your defenses are only as strong as the weakest link. Don’t let that link be an untrained employee." says Alex Bazay, Align's Chief Information Security Officer.
"Cybersecurity education equips your team the tools to spot threats, make smarter decisions, and protect not just company data, but each other. These skills extend beyond the workplace, help people stay safe in their personal lives, creating a stronger, more aware cyber culture both in and out of the office."
Satisfy Clients and Shareholders
A data breach can dissolve any confidence that customers may have had in a company, or motivate clients to leave, while others pursue legal repercussions to impose further damage.
By investing in innovative, comprehensive cybersecurity training to educate staff, customers can find ease in knowing that a partner knowledgeable of security risks implied in data handling is managing their data.
Additionally, with evidence of complete training, investors can attain visibility into the value of cybersecurity controls.
In 2025, cybersecurity has become a critical component of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting, with consumers and investors increasingly evaluating security posture when making decisions.
Save Money
The damages that follow a cyber-related incident can be expensive and detrimental to business. Thus, the benefits of investing in security awareness training outweigh the cost of a leak or breach. The following are some of the potential repercussions should your business fall victim to a cyber-attack:
- Loss of revenue
- Reputation damage
- Loss of clients
- Operational disruptions
- Lawsuits
- Intellectual property (IP) cyber theft
- Theft of personally identifiable information (PII)
- Compromised client data, sensitive business information, and equipment
Additionally, many cyber insurance policies now mandate regular security awareness training, with premiums often reflecting the quality of your training program. Formalized training helps meet these compliance requirements while potentially reducing insurance costs. As regulatory bodies like the SEC enhance their focus on cybersecurity through initiatives like the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU), training programs have become essential components of regulatory compliance.
By investing in cybersecurity awareness training, you are investing in the future of your company.
Bolster Employee Confidence and Reduce Stress
Keeping employees abreast of the latest threat intelligence and attack methods will help mitigate the anxiety caused by cybersecurity uncertainty.
In addition to reducing stress, security training will help eliminate risky behavior and instill security company-wide best practices.
Organizations with effective security awareness programs can transform security from a source of anxiety to an area where employees feel empowered. When employees understand their role in the organization's security posture, they're more likely to engage in safe practices and contribute positively to the security culture.
By accentuating cybersecurity as a priority for your company, employees are provided with the advanced tools and resources needed for adequate training. Furthermore, it enables shared responsibility among staff for safe technology usage.
