If you’re running a small business, cyber security awareness training probably isn’t top of your daily to-do list. But here’s the thing: most cyber attacks don’t start with a sophisticated bit of hacking. They start with someone clicking a dodgy link, downloading the wrong file, or approving something they didn’t mean to.
And that’s exactly why awareness training matters.
But how often do you really need to do it?
Let’s break it down clearly, with no fluff, just practical advice you can actually use.
Why Cyber Security Awareness Training Still Matters
Most of today’s threats are aimed at people, not systems. Phishing emails. Social engineering. Fake login pages. They all rely on someone being too busy, distracted, or unsure.
Awareness training gives your team the confidence to pause and ask: “Is this right?”
It’s not about turning your staff into security pros. It’s about helping them know what to look for and what to do next.
So, How Often Should You Do Cyber Security Awareness Training?
Here’s the straightforward answer: At least once a year, but there’s more to it than that.
Once a Year: Your Starting Point
That’s the absolute minimum. A full session covering the key threats, what’s changed, and what to watch out for.
Quarterly Reminders: Bite-Sized Updates
People forget. And cyber threats evolve. A quick refresher every few months helps keep things front of mind. This could be:
- A short email with new scam examples
- A mini team chat around a recent close call
- A five-minute video
New Starter Onboarding
Anyone joining your business should get a quick introduction to your cyber do’s and don’ts. They don’t need the whole programme on day one, but a simple checklist or quick video makes a difference.
After an Incident or Near Miss
Had a phishing email slip through? Someone almost downloaded something risky? That’s your moment to do a quick team follow-up. Not to shame, just to learn.
When New Risks Emerge
New scams pop up all the time. A heads-up about the latest tactic is often more effective than a policy update.
What Does “Good” Cyber Security Training Actually Look Like?
If you’ve ever sat through a training session that felt like a lecture in disguise, you’ll know it’s not enough to just run the training. It has to be relevant.
Here’s what makes it stick:
- It’s clear: no jargon, just real-life scenarios
- It’s short: people are busy
- It’s realistic: things your team might actually see day-to-day
- It’s regular: not just once a year
- It’s backed up: with a culture that says “speak up if something seems off”
What If You Don’t Have Time to Do It All Yourself?
You don’t need to be a cyber expert to run good training. But if you’re not sure where to start, or you’d rather hand it over, we’re here to help.
We work with small businesses to:
- Design awareness training that fits into your routine
- Keep it relevant and easy to roll out
- Stay ahead of emerging threats
No pressure. No nonsense. Just straightforward support.
Let’s take cyber security awareness training off your plate.
Drop us a message if you’d like help building a realistic cyber security awareness programme that works for your team.
Cyber Security Awareness Training FAQs
How long should a cyber security awareness training session be?
30 to 45 minutes is usually plenty for a core session. Top-ups can be much shorter.
Do I need fancy software to do this?
Not at all. You can do a lot with real examples and clear communication. But simulations and tools can help reinforce it.
What if my team is remote?
Even more reason to keep security front of mind. Videos, live calls, and shareable checklists work well.
