If you’ve already introduced cyber security training to your team, that’s a great start. But for it to really work, it needs to be more than a once-a-year tick-box exercise and looked at as a larger picture of building a culture of cyber awareness.
The goal isn’t just to teach people what phishing is or how to spot a suspicious attachment. It’s to build a culture and a workplace where people feel confident speaking up when something doesn’t seem right. When awareness becomes part of the everyday, your team stops being the weakest link and starts becoming your strongest defence.
That’s what we mean when we talk about a culture of cyber awareness.
Here’s how to start building one, even if your business is small and your team is busy.
1. Start with the basics and make them relevant
Cyber training shouldn’t be about technical jargon. It should help people understand the real risks they might face in their day-to-day work.
Make the examples relatable. Talk about fake invoices, unexpected login prompts, or dodgy LinkedIn messages – things they’re likely to see. You can even use examples from your own industry or recent real-world stories that made the news. The more familiar it feels, the more likely it is to stick.
And remember, awareness builds over time. It’s not about a one-off session. It’s about creating a learning journey your team actually remembers.
2. Make it easy to speak up
If someone notices something odd – like an email from the MD asking for gift cards – they need to feel comfortable flagging it.
That only happens if there’s no fear of embarrassment or blame. If people are worried they’ll be made to feel silly, they’ll stay silent. And that’s when problems grow.
Create a culture where it’s normal to say, “This might be nothing, but can someone take a look?” Reassure your team that raising concerns is always better than ignoring them.
It’s also helpful to clarify how and where to report things. A shared inbox, a quick Teams message, a line manager. Make it easy and accessible.
3. Keep it visible and regular
You don’t need weekly training sessions. But gentle, regular reminders help.
This could be:
- Sharing recent (anonymised) phishing attempts
- Mentioning examples during team meetings
- Visual reminders in shared workspaces
- A quick guide pinned in your Teams channel
You might even consider a monthly “cyber moment” in your company newsletter or stand-up. Just a sentence or two is enough to nudge the right behaviour.
4. Lead by example
If leaders brush off cyber security as “not my problem,” the rest of the team will do the same.
Make sure senior staff:
- Use strong passwords
- Follow guidance like everyone else
- Talk openly about reporting things they find suspicious
When leaders show that awareness matters to them, it encourages others to follow suit. Cyber security becomes part of how your business operates – not just something IT does.
5. Praise efforts, don’t punish mistakes
If someone clicks on a phishing link, treat it as a chance to learn – not a reason to criticise. Mistakes happen, even to people who’ve had training.
Create space for honest conversations after a slip-up. What happened? What could we do differently next time?
And when someone spots something and reports it early? Acknowledge it. Thanking someone for flagging a suspicious email sends a clear message: this is the behaviour we want to see more of.
Positive reinforcement goes much further than fear or blame.
6. Use simple, repeatable guidance
Your team doesn’t need to memorise lengthy policies. They just need to know:
- What to look out for
- What to do if something seems off
- Who to talk to
Make these core principles visible and repeatable. Use them in your training, on posters, in digital workspaces. Keep the language friendly and free of jargon. Think “If you spot something strange, don’t stay silent” rather than “Refer to section 4.3 of the policy document.”
7. Support a culture of cyber awareness with the right tools
Culture and behaviour are essential. But they work best alongside the right technology. Simple tools like password managers, multi-factor authentication, and phishing simulations can reinforce training and give your team more confidence.
Equally important is having a clear process for handling reports. If someone does speak up, make sure the next steps are clear and that the issue gets taken seriously.
Where to begin with building a culture of cyber awareness
You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. A culture of cyber awareness is built gradually through habits, reminders, and leadership.
Start small. Choose one area to focus on. Build it into your routines. And be consistent.
If you’re unsure where to begin, we can help you introduce practical, relevant support that fits your business.
Whether you need training, simple resources, or just a sounding board – we’re here to help.
Let’s make your people your strongest line of defence.
Frequently asked questions about cyber security awareness training
How often should we run cyber security awareness training?
Most experts recommend a full training at least once a year, with smaller reminders or spot checks every few months. The key is consistency.
Isn’t cyber awareness just for bigger companies?
Not at all. Small businesses are often more targeted because they’re seen as easier to breach. A basic culture of cyber awareness is crucial for every size of company.
How do we get leadership involved?
Start by sharing examples of the cost and impact of breaches. Show how even simple changes in behaviour can drastically reduce risk. Encourage leaders to model best practice openly.
