Tips on Building a Security Awareness Program Employees Actually Follow
August 4, 2025
If your employees roll their eyes at the mention of security training, you’re not alone. Traditional security awareness programs are often too long, too technical, and too forgettable.
But with phishing attacks, ransomware, and insider threats on the rise, employee engagement is no longer optional, it’s critical to your organization’s security.
The good news? With the right approach, your security awareness program can shift from a mandatory checkbox to a culture‑building tool that employees actually pay attention to. Here are some helpful tips to make it happen.
1. Keep It Simple and Relevant
Your employees don’t need a masterclass in cybersecurity—they need to know what’s relevant to their daily work. Focus on the most common risks, like:
- Phishing emails
- Weak or reused passwords
- Using personal devices for work
- Safe handling of sensitive data
Explain the why behind each rule, not just the what. People are more likely to follow security best practices when they understand how their actions protect the company and themselves.
2. Make Training Short and Ongoing
One long, boring training session once a year isn’t going to stick. Instead:
- Break lessons into bite‑sized modules (5–10 minutes each).
- Deliver training quarterly or monthly.
- Incorporate quick reminders via Slack, Teams, or email.
Think of it like security “snackable content”— easy to digest and frequent enough to stay top‑of‑mind.
3. Use Real‑World Examples
Nothing drives a point home like showing how an actual threat works. For example:
- Send simulated phishing emails to employees and track who clicks.
- Share anonymized stories of recent breaches in your industry.
- Demonstrate how a weak password can be cracked in seconds.
The more practical and relatable the scenario, the more likely employees will remember it.
5. Make It Interactive (and Even Fun)
Dry, one‑way lectures rarely engage anyone. Add some variety:
- Gamify security with points, badges, or leaderboards.
- Run departmental competitions for phishing tests.
- Offer small rewards (like coffee gift cards) for top performers.
Friendly competition and recognition turn training into something employees can look forward to, yes, even security training.
6. Measure and Improve
A good security awareness program is never “set it and forget it.” Track metrics like:
- Phishing simulation click‑through rates
- Training completion rates
- Repeat offenders and top performers
Use the data to improve your program over time. If employees are still falling for certain types of phishing emails, adjust your training and run another test.
The Bottom Line
Employees are your first line of defense, but they can also be your biggest risk if your security program is ignored. By keeping training simple, relevant, interactive, and ongoing, you can build a program that employees follow—and turn security from a chore into a shared responsibility.
If you’re looking for help designing a security awareness program or running phishing simulations, ANM can help. Our experts can work with you to create tailored programs that fit your organization and stick with your team.