The 7 key elements to improve the Cybersecurity Awareness Program and its relationship with compliance requirements.

Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and selective

Creating an effective cybersecurity awareness program has become a key priority for many organizations. According to the latest studies, the average cost of a security breach in large organizations is €4 million. In SMEs, it is around €40,000 — with the aggravating factor that 60% of those affected close within six months.

We are all targets of cybercriminals. Attackers are shifting their focus from technology to people, exploiting employee vulnerabilities with social engineering techniques.

Small errors caused by negligence or falling victim to social engineering fraud — often due to lack of awareness — can cause serious damage to an organization, including financial losses from production stoppage, reputational harm, and regulatory sanctions. Many companies admit that employees are their greatest weakness in cybersecurity, as their oversights can undermine the organization’s entire security strategy.

It has never been more important to make cybersecurity awareness a priority.

Why traditional awareness programs fail

Traditional e-learning programs are often unattractive and ineffective at raising employee alertness. Without a clear plan, defined objectives, and engaging delivery, awareness efforts fail to create long-term cultural change.

Tips for an efficient cybersecurity awareness program

1. Tailor-made training (hyperpersonalization)

Employees may be labeled the “weakest link,” but they can also become an asset to the security team if given the right tools and training.
The most successful programs adapt dynamically to each employee’s needs, providing personalized training to address individual risk areas.

"The number of phishing alerts from our physical firewall is now being equaled by those reported by employees — our human firewalls."
— CIO, GAM Soluciones

2. Frequency of training

Cybersecurity awareness must remain a priority throughout the year.
A program lasting at least twelve months is ideal, combining policies, phishing simulations, and e-learning.
Monthly interactions help avoid the “forgetting curve” that comes with annual training.

3. Simulated phishing attacks

Phishing drills reveal how vulnerable a company is to fraudulent emails and identify staff who need more training. Controlled simulations help employees recognize, avoid, and report threats before they cause damage.

"We reduced the number of human errors in simulated attacks from 67% to 14%."
— David Rodriguez, Smartick Technology Department

4. Compelling content

Telling users to “be careful” is not enough. Awareness training must be engaging and informative, using short video and text content, realistic simulations, and interactive self-assessment scenarios to keep staff alert and invested in protecting the organization.

5. Educate employees about impact

Many employees are unaware of the real consequences of a data breach — reputational damage, fines, and customer loss. Educating them creates a shared sense of responsibility for the sensitive data they handle.

6. Mitigate the risk of exposed credentials

Third-party service breaches can expose accounts and passwords. Detecting exposure early allows organizations to take immediate action.
Working individually with each employee:

• Mitigates the risk of credential exploitation.
• Creates a strong awareness impact when employees see real examples involving their own accounts.

7. Compliance with regulations

Industry and government cybersecurity standards emphasize the human element in risk management.
A people-focused awareness program should:

• Be fully automated.
• Provide insights and risk reports on the human factor.
• Show real-time progress in awareness and alertness.
• Help meet regulatory requirements globally.

How Kymatio can help

Kymatio offers the most comprehensive employee cyber risk management platform on the market, including:

• Regular alertness assessment.
• Individualized awareness programs.
• Phishing simulations.
• Online credential exposure monitoring.

Our new school approach addresses the specific challenges of cyber threats targeting the human factor.