Security Awareness Training: Turning Staff into Cyber Defenders

Without question cyber threats are rising globally.

One wrong click can put your organisation’s most valuable data at risk. Yet, many business exec's still treat security as an IT problem and not a business-wide responsibility.

Security awareness training flips this narrative. Staff have access to in-depth, relevant training that provides the knowledge, skills and confidence to identify, categorise and act on cyber threats - keeping your business data safe in the process.

Security Training Matters!

Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue - at it's core it is a people issue.  You wouldn't try and run a marathon without training, so why expect that you can identify cyber threats without training!

Global studies have identified that more than 82% of cyber attacks are a DIRECT result of human error, ie: falling for a phishing email or a clever scam.

Why do these mistakes happen? In short, cybercriminals know that staff are most often the weakest link. They trick users into revealing passwords, sending payments, or opening files that unleash dangerous malware.

It’s easy to see why organisations put off security training: Staff are busy; It feels like a distraction from core work; Exec's hope “the IT team will handle it.”  Attackers count on that mindset.

Every person in an organisation is a potential target, and ignoring that risk can be expensive and catastrophic.

No one WANTS to do the wrong thing - but you DON'T KNOW what you DON'T KNOW.

Investing in cyber security training provides EVERYONE with an upgrade. The training enables staff to work faster and more efficiently as identifying threats becomes a MINDSET.

The Cost of "Do Nothing"

Ignoring staff training comes at a price. Nearly 40% of all cyber incidents result from staff responding to phishing emails or spoofed messages. Small errors lead to big consequences, including:

• Sensitive data leaks
• Financial losses
• Business downtime
• Damage to reputation

Further, internal fraud and accidental misuse continue to grow each year, putting compliance and customer trust in jeopardy.

What Security Awareness Training Achieves

A good security awareness training program, built around real examples and evolving threats, delivers strong, measurable benefits.

Here’s a few real world results from organisations partnering with MSP's like Microsolve have seen:

1.  Measurable Reduction in Phishing Risk
   • Organisations experience up to a 70% drop in staff susceptibility to phishing and social engineering attacks after tailored training and simulated phishing exercises.
   • Staff learn to pause and think before clicking suspicious links or downloading unexpected attachments.
2. Higher Reporting of Threats
   • As confidence grows, employees report more suspicious emails and messages.
   • Early detection means threats are isolated before serious damage can occur.
3. Improved Compliance and Audit Readiness
   • Regular training helps meet or exceed common audit and regulatory requirements for cybersecurity.
   • Training records can prove due diligence to customers and regulators.
4. Stronger Security Culture
   • Security becomes part of daily work, not just a box to check.
   • People speak up about issues, reducing the stigma around reporting mistakes.

Delay Compounds Risk

Don't be the leader that puts security training on hold because:

• It seems time-consuming
• Staff already feel overloaded
• Cybersecurity feels remote, handled by someone else

Why? Cyber criminals target this very mindset. While the likelihood might appear small, the consequence of a breach is catastrophic!

A single mistake can come from anyone, anywhere, anytime. Whether it be a new hire or a senior executive, it exposes the whole organisation.

Training isn’t about playing the blame game.  It’s about empowerment. It's about giving everyone the tools to spot and stop attacks before they succeed.

What Now?

No matter your business size, security awareness is best woven into daily operations:

For Emerging Organisations

1. Start with a baseline audit paired with annual training and quarterly phishing simulation emails
2. Implement short, scenario-based training sessions
3. Use plain language to explain risks

For Developing Organisations - build on the above and introduce:

1. monthly awareness refreshers and policy updates
2. Rotation of training topics: phishing, password security, remote access risks
3. Celebrate staff who report threats early

For Complex Enterprises - extend further to enable:

1. Build a tailored, role-based training calendar
2. Implement automated attack simulations
3. Monitor progress with analytics and regular reporting

Microsolve’s approach includes interactive modules, phishing tests, and real-world breach alerts tailored to your local context and risk profile. Our programs have helped organisations in care, health, professional, and critical environments radically reduce attack success rates and shore up overall risk posture.

Security is Everyone’s Responsibility

Cyber criminals hope staff think security is NOT their job.

Every organisation should make it clear: everyone is responsible.

Be the leader that drives a culture where it’s safe to ask questions and report incidents without blame or stigma.

To effectively defeat today's complex threat environment, security awareness training is no longer optional. It’s essential to prevent losses, protect clients, and maintain trust. The investment pays off with fewer incidents, stronger compliance, and real peace of mind.