Cybersecurity is always a priority, but October—Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM)—gives you the perfect chance to ramp up your efforts and engage your employees and third-party partners more. It’s an ideal time to spotlight the importance of security and try out some new, creative ways to build lasting awareness.
In this article, we’ll explore effective tools and techniques for maximizing CSAM and keeping your program fresh and engaging.
Gamification—Making Learning Fun
Gamification takes elements from video games and applies them to training, turning cybersecurity education into something more interactive and fun. Use things like leaderboards, quizzes, and games that challenge users to spot phishing attempts or other security threats.
For CSAM, gamification is a great way to get people involved. By adding a bit of friendly competition or engaging challenges, you’ll not only make the training more enjoyable but also help your users retain the knowledge longer.
Microlearning—Quick, Bite-Sized Lessons
CSAM is an excellent opportunity to ramp up your training, but it must be done efficiently to fit your team’s busy schedule. That’s where microlearning comes in. These are short, focused lessons—usually around 5 to 10 minutes—that deliver key information without overwhelming your team.
Microlearning fits perfectly into CSAM because it lets you break down complex topics into manageable chunks. Plus, using rich media like videos, infographics, or animations makes it easier for users to understand and retain the information.
Phishing Simulations—Real Practice in a Safe Environment
Phishing is still one of the top cybersecurity threats, but talking about it in theory doesn’t always cut it. Phishing simulations allow employees to spot and report phishing attempts in real-time without the actual risk.
Running simulations can be especially impactful during CSAM. Remember that employees might expect them in October, so it’s a good idea to analyze the data separately to avoid skewed results.
This is also a good time to run a few extra simulations to reinforce key lessons. Remember, simulations should focus on education, not punishment—give immediate feedback and helpful advice when someone falls for a phishing email.
Think you can tell the difference between a phishing email and the real thing? Play 'Can You Spot the Phish?'
Interactive Webinars and Live Demos—Engagement Through Participation
Hosting webinars or live demos is another great way to boost engagement during CSAM. These sessions allow users to ask questions and clear up any confusion about cybersecurity best practices.
Try using live polls, quizzes, or open discussions to keep things interactive. Bringing in guest speakers or internal experts can offer fresh perspectives on common threats and give users a better understanding of the latest risks.
Awareness Campaigns—Daily Reminders to Keep Security Top of Mind
You can use a mix of channels—emails, posters, social media, and even in-person events—to keep the message front and center. This is also a great opportunity to celebrate success stories from within your organization, like employees who’ve successfully reported phishing attempts.
It can be helpful to structure the campaign by themes, focusing on different topics each week. For example, start with phishing in week one, then cover ransomware in week two. That way, employees can focus on specific threats without feeling overwhelmed.
Something For You: Free Security Awareness Training Trial
You’ve got some great ideas to engage your team—now here’s something for you. In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re offering a 90-day free trial of our Security Awareness Training platform.
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Making Security Awareness Training Count Beyond Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Cybersecurity Awareness Month allows you to drive real engagement and gather insights to strengthen your program year-round. Whether it’s through gamification, phishing simulations, or awareness campaigns, the strategies you implement now will help you build a stronger security foundation moving forward.
Want to explore your options? Try our Security Awareness Training platform free for 90 days.