What are some of the common career paths and roles for security awareness professionals?

Effective security awareness training demands a comprehensive understanding of security concepts and industry best practices, as well as exceptional communication, presentation, and facilitation skills. The trainer's technical proficiency is pivotal in imparting domain knowledge, while their command over communication, presentation, and facilitation ensures the effective delivery of training to individuals with differing levels of technical expertise. A skilled trainer can proficiently communicate intricate security concepts to diverse audiences, empowering them with the requisite knowledge and skills to protect themselves against potential security threats.

A security awareness manager is an individual who holds the responsibility of supervising and coordinating the security awareness strategy and activities of an organization. Their role is crucial in ensuring that all employees are well-informed about the security risks and threats that can potentially impact the organization. The manager works in close collaboration with other relevant departments to develop and implement effective security awareness programs, policies, and procedures. They also conduct training sessions, workshops, and awareness campaigns to educate employees on how to identify and respond to security incidents.

A security awareness analyst is a professional who is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to the security awareness program of an organization. The analyst leverages various tools and techniques to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities, evaluates the efficacy of existing security measures, and recommends appropriate solutions to improve the overall security posture of the organization. In essence, the security awareness analyst plays a pivotal role in ensuring the security of the organization's information assets and reducing the risk of security breaches. The analyst's work requires a high level of expertise and proficiency in information security, risk management, and data analysis.

With very small organizations, there's great reward in small, iterative steps that generate great initial improvement. The earliest awareness is that "what we're doing now is inadequate." Then, keep going - another iteration. Intentional. This work is never done. Consulting for larger organizations usually focuses on a more specific area but, obviously, with a larger number of people. Security conversations. The what, why, how packaged in many different ways. Finding the advocates in the organization and equipping them. Matching the right providers to serve the needs of the organization at a high level for technical concerns.

as physical & informational assets are the primary goal of protecting, this can be a VERY tricky task to complete, because there is no way to control monitor employee's behaviors or habits. But there are numerous ways to IMPROVE security awareness.

Many businesses and individuals are unaware of the risks they are exposed to on a daily basis. Sharing experiences about cybersecurity incidents and lessons learned help raise awareness and can change behaviors. Security Is most effective when it is a part of the organizational culture. The best security awareness advocates have years of experience dealing with security issues and threats. Much of this information can shared via social media or distilled into security presentations or workshops.

Security awareness is underrated for its value. When someone is subject matter expert in security awareness, they clearly know important of security, organizational policies, best practices, incident mgmt and so on. They are very likely to be great at collaboration, team work, communication and storytelling. They are the true advocates of security. Given an opportunity, I would hire these folks for all critical roles to support my security program. They can always be trained on any desired technical skillsets.

Security Auditors: They conduct audits to ensure that the organization's security measures adhere to set standards and regulations. They identify vulnerabilities and recommend solutions. Security Manager/Director: These professionals oversee an organization's security measures. They develop and implement security strategies, manage security teams, and coordinate with other department heads to ensure the safety of the organization.

It is easier to gain knowledge than to develop new skills. Therefore, security awareness professionals must be first and foremost, innovative, creative, and cohesive thinkers. Media and communication skills are more important than technical knowledge. Hire people with marketing, PR, and communications backgrounds. Train them extensively in cybersecurity and security awareness.

Security awareness professionals, given their unique skill set and knowledge, can leverage their expertise in several career paths. The exact trajectory may depend on one's interests, additional qualifications, and career goals. Security Consultants: These professionals advise organizations on the best ways to protect their physical and information assets. They may conduct security assessments, implement security measures, and educate employees about security protocols. Security Awareness Trainer: These individuals are responsible for creating and implementing security awareness training programs in an organization. Their goal is to ensure that all employees understand and can effectively respond to security threats.