How can you prioritize system security training with other training needs?

1 Assess your current system security posture

The first step to prioritize system security training is to assess your current system security posture. This means evaluating the risks, threats, and vulnerabilities that affect your IT systems, as well as the policies, procedures, and controls that you have in place to mitigate them. You can use tools such as security audits, risk assessments, penetration tests, and compliance reviews to identify the gaps and weaknesses in your system security. Based on the results, you can prioritize the areas that need the most attention and improvement.

2 Align system security training with business goals

The second step to prioritize system security training is to align it with your business goals. System security training should not be seen as an isolated or optional activity, but as a strategic investment that supports your business objectives and values. For example, if your goal is to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, you should focus on system security training that enhances data protection, privacy, and trust. If your goal is to innovate and grow, you should focus on system security training that fosters creativity, collaboration, and agility. By aligning system security training with business goals, you can demonstrate its value and relevance to your stakeholders and employees.

3 Design system security training for different roles and levels

The third step to prioritize system security training is to design it for different roles and levels within your organization. System security training should not be one-size-fits-all, but tailored to the specific needs, responsibilities, and skills of each group of learners. For example, system administrators may need more advanced and technical system security training than end users, who may need more basic and behavioral system security training. You can use methods such as role-based access control, learning paths, and competency frameworks to design system security training for different roles and levels.

4 Deliver system security training in various formats and modes

The fourth step to prioritize system security training is to deliver it in various formats and modes that suit your learners' preferences, availability, and learning outcomes. System security training should not be limited to formal and traditional methods, such as classroom sessions, webinars, and e-learning courses, but also include informal and innovative methods, such as simulations, games, podcasts, and microlearning. You can use tools such as learning management systems, mobile apps, and social media to deliver system security training in various formats and modes.

5 Evaluate system security training impact and outcomes

The fifth step to prioritize system security training is to evaluate its impact and outcomes on your learners and your organization. System security training should not be a one-time or periodic event, but a continuous and iterative process that measures and improves its effectiveness and efficiency. You can use metrics such as knowledge retention, skill acquisition, behavior change, and business performance to evaluate system security training impact and outcomes. You can also use feedback, surveys, and interviews to collect qualitative data and insights from your learners and stakeholders.

6 Update system security training based on changing needs and trends

The sixth and final step to prioritize system security training is to update it based on changing needs and trends in your organization and your industry. System security training should not be static or outdated, but dynamic and current, reflecting the latest best practices, standards, and regulations in system security. You can use sources such as industry reports, news articles, podcasts, and blogs to keep up with changing needs and trends in system security. You can also use tools such as learning analytics, artificial intelligence, and adaptive learning to update system security training based on your learners' progress and performance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?