You're tasked with training non-technical staff on cybersecurity. How can you make it engaging and effective?

One thing I've found helpful from real-world examples is comparing passwords to keys—by explaining that just like keys unlock doors; passwords grant access to accounts which highlighted the need for strong, unique passwords similar to having secure locks on different doors.

Present real-world analogies, like withdrawing money from your bank account. First bank clerk asks your ID and proves that it is indeed you. This is for identification and authentication. Then the clerk asks bank account number and checks that you have permission to withdraw money from the specified bank account. This is for authorization.

To teach non-technical workers in cybersecurity in an interesting and successful manner, utilise real-world analogies to make complicated topics more approachable and understandable. To keep people engaged, use interactive learning techniques such as hands-on exercises, simulations, and quizzes. Use a narrative method to highlight crucial points and make the content remember. Use visual aids such as infographics, films, and diagrams to improve comprehension. Emphasise the significance of their participation in security and provide practical ideas they can put into action right away. Provide continuing support by offering follow-up sessions, materials, and a helpdesk to reinforce learning and resolve any remaining queries or issues.

Explaining phishing to non-technical people could start with having audience members talk about going fishing and have them explain, step-by-step, what happens when you actually go fishing. As each participant talks about the process and next step to catch a fish, pause and present the cybersecurity phishing tactic that is analogous to the step they have just proffered. Use visuals to make it more interactive by drawing two columns, e.g., labeling one as "fishing" and the other as "phishing", followed by connecting the fishing step to its corresponding phishing step with a line/arrow. This should make the topic more interesting, resulting in them remembering how not to become the "fish" themselves in the future.

In my experience, adding quizzes to training sessions makes learning more engaging. For example, by including short quizzes after each module; we helped participants test their understanding immediately which reinforced key concepts and made the sessions more interactive.

In my opinion, illustrating real-world consequences through storytelling is powerful—for instance by describing how an employee's careless click on a phishing link led to a network-wide infection; we showed how individual actions can have widespread effects which emphasized personal responsibility in maintaining security.

Try to share one interesting and simple story and in the story map the element of story with technical term in cybersecurity. For example, you may share story of protecting house against robbery with cybersecurity terms like firewall, anti-malware and son on.

Always adding visual materials are better. Only by speaking learners will get 30% of material. Adding visuals like presentations and videos makes it 60%. If you make it more interactive with games and exercises, the learners can get up 90% of materials.

In my experience, using diagrams can make complex ideas clearer. For example, by showing a step-by-step diagram of how a virus infects a computer; we helped people visualize the process which made it easier for them to understand how infections spread and why certain precautions are necessary.

Focus on the results and benefits of security. Show the importance of strong passwords, the risks of using public Wi-Fi, and the need for regular software updates. When staff understand that they play a crucial role in the company's cybersecurity, they're more likely to take the training seriously and apply what they've learned.

Incentivize continuous learning by creating a process or platform that encourages repetition and revisiting content. The cybersecurity landscape changes rapidly, so content needs to be kept relevant. Consider additional gamification and competitive elements (leaderboards, advanced "leveling") and themes to keep your audience engaged so they can feel they are progressing in their journey. Rewards and recognition also goes a long way; whether small monetary gifts, t-shirts, certificates, call-outs, and others.