How to Tell if Your Security Awareness Programme is Actually Working

Security awareness isn’t just about ticking boxes and boasting numbers. If you want to know if your programme is truly effective, you need to look beyond the surface and focus on the signs that matter. Forget the vanity metrics; here’s what you should be paying attention to.

What Really Shows a Programme Is Working?

1. More Staff Reporting Suspicious Activities:?When your team starts flagging suspicious emails and incidents, it’s a clear sign they’re paying attention and taking security seriously. This isn’t just about attending training sessions; it’s about actively engaging with security in their daily work. Creating an environment where security is seen as everyone’s responsibility, not just the Cyber department’s problem, is a key indicator of a strong programme.
2. Fewer Policy Violations:?A drop in policy breaches shows that your team understands the rules and is committed to following them. It’s a strong indicator that your training is resonating with staff, and that they grasp the importance of adhering to security protocols.
3. Fewer Slip-Ups:?Mistakes happen, but if you’re noticing fewer alerts caused by human error, it means your programme is making a real difference. Your team is becoming more aware and cautious in their actions, which is precisely what you want to see.
4. More Near Misses:?An increase in reported near misses might seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually a good sign. It indicates that your team is more vigilant and able to spot potential issues before they escalate. This heightened awareness is crucial for maintaining a secure environment and shows that your programme is fostering a more security-conscious mindset.
5. Fewer Confirmed Incidents:?The ultimate proof of a programme’s success is a reduction in confirmed security incidents. If those numbers are going down, it’s clear your defences are effective, and your team is catching issues early, before they can cause significant damage.

Why Click Rates Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Click rates are often used to measure the success of phishing simulations, but they can be misleading. If you want a low click rate, make the phish glaringly obvious. If you want a high one, create something more sophisticated. Neither approach truly reflects your team’s awareness or learning.

A more effective method might be to engage your team in a phishing simulation contest. Encourage them to think like attackers and create their own phishing emails. This hands-on approach not only deepens their understanding of phishing tactics but also promotes active participation in security. It’s a way to move beyond passive learning and into practical application, fostering a more engaged and security-savvy workforce.

The Problem with Completion Rates

Completion rates are often seen as a metric of success, but they can be deceptive. Many training programmes are designed so that it’s nearly impossible to fail, meaning that completion doesn’t necessarily indicate that meaningful learning has taken place. Just because someone has ticked a box doesn’t mean they’ve absorbed the information or can apply it when it matters.

To truly gauge understanding, your training needs to be both challenging and relevant. It should push your team to think critically and solve problems, not just repeat information. Real learning is reflected in the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations, not just in completing an assessment.

Beware of Relying on Easy Metrics

It’s tempting to rely on simple metrics like click and completion rates because they’re easy to measure and look good in reports. However, these numbers don’t tell the whole story and can lead to a false sense of security. Instead, focus on metrics that genuinely reflect behaviour changes and increased awareness.

Consider tracking how often your team reports phishing emails or other security concerns. Analyse the types of phishing attempts that catch them out and understand why. This deeper analysis provides a clearer picture of your programme’s effectiveness and highlights areas for improvement.

Next time you’re evaluating your security programme, ask yourself: Are you measuring what really matters, or just what’s easy to count? The difference could be crucial for your organisation’s security and resilience.

If you’re ready to take your security awareness to the next level and move beyond the metrics that don’t truly reflect your organisation’s needs, Culture Gem can help. We specialise in crafting adaptive, engaging programmes that resonate with your team and drive real change. Let’s chat about how we can tailor our approach to empower your staff and strengthen your security posture. Get in touch today , and let’s build a security culture that counts.