Unlocking Cyber Security Training for Your Neurodiverse Staff

Cyber security isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It’s the backbone of keeping your organisation running smoothly, and let’s be honest, traditional training often misses the mark—especially when your staff includes neurodiverse individuals. If you’re serious about protecting what matters, you need to rethink how you deliver training so it actually resonates with everyone. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Just look at Marriott, where a massive breach affecting 500 million customers cost them over $1 billion in lost revenue and shattered customer trust (CoverLink Insurance).

Understanding Neurodiversity in Your Workplace

Neurodiversity means recognising that everyone’s brain works differently. You’ve likely got staff members with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences. These differences bring unique strengths like creativity and innovative problem-solving. But here’s the thing: if your training doesn’t account for these differences, you’re not only missing out on these strengths, you’re also leaving your organisation vulnerable.

The Struggle with Traditional Cyber Security Training

Let’s be real. The typical cyber security training, long-winded presentations, dry quizzes, just doesn’t work for everyone. For some of your staff, it’s like trying to read a novel in a foreign language: too fast, too confusing, and way too boring. When your neurodiverse employees aren’t engaged, they’re not going to absorb the crucial information. If your staff aren’t getting it, that’s on you, and it’s going to cost you big.

The Compliance Imperative

Here’s the deal: Compliance frameworks like the UK GDPR make it crystal clear that you’ve got to train your staff properly on data protection and cyber security. Article 39 of the UK GDPR puts it on data protection officers (DPOs) to oversee compliance, including staff training. And then there’s ISO/IEC 27001, the go-to standard for information security, which demands a comprehensive security training programme. Don’t forget the NIS Directive, which is all about keeping essential services secure through proper staff training.

Too many organisations are still coasting with the bare minimum - a quick session once a year, and that’s it. But look at the stats: human error contributed to 87% of breaches in 2017, rising to 90% by 2019 (CybSafe). If that doesn’t tell you more frequent, adaptable, and engaging training is essential, I don’t know what will.

Making Your Training More Inclusive

So, what’s the fix?

1. Mix Up the Delivery: Use visuals, videos, interactive elements, and real-world examples. Different formats mean different people can learn in the way that works best for them
2. Pace It Right: Give your staff the time they need to actually absorb the information. Breaking down the content into bite-sized pieces makes it easier to digest
3. Keep It Simple: Stick to clear, straightforward language, and reinforce key points with summaries to drive them home
4. Offer a Helping Hand: Sometimes, a bit of extra support goes a long way. One-on-one guidance can make all the difference for those who need it.

Why Inclusive Training Matters for You

When your training is more inclusive, it’s not just your neurodiverse staff who benefit. Everyone does. The content sticks better, and you’re significantly reducing the risk of training-related security incidents. Plus, by making sure your training programme is comprehensive and adaptable, you’re ticking all the right boxes for UK GDPR and ISO/IEC 27001 compliance. The Marriott case should be a wake-up call. If you’re not securing your systems and training your staff properly, you’re setting yourself up for a fall—massive breaches, a damaged reputation, and a serious financial hit (CoverLink Insurance). Fewer mistakes mean fewer breaches, fewer data losses, and a much lower risk of incidents that can cost you dearly.

Shameless Pitch

Cyber threats aren’t going away, and neither should your efforts to keep up. By embracing neurodiversity and shaking up your training methods, you ensure every member of your staff is ready to step up and keep your organisation secure.

That’s where Culture Gem comes in. The Culture Gem platform is designed to adapt to the diverse learning needs of your staff, offering engaging content that meets them where they are. Whether it’s interactive modules, video-based learning, or gamification, Culture Gem ensures your team isn’t just going through the motions but truly understanding and applying what they learn. With Culture Gem, you can transform your security training from a box-ticking exercise into a dynamic, inclusive experience that empowers your entire organisation. If you’re ready to make your security training as adaptable as it is effective, Culture Gem is here to help. A secure workplace is one where everyone has the tools to succeed, and where security incidents caused by training failures are a thing of the past.