7 Essential Cybersecurity Training Topics to Empower Your Team

In 2025, robust cybersecurity training is not just an option — it’s a necessity. When employees understand how to defend against cyber threats, they become your organization’s strongest security asset. In this blog post, we explore seven critical topics to cover in your training program, each designed to transform your workforce into proactive defenders of your data.

7 Security Awareness Training Topics To Include

1. How to Identify and Defend Against Phishing Scams

Phishing attacks remain one of the most prevalent and damaging cyber threats. Employees must learn to recognize deceptive emails by:

• Inspecting sender addresses and email headers
• Spotting urgent language, spelling mistakes, and suspicious links
• Using real-world examples and simulated exercises

For more in-depth guidance on phishing detection, check out Keepnet’s comprehensive guide on how to spot phishing emails.

2. Mastering Social Engineering Tactics

Cybercriminals use social engineering to manipulate employees into sharing sensitive information. Training should cover:

• The various tactics in phishing, vishing (voice phishing), and smishing (SMS phishing)
• The emerging threat of deepfake phishing
• How to verify unusual requests through official channels

Learn more about the evolving threats of deepfake scams at Keepnet’s deepfake phishing article.

3. Best Practices for Password Management and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords are your first line of defense. It’s crucial to educate your team on how to:

• Create complex, unique passwords and avoid reuse
• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security
• Utilize password managers for efficient and secure credential storage

This topic is a cornerstone of robust cybersecurity — an effective training program helps employees understand why strong password policies are vital to your organization’s security.

4. Insider Threat Awareness and Reporting Procedures

Insider threats can be especially damaging. Training should empower employees to:

• Recognize unusual behaviors or deviations from standard procedures
• Overcome barriers like fear of retaliation and the bystander effect
• Use clear and confidential reporting channels

For actionable insights on how to encourage reporting and reduce insider threats, see Keepnet’s analysis on why employees fail to report insider threats.

5. Securing Third-Party and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Modern organizations rely on third-party vendors and interconnected supply chains, which can introduce vulnerabilities. Effective training should include:

• Understanding risks from third-party vendors and external partners
• Following best practices for secure data sharing and remote access
• Reviewing case studies that illustrate real-world supply chain breaches

To dive deeper into securing your supply chain, read Keepnet’s post on addressing supply chain security.

6. Incident Response: What to Do When a Breach Occurs

Even the best defenses can be breached. Ensure your training covers:

• Step-by-step incident response protocols
• How to contain breaches quickly and effectively
• The use of automated tools like Keepnet’s Incident Responder for rapid mitigation

A well-practiced incident response plan minimizes damage and recovery time, protecting both data and reputation.

7. Continuous Learning: Staying Current with Cyber Threat Trends

Cyber threats are constantly evolving. A successful training program must:

• Offer regular refreshers and updates to training modules
• Incorporate interactive simulations and quizzes for ongoing engagement
• Leverage AI-driven personalization to address individual knowledge gaps

Staying informed about emerging threats — such as generative AI in cyberattacks and quantum-resistant encryption — is essential. This continuous learning approach builds a resilient security culture across your organization.

Use Keepnet Extended Human Risk Management

Using the Keepnet Extended Human Risk Management Platform, you can implement these seven essential cybersecurity training topics and foster a proactive security awareness culture. By equipping your employees with the knowledge to detect phishing, understand social engineering, manage passwords securely, and respond effectively to incidents, you can significantly reduce your cyber risk.

Explore more at Keepnet.

Editor’s note: This article was written in 2021 and updated February 19th, 2025.