ISO 27001 Awareness Training

Security awareness training is important for companies that need to comply with ISO 27001/27002 clause 7.2.2. Such ISO 27001 awareness training does not have to take several days. On-demand online training offers more flexibility for the very different working hours of employees in companies. Especially if employees do not speak German well, alternative training in English is a way to better meet the needs of the individual employee.

What is the use of security awareness training?

All companies are exposed to common risks. Some industries are particularly at risk or have typical points of attack that other industries do not experience due to a lack of critical components. When the workforce is educated in an understandable and targeted manner, companies build a cyber-resilient workforce. The ISO 27001 standard expects top management to provide all necessary resourcesfor employee training.

Does awareness training reduce user-related security incidents?

Most data breaches arise from the activities of your own employees. These cybersecurity incidents are due to a lack of expertise (IT skills shortage), lack of insight (ignorance in other departments), inadequate training (austerity measures) or negligent behavior. Cybercriminals are often aided by a lack of knowledge and misconduct on the part of the workforce. Employees share their access data with a stranger on the phone without hesitation, thereby allowing hackers into the company network. Curious employees insert found USB sticks into their work computers and infect the entire company. Clerks ignore the regulations and click on infected email attachments.

Scientific studies show how effectively regular and interesting cyber security awareness training protects an organization. Several insurance companies have recognized a damage-reducing effect. The damage levels decrease exponentially the more management consistently trains internal and external employees on a regular basis. Due to the extremely high financial losses from ransomware and hacker attacks, the costs of the risk-oriented security awareness training programs were paid off for the company after just 3 months.

How realistic is ISO 27001-compliant security awareness training?

In order for employee training to have realistic content, findings from internal and external information security incidents are used. One must view these focused courses as part of human risk management. Although ISO 27001 does not require you to run simulated phishing campaigns, it is more effective to use them throughout the year. Even simplified policy management can never replace information security awareness training.

Employees often do not understand the changes in the threat landscape. Some citizens believe that the government is responsible for protecting the population and economy. They place too high expectations on the limited human and technical capacities of the authorities. First and foremost, every citizen must actively contribute to security through their personal behavior. Ignorance does not protect against punishment or damage, because: one acts without guilt if, when committing the act, one lacks the insightthat one is doing injustice, as long as this error could not have been avoided.

Insurance companies are also not willing to insure risksand damages resulting from (intentionally) negligent behavior. Therefore, some insurance companies require their customers to improve basic cybersecurity accordingly. Only after ISO 27001 certification, employee training and several security tests (e.g. penetration tests) have been carried out are some well-known insurers prepared to issue an insurance policy. Consequently, ISO 27001-compliant security awareness training must be realistic to the extent that employees understand the seriousness of the situation and voluntarily commit to actively contributing more to security. This also includes understanding how to follow company policies in the daily work environment. Practical education for the workforce also reduces operating costs.

Why is awareness training for ISO 27001 necessary?

In order to ensure a functioning ISMS, companies must document the training of their employees. During an ISO 27001 audit, the audit team can request the training program documents. The training documents show that employees regularly undergo ISO 27001 security awareness training.

Safety awareness training is designed to educate employees about potential hazards and to create a basic understanding of how everyone can contribute to greater safety. The aim is not to stir up fear of reprisals or dangers. Personnel must behave correctly in the event of information security incidents. Reality shows that not every employee and worker can optimally deal with the modern digital working world. Age, qualifications and difficulties in understanding make it difficult for employees to behave correctly in a threatening situation.

The training requirements of ISO 27001 and other related standards (e.g. TISAX) can be met with convenient and compact courses. Instruction must be clear and without technical terms. This will then make it easier for colleagues in other departments to avoid cyber threats. In this way, they also help their IT colleagues to largely protect the company from dangers.

Group of students collaborating on a project, using markers and stationery on large paper, in a casual learning environment, emphasizing teamwork and digital learning strategies.

Which training courses provide employees with basic knowledge for more information security in the company?

The following training courses help companies to train their employees in an economically viable manner in order to meet legal/regulatory requirements:

  • Data protection instructions (GDPR)
  • ISO 27001: Information Security Awareness Training

How do you save working time when training employees?

The Econry Academy training program offers virtual classroom training and self-service video tutorials worldwide. It is obvious that user courses do not take up too much working time and that sustainable learning success is achieved. This will help employees better deal with information security threats. ISO 27001 certified operations can maintain compliance standards through automated user training programs. It is important that ISO 27001 awareness training for employees provides a basic understanding before adding ontop more complex knowledge. This is due to the fact that iso 27001 awareness related requirements expect more than a big poster in your lobby.

What is the correct approach to awareness training?

The following elements increase the sustainability of an investment in security awareness training:

  • Management takes responsibility for security awareness
  • Analysis of the existing security level
  • Training plan with regular and consistent actions
  • Repeated verification of learning achievements and security awareness
  • Sustainable dealing with employees who act incorrectly
  • Retraining of inadequately trained employees
  • Implement policy processes transparently and measurably

When researching the internet for ISO 27001 awareness training, you will notice that there are a lot of free, cheap and costly offers.  You need to pick a iso 27001 security awareness training wisely. The most expensive might keep your staff so occupied that they forget to attend to your clients.

Training should match roles and risk exposure

There are 3 levels of Security Awareness Training that are recommended for employees based on their work environment and responsiblities. 

  • Entry Level: Basic Security Awareness Training (SAT)
  • Expert level: Financial Security Awareness Training
  • Advanced Level: Cyber Security awareness Training

Entry Level Security Awareness Training

The following videos are part of the training collection for security awareness in all departments of an organisation. It is important for staff to understand why cyber security is important and how it might apply to their own work environment. This will not make the into cyber security experts but into more responsible and sensible contributors to the organisations safety.

FAQ regarding awareness trainings

Improved awareness enhances security by ensuring employees are informed about cybersecurity risks, understand their role in mitigating threats, and actively contribute to the organization's overall security posture. This leads to a more cyber-resilient workforce and reduces the likelihood of security incidents due to human error or ignorance.

The core principles of ISO 27001 encompass establishing an information security management system (ISMS), understanding the context of the organization, leadership commitment, continual improvement, and risk-based thinking.

Integrating awareness training in ISO 27001 ensures that employees receive targeted training tailored to their needs, making them more cyber-resilient. It also helps meet the standard's requirements for providing necessary resources for employee education.

ISO 27001 seminars offer the benefit of providing employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to a cyberresilient workforce. These seminars help employees understand the importance of cybersecurity, enabling them to follow company policies and protect the organization from potential threats effectively.

ISO 27001 certification benefits organizations by ensuring that they have the necessary resources for employee training, leading to a cyber-resilient workforce. This certification also helps companies mitigate security incidents caused by factors like lack of IT expertise or negligence, ultimately reducing financial losses and improving overall security awareness within the organization.

Awareness training can help mitigate data breaches by educating employees on cybersecurity best practices and promoting a security-conscious culture within the organization. Organizations that invest in comprehensive security awareness programs are better equipped to prevent and respond to potential security incidents effectively.

Awareness training should be refreshed regularly to ensure employees stay informed and up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity practices. It is recommended to conduct refresher training sessions at least annually or more frequently if needed to address emerging threats or changes in the organization's security policies.

ISO 27001 trainings cover topics such as information security management system (ISMS), risk management, security controls, compliance requirements, incident response, and best practices for ensuring data protection and confidentiality.

The effectiveness of awareness training is typically measured through metrics such as reduction in security incidents, improvement in employee compliance with security policies, and feedback from employees on their understanding of cybersecurity practices. Conducting regular security tests and simulations, tracking the completion rates of training modules, and analyzing incident response times post-training are also common ways to evaluate the impact of awareness training on an organization's cybersecurity posture.

ISO 27001 does address user awareness by expecting top management to provide necessary resources for employee training and emphasizing the importance of security awareness programs to build a cyberresilient workforce.

Awareness training in cybersecurity helps employees understand potential risks and empowers them to actively contribute to a secure work environment, ultimately reducing the likelihood of cybersecurity threats. Regular security awareness programs create a more vigilant workforce, increasing the overall cyber-resilience of the organization.

The return on investment (ROI) of ISO 27001 certification can be seen through the reduction in security incidents, decreased financial losses from cyber attacks, and the development of a cyber-resilient workforce. Additionally, it helps build trust with clients and partners, leading to potential revenue growth and business opportunities.

Ongoing awareness training is crucial because it helps employees stay informed about cybersecurity threats and best practices, enabling them to actively contribute to the company's security posture and protect against potential risks. Regular training ensures that employees remain vigilant and knowledgeable in an ever-evolving digital landscape, reducing the likelihood of security incidents due to human error or ignorance.

The target audience for ISO 27001 training should include all employees in an organization, regardless of their role or level, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of information security practices and protocols. It is essential for everyone to be aware of their responsibilities in maintaining a cyber-resilient workforce.

Awareness supports compliance efforts by educating employees on security protocols and guidelines to ensure they understand their role in maintaining compliance. This training helps reduce the likelihood of non-compliance incidents by empowering staff to make informed decisions that align with regulatory requirements.

Gaining ISO 27001 certification involves several stages including preparation, gap analysis, implementation, internal audit, management review, and external certification audit. Each stage is crucial in demonstrating compliance with information security management practices and achieving the certification.

Awareness in information security is crucial as it helps educate employees about potential risks and how to contribute to a more secure environment. By increasing awareness, individuals are more likely to identify and prevent security breaches within an organization.

Prerequisites for ISO 27001 courses typically include a basic understanding of information security concepts and familiarity with the organization's security policies and procedures. Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements may also be beneficial for participants.

The time frame for renewing ISO 27001 certification varies depending on the certification body and the organization's requirements. It is typically recommended to renew every 3 years to ensure ongoing compliance.

An awareness seminar typically covers cyber security threats, best practices for data protection, how to identify phishing emails, and the importance of following company security policies. It aims to educate employees on potential risks and how to contribute to a more secure work environment.

Developing an ISO 27001 training plan involves creating a comprehensive program tailored to the individual needs of employees, focusing on cyber-resilience and security awareness. It should include realistic content based on internal and external security incidents, as well as regular security awareness sessions to ensure a sustainable learning outcome.

Metrics assessing security awareness effectiveness typically include phishing simulation success rates, completion rates of security training modules, incident reporting rates, and employee feedback on security practices. Regular evaluation of these metrics can help organizations gauge the impact of their security awareness programs and identify areas for improvement.

ISO 27001 compliance is certified by independent certification bodies accredited by organizations such as ANSI or UKAS.

Companies may fail at awareness training due to factors such as lack of critical components, insufficient resources, or employees' non-compliance with security protocols. Effective training programs that address individual needs and include realistic content based on internal and external security incidents can help build a cyber-resilient workforce.

Tailoring awareness programs to employees involves understanding their individual needs and language preferences, such as offering training in English for those who may not be proficient in the local language (e.g. Dutch, German, Polish). By catering to specific employee requirements, companies can build a cyberresilient workforce that is more adept at recognizing and mitigating security threats.

Leadership plays a crucial role in driving awareness initiatives and setting the tone for a security-conscious culture within an organization. Strong leadership can inspire employees to take cybersecurity seriously and prioritize best practices in their daily activities.

Awareness training can help prevent fines by educating employees on cybersecurity risks and fostering a culture of security compliance within the organization. Implementing effective security awareness programs can significantly reduce the likelihood of costly data breaches and non-compliance penalties.

To cultivate a culture of security awareness, provide ongoing cybersecurity training in a language that employees understand, tailor it to their needs, and document their participation to ensure a sustainable learning impact. Encourage employees to actively contribute to security measures by understanding and following company policies consistently.

Typical outcomes of ISO 27001 training include a cyber-resilient workforce, increased employee awareness of cybersecurity risks, compliance with security protocols, and a reduction in security incidents within the organization.Participants gain knowledge on how to effectively contribute to the security of the company, leading to improved overall cybersecurity posture.

Prioritizing awareness in risk management is crucial to empower employees with knowledge and skills to prevent cyber threats effectively. It helps create a cyberresilient workforce by addressing specific needs and vulnerabilities, especially for those with limited proficiency in the German language.