50 Security Awareness Training Topics for 2025: A CISO Playbook

The Top 50 Essential Security Awareness Training Topics of 2025 provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the most pressing information security awareness topics, ranging from phishing attacks to social engineering and cloud security.

In 2025, businesses face an increasingly complex landscape of cyber threats, making it essential to prioritize cyber security awareness topics for employees. Effective training on computer security topics can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.

This blog post provides a detailed exploration of these key security awareness topics, offering actionable insights to help your organization tackle cybersecurity challenges and stay ahead of evolving threats.

Why Knowing Essential Cybersecurity Awareness Training Topics Is Critical

Understanding key cybersecurity awareness training topics isn’t just a best practice; it’s a frontline defense against today’s most dangerous digital threats.

From phishing emails and password leaks to social engineering and ransomware attacks, a single uninformed click can cost a company millions.

Here are some points why it is significant to get latest security awareness training topics for your employees:

• Human Error Is the Weakest Link in Cybersecurity: Studies show that over 90% of data breaches are caused by human error, not technical failure. Most attackers don’t hack systems; they hack people. That’s why training employees on essential topics, like identifying phishing attempts, recognizing social engineering tactics, securing mobile devices, and practicing strong password hygiene—is non-negotiable in today’s threat landscape.
• Cyber Threats Are Constantly Evolving: Hackers adapt quickly. New scams, like deepfake voice fraud, QR code phishing, or MFA phishing attacks, are targeting even the most tech-savvy employees.
• Compliance and Risk Management Demands It: Regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and NIST require businesses to implement ongoing security awareness programs. Failing to meet these requirements can result in legal penalties, audit failures, and significant reputational damage.
• Cybersecurity Isn’t Just IT’s Job Anymore: In a zero-trust world, every employee is part of the security team—from HR to finance to customer support. Training that’s tailored to different roles and risk profiles makes your entire workforce smarter and safer.
• It’s the Foundation of a Security Culture: Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time training—it’s a mindset. When employees are educated on essential topics regularly, they begin to take ownership of security.

Top 50 Security Awareness Training Topics for Employees (2025 Edition)

In 2025, addressing cyber threats effectively requires a focus on 50 interconnected security awareness topics.

Phishing attacks and social engineering continue to exploit human vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for strong passwords and authentication practices, including multi-factor authentication.

As more people rely on smartphones and online storage, mobile device security and cloud security have become critical cyber security training topics for protecting sensitive data.

The shift to remote work and frequent use of public Wi-Fi networks introduce additional risks, making secure practices essential in these environments.

Safe internet and email use, which are key computer security topics, are vital to prevent malware infections and data breaches.

In this comprehensive guide, we outline 50 top cybersecurity awareness topics that should be covered in your security awareness training program.

These range from basic security knowledge to advanced emerging threats – arming your employees with the know-how to recognize and thwart attacks.

Whether you’re planning a presentation, an annual refresher course, or a monthly awareness session, this list of security awareness topics for employees will help you build an effective, up-to-date program.

Fifty Essential Cybersecurity Awareness Topics

1. Phishing Attacks (Email Phishing): Phishing is the practice of sending fake emails to trick users into revealing information or clicking malicious links. It remains the #1 security threat vector – over 90% of cyberattacks begin with a phishing email . Employees should learn how to spot phishing red flags like suspicious senders, generic greetings, urgent language, and unexpected attachments. Emphasize that cyber awareness topics must start with phishing awareness, since a single click on a fake email can lead to malware infections or data breaches.
2. Spear Phishing (Targeted Phishing): Spear phishing is a more focused form of phishing where attackers tailor emails to a specific individual or organization. These messages often reference names, job roles, or projects to seem legitimate. For instance, a spear phishing email might appear to come from a colleague or business partner.
3. Business Email Compromise (CEO Fraud): In Business Email Compromise (BEC), attackers impersonate executives or vendors to trick employees into transferring money or sensitive info. Often called CEO fraud, these scams might involve a hacker spoofing the CEO’s email and urgently requesting a wire transfer or confidential files. Employees – especially those in finance or with access to sensitive data – should be trained to recognize security briefing topics like BEC. Emphasize verification of any financial requests (e.g. calling the executive or supplier directly) and a healthy dose of skepticism for emails insisting on secrecy or rushing a payment. Notably, FBI reports have shown BEC to cause billions in losses annually, so this is one of the top security awareness topics to communicate to staff handling payments.
4. Smishing (SMS Phishing): Smishing is phishing via SMS text messages. Attackers send texts that appear to be from banks, delivery services, or IT support, often with a link to a malicious site. Train employees that the same caution they use with suspicious emails applies to text messages.
5. Vishing (Voice Call Scams): Vishing involves fake phone calls where the attacker poses as someone trustworthy (IT helpdesk, bank officer, government agent, etc.) to extract information. Employees might receive calls from “tech support” asking for their login password or from a scammer pretending to be a colleague in distress. As part of security awareness training best practices, teach staff to never divulge passwords or sensitive data over the phone unless they initiated the call and can verify the recipient. Provide examples of common vishing scenarios, such as fake IRS/CRA tax officer calls or tech support scams, and encourage employees to report any suspicious calls.
6. Quishing (QR Code Phishing): Quishing is a newer threat where attackers use QR codes to direct victims to malicious sites. Because QR codes are often used for convenience (e.g. menus, authentication apps), people may scan them without second thought. Include cybersecurity awareness topics 2025 like quishing to keep training up-to-date.
7. Social Engineering Attacks (Human Deception): Social engineering is the broad term for manipulating people into breaking normal security procedures. Phishing, vishing, and smishing are all forms of social engineering, but this topic also covers in-person tactics.
8. Pretexting and Impersonation Scams: Pretexting is a social engineering technique where the attacker invents a scenario (a “pretext”) to persuade the target to divulge information or perform an action. An example is a caller pretending to be a new vendor needing account details, or an email from “HR” asking you to update your information on a fraudulent site. Impersonation attack can also happen in person – like someone dressing as an IT repair technician to access a server room.
9. Quid Pro Quo Scams (Fraudulent Offers): A quid pro quo attack is when an attacker offers something desirable in exchange for information or access. For instance, a scammer might promise a free gift scam or tech support help if the employee disables security software or provides their login credentials. Educate employees that “something for something” deals coming from strangers are often too good to be true.
10. Malware and Viruses: Malware is malicious software designed to damage or infiltrate systems. Common types include viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and keyloggers. Every employee should have basic knowledge of malware: how it can arrive (email attachments, downloads, infected USBs) and what it can do (steal data, corrupt files, give hackers control).
11. Ransomware Attacks: Ransomware is a particularly damaging type of malware that encrypts an organization’s data and demands payment (a ransom) for the decryption key. Ransomware incidents have grown sharply – for instance, recent data shows ransomware was involved in 44% of breaches, up from 32% the year before . Employees need to know how ransomware typically infiltrates (often through phishing emails or malicious downloads) and how to respond. Training should stress never to ignore warning signs: if a document or link seems suspicious, it’s better to double-check than to risk a ransomware infection. Also, instruct staff on immediate steps if ransomware is suspected (e.g. disconnect from the network, report to IT). Combine this topic with lessons about data backups (see topic #50) so employees understand that having backups can drastically reduce the damage from ransomware.
12. Password Security and Management: Weak or compromised passwords remain a major security vulnerability. Every employee should learn password best practices: use strong, complex passwords or passphrases, never reuse passwords across different accounts, and change passwords periodically (or whenever a breach is suspected). This topic can include practical tips like using a reputable password manager to generate and securely store unique passwords for all accounts.
13. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA (also called two-factor authentication) adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password – usually something like a one-time code texted to your phone or an authenticator app prompt. Train employees on the importance of MFA for all sensitive accounts. Even if an attacker steals a password, MFA can stop them from logging in. Highlight that many breaches of cloud services, email, or VPNs could have been prevented if MFA was enabled. Make sure staff know how to set up and use the MFA methods your organization supports (e.g. mobile authenticator apps, hardware tokens, biometric factors). This is one of the security awareness training topics that is very actionable: after training, employees should be encouraged (or required) to enable MFA on both work accounts and even personal services like banking and email for better protection. Also, run MFA phishing simulations to help employees recognize MFA fatigue attacks.
14. Safe Internet Browsing & URL Awareness: Web browsing is something everyone does daily, so it’s critical to cover internet security awareness training. Employees should be aware of the dangers of visiting untrusted websites, malware can be delivered via compromised sites or malicious ads (malvertising).
15. Email Security Best Practices: Beyond phishing, there are many security topics for the workplace related to proper email use. Employees should learn not to send sensitive information (like customer data or passwords) over email unless absolutely necessary and only using approved secure methods (encryption or secure file shares).
16. Physical Security (Tailgating & Facility Access): Cybersecurity isn’t only digital; physical security awareness training topics are equally important. Tailgating is when an unauthorized person follows an authorized employee through a secure door (for example, sneaking into the office behind someone with a badge).
17. Clean Desk & Screen Lock Policy: A clean desk policy means that sensitive information (on paper or on screen) should be secured when unattended. Employees should be trained to lock their computer screens whenever they step away, even for a moment – this prevents opportunistic viewing or misuse of their logged-in session. Likewise, important documents should not be left out in the open; papers containing confidential or personal data should be filed away or shredded when no longer needed (see topic #45 on secure disposal). This training topic might involve security awareness examples like an office “walking tour” where common mistakes are pointed out (e.g. passwords on sticky notes, confidential files left on a printer, unlocked computers). By fostering the habit of locking screens (often enforced by IT with auto-lock timers) and clearing off sensitive materials, organizations reduce the risk of unauthorized access in the workplace. It’s a simple but vital component of overall information security program.
18. Device Security (Laptops & Desktops): Company-provided computers need to be protected both digitally and physically. In training, cover best practices for device security: using strong login credentials for the device itself, encrypting the hard drive (IT may enforce this, but employees should know not to disable it), and never disabling security software like antivirus or firewalls. Also, caution employees about installing unauthorized software – any apps or extensions should be approved to avoid introducing vulnerabilities (this ties into Shadow IT in topic #24). On the physical side, employees should not leave laptops unattended in public places (e.g. don’t walk away from your laptop at a coffee shop or airport gate).
19. Mobile Device & BYOD Security: Many organizations allow or even rely on employee mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) for work – through email, messaging, or apps – which is often referred to as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). It’s critical to address mobile security training topics for employees. Instruct staff on setting strong PINs/passwords or biometric locks on their devices, so if a phone is lost or stolen, the data isn’t easily accessible.
20. Wi-Fi Security (Secure Wireless Networks): This topic covers both the workplace Wi-Fi and public/home networks. Educate employees on the risks of public Wi-Fi – attackers can set up fake hotspots or snoop on unsecured wireless traffic. Advise using a VPN when connecting remotely via public networks, or better yet, avoid doing sensitive work on public Wi-Fi altogether. For home networks (particularly relevant for remote workers), train employees to secure their Wi-Fi with a strong unique password and use WPA2/WPA3 encryption. They should change default router passwords and keep the router firmware updated (basic IT awareness topics that significantly improve security). Additionally, discuss the concept of Man-in-the-Middle attacks that can occur on unencrypted Wi-Fi, so they understand why these precautions matter. In the office, remind users not to set up rogue Wi-Fi access points (like personal hotspots or routers) without IT approval, as these can interfere with corporate network security. Moreover, attackers can use WiFi Pineapple, a powerful tool used by hackers to create fake Wi-Fi hotspots, get data, and create attacks.
21. Social Media Safety (Protecting Info Online): Employees’ presence on social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) can inadvertently expose information that attackers use. In security awareness sessions, discuss how oversharing can be risky. For example, posting details about your job, projects, or vacation schedule could be leveraged in a phishing attack or social engineering plot. Encourage staff to review their privacy settings so that personal posts aren’t publicly visible by default.
22. Social Media Scams and Fraud: Beyond personal privacy, social media platforms are rife with scams that can target employees either in their personal life or as a way to breach the company. Training should cover common social media cyber threats: fake friend requests (perhaps an attacker posing as a recruiter or a colleague) that lead to trust-building then malicious links, fraudulent messages like “urgent charity appeal” or investment opportunities that are phony, and phishing via social media direct messages. A notable example is LinkedIn phishing, where attackers send a message with a supposed job offer or security update, tricking users into giving credentials.
23. Insider Threats: Not all threats come from the outside. An insider threat is a security risk originating from within the company – this could be a malicious insider (like a disgruntled employee or someone bribed/coerced by attackers) or simply a well-meaning employee who accidentally exposes data. Awareness training for insider threats should convey the importance of following the principle of least privilege (employees only have access to data/systems they need for their job) and of reporting suspicious behavior.
24. Shadow IT Risks: Shadow IT refers to software, apps, or cloud services that employees use without formal approval from IT/security teams. Examples include using personal Google Drive or Dropbox for work files, downloading an unvetted productivity app, or using an unauthorized messaging platform to discuss company business. While often well-intentioned (to get the job done quickly), Shadow IT can introduce vulnerabilities – these tools might not be secure, backed up, or compliant with regulations. In this training topic, educate employees on why using approved tools is important for security.
25. Privacy and Personal Data Protection: With data privacy regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and others, protecting personal information is not just ethical but legally required. Employees should be aware of what constitutes personal data (customer names, contact info, ID numbers, health information, etc.) and the policies around collecting, using, and sharing it.
26. Data Classification and Secure Handling: Many organizations implement data classification schemes (e.g. Public, Internal, Confidential, Highly Sensitive) to categorize information assets. Educate employees on the classification levels your company uses and the handling rules for each. For instance, public data might be things like marketing materials that can be freely shared, while confidential data could be financial records or intellectual property that must be encrypted and only shared on a need-to-know basis.
27. Compliance Standards (PCI DSS, HIPAA, etc.): Depending on your industry, employees may need training on specific security compliance standards or regulations. For example, if you handle credit card payments, PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance is critical – employees in finance or retail roles should know the do’s and don’ts of processing and storing cardholder data. In healthcare, HIPAA mandates safeguarding patient information; staff must be aware of rules like not discussing patient data in public areas or leaving records unsecured.
28. Security Policies & Acceptable Use: Every organization should have documented security policies and an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for company systems. Use this training topic to walk employees through the highlights of those policies. Cover things like: rules for using work computers (e.g. no installing personal software or visiting risky websites), guidelines for remote access, email and internet usage expectations, and consequences for policy violations. The idea is to ensure employees understand the “rules of the road” for maintaining security in their day-to-day work.
29. Remote Work Security (Home Office): Remote and hybrid work is now commonplace, so employees must extend their security practices to the home environment. Training for remote work security should compile many of the earlier points (Wi-Fi security, device security, clean desk, etc.) into a scenario-focused module. Key points include: using a secure, password-protected home Wi-Fi (and a VPN if accessing internal systems), not sharing work devices with family or housemates, keeping work devices locked and secured just like in the office, and being cautious of who might overhear sensitive calls or see confidential info on your screen at home.
30. Travel Security (On-the-Go Protection): When employees travel for work (or even commute with devices), they face unique security challenges. Awareness training for travel security covers practices like: not checking in laptops or sensitive electronics with baggage (always carry-on, to avoid loss or tampering), avoiding public computers (e.g. hotel business center PCs) for logging into work accounts, and being careful with USB charging ports (due to “juice jacking” risks, where a compromised charging station can infect your phone – using a USB data blocker or just charging via your own adapter is safer).
31. Removable Media & USB Device Safety: USB drives, external hard disks, and other removable media are convenient for storing and transferring files – but they also pose risks. In training, highlight the dangers: malware can spread through infected USB sticks (e.g., the notorious Stuxnet was introduced via USB), and lost or stolen drives can lead to data breaches if they contain unencrypted sensitive data. The rules for employees should be clear: never plug in an unknown USB drive – if you find one in the parking lot or get one as a freebie, treat it with suspicion (it could be a trap loaded with malware).
32. Baiting Attacks (Dropped USB Scams): This is a specific case of both social engineering and removable media risk that warrants attention. A baiting attack is when an attacker “baits” an employee by leaving an infected device (like a USB stick or even an audio CD) in a place where someone will pick it up, out of either curiosity or helpfulness, and plug it into their computer – thereby installing malware. In security awareness sessions, recount how penetration testers or malicious actors have left USB drives labeled “Confidential” or “Bonuses 2025” in lobbies or parking lots, knowing that someone might take the bait. The training message: Do not plug in found devices. Instead, employees should turn them over to IT security.
33. Incident Reporting and Response: Despite all precautions, mistakes and incidents will happen. What’s critical is that employees know how to respond to cyber incidents. Every awareness program should train staff on the incident reporting process. This includes what types of events to report (e.g. clicking on a phishing link, losing a laptop or phone, noticing strange behavior on their computer, seeing someone tailgating, etc.) and how to report them (which might be an internal portal, a specific email address or phone number, or even an anonymous hotline).
34. Software Updates and Patch Management: One of the simplest yet most effective security measures is keeping software up-to-date. Outdated software (operating systems, applications, browsers, plugins) often contains known vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. In training, stress to employees that those “annoying” update notifications are critically important.
35. Defense in Depth (Layered Security): Defense in depth is a foundational principle in cybersecurity, meaning multiple layers of defense are in place to protect information. This concept might sound abstract for non-IT employees, but it’s worth including at a high level to justify why certain rules exist. Explain to staff that no single security control is foolproof – for example, even if we have a firewall, a phishing email might still get through; even if we have antivirus, it might not catch everything. Therefore, we implement many overlapping defenses: firewalls, antivirus, email filters, data encryption, data backups, etc., plus user awareness training as a human firewall. In practice, this topic reassures employees that the company is taking many measures to protect data, but also reminds them why their role is vital.
36. Cybersecurity Basics (Terminology & Concepts): Especially for new hires or those without a technical background, a short primer on basic cybersecurity concepts can be very helpful. Cover fundamental terms like “firewall” (a network security device that blocks unauthorized access), “encryption” (scrambling data so only authorized parties can read it), “VPN” (secure tunnel for remote communication), and “virus vs. malware” distinctions, etc. This topic ensures a common baseline of understanding.
37. Understanding the Threat Landscape: In 2025, the cyber threat landscape includes a mix of traditional dangers and emerging trends. This training topic involves giving employees a “big picture” overview of current threats out there in the world, beyond just the workplace. Discuss high-profile incidents or news (in an accessible way) – for example, the rise of attacks leveraging artificial intelligence or an uptick in supply chain breaches affecting many companies. You might mention how ransomware gangs operate, or that nation-state hackers target certain industries. The purpose isn’t to scare, but to inform and underline why we ask employees to be vigilant. When people see how cyber threats are constantly in the headlines and evolving, they understand that security is not a one-time concern but an ongoing effort. This could also be a place to mention cybersecurity awareness trends like the use of deepfakes (tying into topic #42) or the increasing importance of security in remote work.
38. Supply Chain Security Risks: Modern organizations rely on a multitude of vendors, software providers, and partners – this interconnectedness is known as the supply chain. Cyber attackers have started targeting smaller suppliers as a stepping stone to larger targets (for example, compromising a software update from a vendor to infiltrate many of its customers at once, as seen in some notable breaches). Employees should be aware that not all threats come directly; some come indirectly through third parties that initiating supply chain attacks. For non-technical staff, the key takeaway is to be cautious and follow procedures when dealing with vendors or third-party services. For instance, verify requests that claim to be from vendors (similar to BEC scams where attackers pretend to be suppliers). If your procurement or onboarding process for new vendors includes security checks, explain that and encourage employees to abide by those processes (not sidestep them due to urgency). Also, if an employee is responsible for managing a supplier relationship, they should know what to do if that supplier announces a breach (e.g., immediately inform your security team). Supply chain security awareness ties together many items: it’s about diligence, following approved channels, and understanding that “trust” in cybersecurity is transitive – we have to trust our suppliers to be secure too, and thus we assess and monitor that trust.
39. Secure Software Development (DevSecOps): This topic is especially relevant for employees in IT, software engineering, or product development roles, but it’s good for everyone to know the concept. Secure software development means integrating security practices throughout the coding and development process (often called DevSecOps – Development, Security, Operations).
40. Cloud Security Awareness (SaaS & Storage): Companies have widely adopted cloud services – from file storage like Google Drive/OneDrive to SaaS applications for almost every function. Cloud security awareness means teaching employees how to use cloud services safely.
41. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Risks & Safe Use: AI is a double-edged sword in cybersecurity. On one hand, organizations use AI for defense; on the other, attackers abuse AI to make more convincing phishing or automate attacks. In 2025, employees should be aware of how AI intersects with security. One aspect is AI cybersecurity threats – like phishing emails that are now perfectly written (no more obvious grammar mistakes) or voice deepfakes that can mimic a colleague’s or executive’s voice on a phone call. This ties into topics #42 and #3 (deepfakes and BEC). Explain that as AI makes attacks harder to spot, our vigilance must increase. The other aspect is employees’ use of AI tools (like ChatGPT and other generative AI) at work.
42. Deepfake and AI-Generated Content Threats: Following on AI risks, give special attention to deepfakes – manipulated media (video, audio, images) created by AI to convincingly impersonate real people. Deepfakes can be used to spread disinformation or to conduct scams (imagine a video call where an employee thinks they’re seeing and hearing their CEO telling them to transfer money – but it’s a deepfake). In training, show an example (if possible) of a benign deepfake to demonstrate how real they can appear. Then outline how to handle it: if something feels off in a video or voice request – such as the person’s mannerisms or timing seem unusual or the request is out of character – it’s wise to double-check. Perhaps verify via another channel (call them on a known number, for instance).
43. Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Scams: With the rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, a variety of scams and security issues have followed. Even if your business isn’t directly dealing with crypto, employees could be targeted by crypto-related fraud, or the company could be indirectly affected (for example, attackers demanding ransom in Bitcoin). Include in awareness training some common crypto scams: phishing for crypto wallet keys, fake crypto investment schemes (Ponzi schemes), or fraudulent initial coin offerings (ICOs). Also, address the misconception that blockchain is automatically secure – while the technology is secure, the human interfaces around it (exchanges, wallets) are frequent points of failure. If any employees handle the organization’s cryptocurrency or use blockchain tech in their job, emphasize secure practices like using hardware wallets, enabling MFA on exchange accounts, and being careful of social engineering (since crypto transactions are irreversible) and best blockchain security practices. Moreover, attackers might use lures involving crypto (“pay your invoice in Bitcoin to this address”) as part of broader attacks.
44. Secure Credit Card and Payment Handling: If employees are involved in processing payments or handling credit card information (even just corporate credit cards for travel), they need specific guidance. Reinforce the rules of PCI DSS if applicable: never write down full credit card numbers or CVVs, don’t transmit card details over email or chat, and use only approved payment systems for charging customers (no storing card details in spreadsheets!).
45. Secure Disposal of Data and Devices: When information or hardware has reached end-of-life, disposing of it improperly can undo a lot of security effort. Train employees on the correct ways to dispose of various media. Paper documents: anything containing sensitive or personal information should be shredded (cross-cut shredders or secure shredding services) rather than tossed in regular trash or recycle bins.
46. Situational Awareness & Security Mindset: Building a truly security-conscious workforce means encouraging a constant level of alertness – not paranoia, but awareness. Situational awareness in security means paying attention to one’s environment and spotting when something isn’t right. In the office, that could be noticing an unfamiliar person walking around unsupervised, or realizing a coworker’s badge was left on a desk and securing it.
47. Internet of Things (IoT) Security: IoT devices are the “smart” gadgets – from voice assistants and smart TVs to connected appliances and sensors – that often exist in workplaces and homes. They can improve productivity and comfort but may introduce vulnerabilities if not managed. Employees should learn that IoT devices, like any network device, need to be secured. For those in office roles, this might mean knowing policies about connecting personal smart devices to the company network (usually not allowed without approval). For example, an employee shouldn’t plug in a random smart coffee maker or IP camera into the corporate LAN, as it could be a weakly secured entry point for attackers.
48. Personal Cybersecurity Hygiene: An employee’s personal cyber habits can impact the organization. For instance, if they reuse their work password on a personal site that gets breached, attackers could try that password at work. Or if they fall for a scam in their personal email, it might affect their work device or mental state. So, investing a bit in employees’ personal security awareness is mutually beneficial. Cover the basics: use strong, separate passwords for personal accounts (maybe re-plug the idea of password managers for home use too), enable MFA on personal email and banking, be cautious on social media (as discussed), and keep personal devices updated and with antivirus. You might also encourage them to educate their family, since a breach of a home computer shared with a family member could risk work info too (especially for remote workers).
49. Building a Security Awareness Culture: Having covered all these security awareness topics, it’s important to zoom out and emphasize that security isn’t a one-time training – it’s an ongoing culture. This topic is aimed more at managers and the organization as a whole, but every employee plays a role. Explain what a “security-aware culture” looks like: people feel responsible for security, they proactively share security tips or news, they aren’t afraid to report incidents or ask questions, and security considerations are built into daily workflows and decisions. Encourage leadership and team leads to talk about security regularly (not just during annual training) – maybe start team meetings occasionally with a quick “security moment” topic or use internal newsletters to highlight tips (those looking for cyber security awareness ideas can implement things like security trivia contests or reward programs for reporting phish).
50. Data Backup and Recovery Awareness: While backing up data is often the responsibility of IT, end-users play a vital part. They should be aware of what data (files, emails, databases) in their purview is backed up and what isn’t. For example, if they save files to a network drive or company cloud storage, those are likely backed up by IT; but if they hoard important work files only on their laptop’s desktop, those might not be. Encourage employees to follow company guidelines on where to store files (so that they’re included in backups).

Best Practices for Security Awareness Training Programs (2025)

Creating a robust security awareness program involves more than just picking topics. Here are some security awareness training best practices to maximize impact:

• Make Training Engaging and Relevant: Use interactive content, real-world scenarios, and even a bit of humor where appropriate. Consider gamified learning or friendly competitions (for example, who can spot the most phishing emails in a simulation exercise).
• Frequency and Reinforcement: Rather than a once-a-year marathon session, shorter, more frequent trainings or refreshers help knowledge stick.
• Leadership and Culture: Encourage leaders and managers to model security-conscious behavior and to talk openly about security. If executives promptly report phishing attempts they receive, or share a story in a town hall about how an employee prevented an incident, it sends a strong message. Building a culture (as discussed in topic #49) means everyone, from top to bottom, values security.
• Measure and Adapt: Use metrics to gauge your training program’s effectiveness. Track things like phishing simulation click rates over time, attendance and quiz scores for training modules, or number of reported incidents (an increase in reporting can be a good sign of engagement). Use that data to focus on weak areas – for example, if many people fell for a particular phishing template, do additional training on that scenario.
• Policies and Resources: Ensure that employees can easily access security policies, guidelines, and help when needed. The training should always point to where more information lives – like an intranet site with policy documents, a FAQ, or a contact for the security team. Provide quick reference guides or checklists (e.g., “Steps to follow if you suspect a phishing email”) as part of your security awareness training content. Making resources handy empowers employees to act correctly even under stress, like during a suspected incident.

By implementing these best practices, security awareness training becomes not just a checkbox compliance activity, but an integral part of the organizational DNA.

Over time, you’ll notice employees using security terminology correctly, discussing awareness session topics amongst themselves, and actively contributing to keeping the workplace safe.

That is the hallmark of a successful program – when security mindfulness is truly embedded in daily operations.

What is the Most Important Security Awareness Training Topic?

It’s difficult to single out one “most important” topic, as effective security awareness is about layering multiple defenses. However, if we must prioritize, phishing awareness often tops the list.

Phishing (in all its forms) is the entry point for an overwhelming number of attacks , including data breaches and ransomware incidents.

By training employees to recognize and report phishing attempts, an organization addresses the largest attack vector head-on.

A user who can spot a suspicious email and avoid clicking it is like a human firewall, preventing malware or credential theft at the outset.

That said, other topics closely follow in importance – for example, strong password practices and multi-factor authentication because they mitigate damage if phishers ever steal credentials, and incident reporting because a quick response can contain an incident before it escalates.

In essence, the “most important topic” is the one that addresses your organization’s greatest risk at any given time.

Phishing is a universal top concern, but you should continuously assess your threat landscape. For some organizations, it might be physical security or compliance (if, say, you handle a lot of sensitive health data, then HIPAA practices are paramount).

The takeaway for a CISO or training manager is: focus first on the topics that correspond to how attackers are most likely to target your employees and what could cause the most harm, and build out your program from there.

Then, ensure you cover the rest of the cybersecurity awareness essentials in a comprehensive way. All 50 topics we’ve discussed play a role in a defense-in-depth strategy for human risk – omit any one of them only if you’ve truly assessed it’s not applicable and after you’ve mastered the others.

Security awareness is as fundamental to a job role as the core duties themselves.

By covering these 50 cyber security awareness topics in your training program, you equip employees with knowledge and confidence to make safer decisions.

Remember to keep the content fresh – revisit and update the program each year (your 2025 training will evolve for 2026 and so on, as new threats and technologies emerge).

A strong security awareness program not only helps prevent incidents, but also fosters a proactive, vigilant workforce. When employees understand temas sobre ciberseguridad (cybersecurity topics) deeply and personally, they become true partners in protecting the organization’s data, systems, and people.

What are the Top Security Awareness Training Topics

Launching an effective security awareness training program is important for protecting your organization from cyber threats.

Keepnet Security Awareness Training is an ideal solution, covering the top security topics for 2025. With comprehensive, up-to-date modules, Keepnet prepares your employees to recognize and respond to cyber risks like phishing, malware, and social engineering. Its behavior-based training includes realistic phishing simulations, helping employees learn from mistakes and prevent future security breaches.

Keepnet's key features make it particularly effective:

• Human-centric cybersecurity: Human-centric cybersecurity prioritizes empowering individuals to recognize and respond to cyber threats, reducing human error as a leading cause of security breaches. By integrating user-friendly training and fostering a culture of awareness, organizations can strengthen their overall cyber resilience. For further reading, check out Human-Centric Cybersecurity: Prioritizing People in Cyber Defense.
• Comprehensive Content Selection: Access over 2,000 training modules from 12+ content providers, covering the top 2025 security awareness topics and more.
• Behavior-Based Training: Phishing simulators (Vishing, Smishing, Quishing, Callback Phishing, MFA) allow employees to learn in real time based on their responses to simulated attacks. This hands-on approach enhances awareness and improves response skills by reinforcing safe behaviors in practical scenarios. For further reading, check out How Keepnet Creates Security Awareness Training Based on Behavioral Science.
• Interactive Learning and Gamification: Engage employees with interactive elements like leaderboards and custom certificates to make training memorable. This approach boosts motivation, enhances knowledge retention, and fosters a competitive yet collaborative learning environment. For further reading, check out The Power of Gamification in Security Awareness Training.
• SMS Training Delivery: Deliver training directly to mobile devices, ensuring all employees, even those without regular email access, stay protected.
• Advanced Reporting: Track progress with detailed reports to address any gaps in cybersecurity knowledge.
• Regulatory and Role-Based Training: Ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR with tailored training for different roles.
• Custom Content Creation: Create and upload custom training materials to address specific organizational needs.
• Security Nudges: Security nudges are subtle prompts designed to guide individuals toward safer cybersecurity behaviors without disrupting their workflow. By delivering timely reminders and actionable tips, organizations can reduce risky actions and improve security awareness. For further reading, check out Top Nudge Examples in Cybersecurity Awareness.

Keepnet Security Awareness Training builds a strong security culture by covering critical awareness topics, enhancing cyber defenses, ensuring regulatory compliance, and empowering employees to protect sensitive data.

Explore the video below to see how Keepnet Security Awareness Training can strengthen your organization's security and equip your team to tackle cyber threats with confidence.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated on November 14, 2025.