50 Security Awareness Training Topics for 2025: A CISO Playbook

In 2025, businesses face an increasingly complex landscape of cyber threats, making it essential to prioritize cyber security awareness topics for employees. The Top 11 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. As cybercriminals evolve their tactics, it’s significant for businesses to stay ahead by educating their workforce on these IT security topics. 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. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and frequent, employees have become the most targeted and vulnerable link in the security chain. From phishing emails and password leaks to social engineering and ransomware attacks, a single uninformed click can cost a company millions.

• 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. Keeping your workforce trained on up-to-date cybersecurity topics ensures they stay alert and responsive to emerging threats, not just outdated risks.
• 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. Knowing and covering the right training topics helps you meet compliance requirements while actively reducing organizational risk.
• 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. For example, finance teams must recognize invoice fraud while IT teams must understand privilege escalation threats.
• 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. That’s how organizations build a resilient, security-first culture where threats are spotted early, reported quickly, and handled effectively.

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

In 2025, addressing cyber threats effectively requires a focus on 11 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. Training should include examples of phishing emails and hands-on exercises (such as phishing simulations) to test and reinforce this knowledge.
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. Teach employees how to verify suspicious requests through another channel (e.g. calling the sender) and to be skeptical of any email that, while personalized, asks for sensitive data or unusual actions. This topic highlights that information security awareness training for employees must cover not just generic spam, but also highly targeted scams that slip past basic email filters.
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. For example, an unexpected text saying “Your account is locked, click here to verify” is likely a scam. Cyber awareness training topics in 2025 should cover mobile threats like smishing, since employees often use smartphones for both work and personal communication. Best practices include not clicking links from unknown numbers, not replying with personal info, and verifying with the purported sender (e.g. bank) via official channels.
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. Remind them that legitimate organizations will rarely ask for sensitive info out of the blue by phone.
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. Warn employees that a QR code sticker on a kiosk or a phishing email with a QR code could lead to a fake login page or malware download. Best practices: only scan QR codes from trusted sources and double-check the URL that pops up after scanning (just as one would hover over an email link to preview it). This topic serves as a reminder that information security training topics must evolve with new attacker tactics.
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. Employees should learn that attackers might play on emotions (fear, curiosity, urgency) or impersonate authority figures to trick them. Training examples can include someone calling claiming to be from IT and asking for a password reset, or an outsider sweet-talking a receptionist to gain access. By understanding security awareness essentials of social engineering, employees will be more cautious with unsolicited requests. The key lesson: always verify identities and never assume someone is legitimate just because they sound convincing or friendly.
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. In this awareness topic, employees learn to be vigilant about verifying people’s stories and identities. Teach them to trust but verify: if “HR” emails a link, confirm it’s the correct HR portal; if a technician shows up unexpectedly, check with the facilities or IT department. This reinforces an overall security mindset of healthy skepticism.
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. A classic example is a caller claiming to be tech support who will “fix” a problem if the user installs a certain program (which is actually malware). Employees should be wary of anyone offering help that wasn’t requested, especially if they ask for login details or control of the computer in return. This topic complements other security awareness topics for employees by addressing another manipulative trick adversaries use.
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). Emphasize safe computing habits such as basic cyber security awareness: don’t download unverified software, avoid clicking unknown attachments, and only use IT-approved applications. Also highlight the importance of keeping antivirus software enabled and updated. By understanding malware risks, employees can act as a first line of defense – for example, recognizing signs of infection (computer slowdowns, strange pop-ups) and reporting them immediately.
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. Provide security awareness examples of what not to do, such as writing passwords on sticky notes or using “Summer2025!” for everything. It’s also helpful to discuss common password attack methods (brute force, dictionary attacks, credential stuffing) to underscore why simple passwords are dangerous. If your company has specific password policies (length, required characters, periodic rotation), ensure the training covers those requirements in detail.
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). Teach them to recognize when a website connection is secure (look for HTTPS and the padlock icon) and to be cautious when downloading files from the web. Emphasize checking the URL for legitimacy: attackers often use look-alike domains (e.g. go0gle.com vs google.com) to trick people. This topic can include using updated browsers, avoiding clicking on sensational but suspicious links, and not bypassing security warnings (like certificate errors). By following safety and security training topics related to browsing, employees can greatly reduce risk while online.
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). They should double-check recipient addresses when sending out emails, especially if emailing outside the company, to avoid data leaking to the wrong person. Include guidance on using CC/BCC appropriately (to prevent exposing email lists) and warning against auto-forwarding work emails to personal accounts. Additionally, remind staff to be wary of unexpected email attachments or unusual file types – even from known colleagues – and to scan attachments with antivirus if in doubt. Good email hygiene prevents both security incidents and privacy breaches.
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). Teach employees to be mindful of who’s entering behind them and not to hold open secure doors for strangers without credentials. Also cover visitor protocols: ensure every guest is signed in and escorted as per company policy. This topic includes protecting physical assets like employee ID badges (don’t leave them unattended or lend them out) and being cautious of anyone attempting to access restricted areas (server rooms, data centers) without proper authorization. By treating the office premises as part of the security perimeter, employees help prevent intruders who could steal devices or plug in malicious devices to the network.
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). If they must temporarily leave a device, it should be locked up or at least cable-locked to a desk. For desktop PCs in the office, ensure they are in secure areas and that ports (USB, etc.) are monitored to prevent illicit use. Essentially, this topic is about treating work devices with the same care as confidential documents – because they contain the keys to those documents.
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. Emphasize the need to keep mobile OS and apps updated (to patch vulnerabilities) and to only install apps from official app stores. If your company uses mobile device management (MDM) or requires certain security apps (like VPNs or remote wipe capability), ensure employees understand how these work and why they’re important. Also cover cautionary practices: avoid connecting to work resources on a jailbroken or rooted phone (as it’s less secure), don’t mix personal and work data in ways that violate policy, and report immediately if a device that has work access is lost. Mobile devices are essentially mini-computers in your pocket – they deserve the same level of security awareness as PCs.
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. Learn how it works, how to detect it, and how to protect your network from these hidden threats. By following Wi-Fi security best practices, employees protect both their personal information and company data from wireless eavesdropping.
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. They should be mindful of what they mention about work on social platforms – seemingly harmless details like “Just got access to the finance database, time to crunch numbers!” could be valuable intelligence to a hacker. Also, discourage posting pictures of the office ID badge or screenshots of internal systems. Essentially, information security awareness topics for employees should extend to how they represent themselves online. The goal is not to police personal social media use, but to help employees understand the line between public and private information, and how awareness topics like this protect both them and the company.
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. Employees need to treat unsolicited messages or offers on social just as carefully as emails. Advise them never to enter work credentials into a site reached via a social media link, and to be cautious about which social media apps are authorized to connect to their accounts (to avoid OAuth token theft). By being alert to cyber security awareness examples on social media, employees can prevent social platforms from becoming backdoors into your organization.
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. Make clear that “insider threat” doesn’t mean fostering paranoia about coworkers; rather, it’s about processes that catch unusual activity (like large data downloads or access to systems outside one’s role) and the responsibility of employees to speak up if they notice something off. Provide examples: an employee plugging in large unauthorized external drives, or someone repeatedly asking for access they shouldn’t need. Also emphasize that not all insider incidents are malicious – mistakes like emailing the wrong recipient or losing a USB drive are common – which is why an open, blameless reporting culture is key. This topic can dovetail with company ethics and whistleblower policies, underscoring that security is a team effort internally.
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. If they feel an approved solution doesn’t meet their needs, they should collaborate with IT to find a secure alternative rather than going rogue. Provide concrete security awareness examples of Shadow IT incidents (like a data leak because someone saved customer data on a personal app that got hacked). By raising awareness of Shadow IT, employees will understand that IT training topics for employees aren’t about hindering productivity but protecting the organization. Encourage an environment where employees can suggest new tools, but they go through proper security evaluation first.
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. Training on this topic should highlight that personal data must be handled with care – for example, not leaving a spreadsheet of client contact info open for anyone to see, not emailing lists of personal data to external addresses without encryption, and ensuring proper consent is obtained where applicable. Employees also need to know how to recognize and handle sensitive information: labeling documents containing PII (Personally Identifiable Information) or other confidential data and storing them in approved secure locations. This is one of the information security awareness training topics for employees that intersects strongly with compliance. Real examples (like fines companies faced for privacy breaches) can drive home the point. Ultimately, staff should treat personal data as they would want their own data treated – with strict confidentiality and care.
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. Give employees guidance on labeling documents/email with classifications if that’s part of your policy, and how to recognize markings. Secure handling practices include using encrypted storage or transmission for sensitive data, clearing sensitive data off whiteboards after meetings, and proper destruction of sensitive files (digital and physical) when they’re no longer needed. This topic complements privacy training but focuses on internal data (trade secrets, strategies, internal communications). By following classification rules, employees help enforce security awareness best practices, ensuring that the most sensitive information gets the highest level of protection.
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. Other sectors might have standards like ISO 27001 or NIST guidelines influencing security practices. This topic in the awareness program should provide an overview of any key laws or frameworks the organization adheres to. It need not turn employees into compliance experts, but it should convey why those rules exist and the basics they must follow. For instance: “If our company is subject to GDPR, here’s how that affects you and the way you handle European customer data.” By integrating compliance into security awareness content, you ensure that employees’ actions support the organization’s legal and regulatory obligations.
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. Make it clear that these policies aren’t arbitrary – each exists to address a specific risk (for example, the AUP might forbid using personal cloud storage for work files as it’s not monitored for security). Encourage employees to read the full policies (perhaps provide easy access links) and to ask if anything is unclear. Also mention that policies get updated, so part of being security-aware is staying current with any policy changes announced. This topic reinforces a culture of compliance and personal responsibility, showing that basic security awareness includes knowing and following your organization’s security rules.
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. If the company provides any specific tools for remote security – such as privacy screen filters, or remote wiping capabilities – ensure employees know about them. Additionally, remote workers should be extra vigilant with phishing (since at home they might not have a colleague to quickly double-check a suspicious email with). This topic underscores that security awareness 2025 must account for the fact that the “workplace” can be anywhere now. By following remote security guidelines, employees help maintain the security of the workplace even when the workplace is their living room or a co-working space.
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). Employees traveling internationally should also be aware of any specific company guidelines, such as using loaner devices for high-risk countries or restrictions on carrying certain data across borders. Encourage travelers to be alert in crowded places; for example, shoulder surfing can happen on airplanes or trains – use a privacy screen filter and refrain from sensitive work if someone is peeking. Also, never leave laptops or phones unattended in a car or hotel room (use the safe or keep them on your person). This topic makes employees think about security beyond the office, turning safe travel into part of their personal checklist. It ties back to building a pervasive security mindset.
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). Also, only use company-approved encrypted USB devices for work data, and follow policies for scanning them with antivirus. This topic is often illustrated with real anecdotes (such as tests where security teams dropped labeled USBs like “Q4 Salaries” and saw how many employees plugged them in). The curiosity to check a found drive can be strong, so emphasize the lesson: don’t do it! Additionally, employees should know to report if they accidentally plug in a suspicious device or if they lose a USB containing work info. As simple as it sounds, USB safety training is a crucial part of basic security awareness in an era where a tiny thumb drive can carry huge threats.
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. This point reinforces a broader idea that awareness program topics sometimes overlap – here we have the curiosity element (human nature, social engineering) combined with tech (malware via USB). Employees should also be cautious with gifts like free promotional USB drives from conferences; those should be treated as untrusted until scanned or approved. By including baiting in the topic list, you prepare employees for one of the more sneaky attack methods that preys on natural impulses.
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). Emphasize that prompt reporting can dramatically reduce damage – for example, if an employee reports a potential malware infection or phishing click immediately, the IT team can take action (disconnect the machine, reset credentials) to contain the issue. Also, create a culture where employees are not afraid to report their own mistakes. Make it clear that security incidents are analyzed for lessons, not to blame; the real failure is in hiding an incident. Additionally, explain any basic steps employees should take in response: if you suspect a phishing email, do not forward it around (except to IT), if you lose a badge, report so it can be deactivated, etc. When everyone knows how to act and communicate during a security incident, the organization can respond in a coordinated and effective way.
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. They should promptly install updates pushed by IT or vendors – whether it’s a Windows update, a browser update, or the latest version of an app. If your IT department manages patches automatically, instruct users not to interfere with that process (e.g. don’t shut off your computer during scheduled update windows). For personal devices used for work, employees carry some responsibility to keep them updated as well. Educate them with examples: explain how famous breaches (like WannaCry ransomware) spread through systems that hadn’t applied available patches. You can frame it as part of safety and security training topics – similar to how you’d fix a known flaw in a piece of equipment, you must “fix” (update) software flaws. A practical tip is enabling auto-updates whenever possible. By making “update your software” a mantra, you close one of the most common doors attackers use to get into systems.
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. If one layer fails, another might catch the threat – and employees themselves are one of those layers. When an employee questions, “Why do I have to do X if we already have Y security technology?”, the defense-in-depth concept provides the answer. This is one of the security awareness training best practices topics for instilling a proactive attitude: everyone understands they are part of a bigger security architecture and their actions either strengthen or weaken the overall chain.
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. When employees know the lingo, they’ll better comprehend security communications and alerts from IT. For example, if IT says “We’re enabling encryption on all laptops,” an employee who knows what encryption means will appreciate its importance rather than view it as an inconvenience. Keep this section high-level and user-friendly – it’s not a dump of jargon, but rather a translation of how certain security technologies benefit the employee. By demystifying terms and concepts, you make subsequent awareness session topics less intimidating and more relatable. It transforms cybersecurity from a scary, complex domain into something every person can grasp a bit of, which in turn improves engagement and compliance with security practices.
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. By learning about the threat landscape, employees become more informed digital citizens. It can even pique their interest – turning some into security champions who follow cybersecurity news and proactively share tips. Essentially, this topic connects the dots between global cyber events and personal responsibility at 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). Explain that developers have to consider issues like code vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, buffer overflow), and follow best practices such as code reviews, using security libraries, and testing for weaknesses (perhaps referencing OWASP Top 10 for web app risks). For non-developers, it’s still useful to mention that the company emphasizes building products and systems with security in mind from the start – not as an afterthought. This fosters a security-by-design culture. If your organization isn’t involved in software development, you can broaden this topic to secure configuration of systems or secure automation – essentially, making sure that the IT folks are also practicing what we preach. The average employee might not need in-depth knowledge here, but awareness that developers/IT have their own set of security training topics (like code security) helps reinforce that every department has a role. Plus, for organizations where some employees write macros, scripts, or manage websites, a bit of secure coding awareness (like “don’t hardcode passwords in scripts” or “validate inputs”) can prevent internal mistakes.
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. First, clarify which cloud services are sanctioned by the company and security awareness training content around them: for example, “We use Office 365, which is approved and monitored by IT. Here’s how to share files securely using OneDrive…”. Employees should understand settings like access permissions (only share documents with the intended persons, and periodically review who has access). Warn against uploading company files to personal cloud accounts. Also, highlight that just because data is in the cloud doesn’t mean employees can ignore security – they still must use strong passwords/MFA for cloud accounts, be cautious of cloud-specific phishing (like fake login pages for popular cloud services), and report any unauthorized access or strange activity (like files mysteriously appearing or disappearing). If applicable, mention the concept of zero trust (don’t inherently trust anything inside or outside the network, always verify) as it applies to cloud access. Cloud convenience can lead to complacency, so the training should instill that cloud data is company data and must be protected as such, using the tools and settings provided.
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. Many employees may not realize that inputting confidential text into an online AI service could be a data leak if that service stores or shares the input. So if your company has guidelines or restrictions on using such tools with company information, cover that here. For example, security awareness training best practices now include: “Don’t paste sensitive code or customer data into online AI tools unless approved.” Encourage using company-vetted AI solutions or none at all for sensitive content. By handling AI carefully and understanding its misuse, employees can harness the benefits while mitigating new risks.
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). This is a cutting-edge addition to security awareness content; not all employees will encounter it, but awareness needs to start early. Also, mention simple deepfake audio scams reported, like voicemail deepfakes of a company executive asking for an urgent callback to discuss a payment – then the employee calls “back” a number controlled by the scammer. It’s wild, but it’s happening. By being aware, employees can become more cautious when they receive odd requests via media. The golden rule stands: no matter how a message is delivered (email, phone, video), if it requests something sensitive or financial, always verify through a second method.
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. By educating staff on crypto buzzwords and risks, you demystify the subject and reduce the likelihood they’ll fall for a cyber security awareness example of a crypto scam. It’s all about tying new tech back to age-old principles: verify identities, treat unsolicited opportunities skeptically, and secure your accounts.
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!). If your staff take payments over the phone, provide a script for how to do it securely (and privately). For those who might use a point-of-sale system, remind them to watch for skimmers or tampering. Also, internal finance teams should be alert to invoice fraud – where scammers send fake invoices hoping accounts payable will just pay them (this ties with BEC and impersonation topics). Another angle: protecting our own company card information. When employees use the corporate card online, they should ensure the website is legitimate and secure (HTTPS, reputable vendor), and perhaps use virtual card numbers if provided. Essentially, treat financial info with utmost care. Even as IT handles the backend security, front-line employees must follow procedures that keep payment data safe. This topic strengthens security awareness for the workplace, especially for departments like Finance, Sales, or Customer Support.
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. Many offices have “shred bins” – ensure employees know what should go there. For digital data: simply deleting files on a computer doesn’t remove them permanently. Explain policies like wiping or degaussing old hard drives, and resetting devices to factory settings (and removing storage media) before disposal or reuse. If your company has e-waste recycling days or offers employee destruction services, mention those. Also include things like secure disposal of USB drives or CDs/DVDs – they should be physically destroyed if they contained confidential data. Another aspect is data retention policies: employees should know how long certain data should be kept and when it’s time to securely archive or destroy it. By conscientiously disposing of data and devices, employees prevent “data leaks” via dumpster diving or second-hand sales. This is a concrete action item that often gets overlooked, so making it part of awareness training fills that gap in the security awareness program topics.
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. Online, it’s that momentary pause to question “Could this email be fake?” or “This website URL looks slightly off.” Use this topic to inspire employees to adopt a security mindset daily. This might involve anecdotes like, “An employee noticed an odd pop-up and reported it – turns out it was malware and early reporting saved us.” Encourage them to trust their instincts; if something feels off, it likely deserves checking. Also, promote the idea that security is everyone’s responsibility. Little habits like double-checking before clicking, looking over your shoulder before entering your PIN, or being discreet when discussing work in public, all add up. In essence, this topic ties together many earlier ones and reinforces them as a cohesive approach to life: cyber awareness topics aren’t just a checklist – they represent a proactive attitude employees carry with them.
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. If the company uses IoT (smart door locks, temperature sensors, etc.), reassure how IT secures them but also ask employees to report if they notice weird behavior (like a normally off camera blinking unexpectedly). For remote workers, mention securing home IoT – change default passwords on home routers and cameras, update their firmware, and be aware that even something like a compromised smart lightbulb could theoretically be a pivot to snoop on their network. While that’s advanced, just planting the notion that IoT needs security too is valuable. In summary, as our world fills with “smart” objects, it security awareness topics expand to include those objects. Employees who understand that will be cautious about IoT both at work and at home, making them harder targets overall.
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). Mention common consumer scams like fake tech support calls or identity theft schemes – if an employee knows how to avoid those at home, they’ll carry that savvy to work. By promoting personal cybersecurity hygiene, you send a message that the company cares about employees’ overall digital well-being. It’s a cyber security awareness idea that investing in people’s general knowledge creates a more resilient workforce. It can also increase buy-in; employees often engage more when they see how training benefits them personally, not just the company.
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). Also highlight successes: if, say, 95% of employees passed a phishing test or someone’s quick action stopped an incident, celebrate that. Building a positive, engaged security culture turns employees from the “weakest link” into the strongest defense. As part of security awareness training best practices, remind everyone that cultivating this culture is a journey – one that requires continuous learning (keep content fresh each year with new topics or updated examples) and continuous conversation. In a strong security culture, awareness isn’t seen as extraneous to one’s job, but as an integral part of how everyone operates.
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). Moreover, awareness of backups ties into ransomware response: employees should know that if they alert IT promptly, data can often be restored from backups, reducing the temptation to ever consider paying a ransom. Also let employees know the procedure for recovering files – for instance, if they accidentally delete something, how can they request a restore? This prevents risky behaviors like trying unauthorized “free recovery tools” off the internet. Include personal angle too: we recommend employees also back up personal data (photos, etc.) because the frustration of data loss is something you want them to appreciate and thus handle carefully at work. In summary, data backup awareness ensures that employees don’t inadvertently sabotage backup strategies (by moving files out of backup scope, etc.) and that they understand data resilience. It completes the circle of protection: preventing incidents is first priority, but knowing that backups exist and how to use them is the safety net.

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). These security awareness training ideas keep employees interested. Tailor examples to your actual business context so employees see how threats could affect them. For instance, if your company uses a certain software, craft a phishing simulation that mimics that tool.
• Frequency and Reinforcement: Rather than a once-a-year marathon session, shorter, more frequent trainings or refreshers help knowledge stick. Monthly security tips, phishing test emails, and quarterly mini-courses on specific awareness topics can continuously reinforce good habits. Many organizations hold an annual Security Awareness Month (often aligning with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October) – you can plan special activities or themes each week of that month as part of your cyber security awareness program. The key is to keep the conversation going year-round.
• 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. Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate attentiveness – positive reinforcement goes a long way in establishing a security awareness culture.
• 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. Also stay updated on emerging threats and security awareness trends so you can update the program (the inclusion of topics like deepfakes or AI in this 2025 list is a testament to that!). An agile, data-informed approach ensures your awareness content stays relevant and impactful.
• 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. With leadership support and engaging education, security awareness training moves from a routine checklist item to a vibrant part of company culture. And that culture of security can be your greatest asset in managing cyber risk now and in the future.

Keepnet: 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 September 23, 2025.