What Are the Top Trends in Cybersecurity Awareness Training for 2024?

Security awareness training in 2024 requires innovative approaches, personalized content, and continuous improvement to combat evolving cyber threats.

The rapid development of AI and machine learning is significantly influencing the evolution of training components. To align with the top trends in 2024, businesses should integrate several key elements into their security awareness training for employees. These include real-world phishing scenarios tailored to job roles, interactive modules with quizzes and simulations, and role-specific vishing and smishing training.

Additionally, they should ensure AI-driven customization to enhance strong password policies, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), biometric methods, and secure Single Sign-On (SSO). Failing to apply these trends can leave companies vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats, resulting in increased risks of data breaches, financial losses, and compliance issues.

In 2024, cybersecurity awareness training has evolved to address emerging threats and mitigate associated risks. Key trends include:

The 2024 CrowdStrike-related IT outages, caused by a faulty software update, led to approximately 8.5 million Windows systems crashing worldwide, resulting in an estimated financial loss of at least $10 billion.

The same CrowdStrike incident caused widespread disruptions across various sectors, including airlines, banks, healthcare, and emergency services, highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.

In 2022, the Australian health insurer Medibank faced a significant data breach, exposing 9.7 million individuals' data. The Australian federal government’s commitment to enhancing privacy laws reflects a response to increasing cyber threats affecting major entities like Medibank, Optus, and others.

These incidents underscore the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training to mitigate financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational harm.

Top Trends Security Awareness Training

In 2024, cybersecurity awareness training is becoming more engaging and user-friendly. To better involve employees, interactive methods like gamification and real world simulations are used.

The security awareness training covers new and rising threats, specifically vishing and smishing, alongside traditional phishing. Since 2023 and 2024, these two attacks have caused some of the biggest hacks in history.

The trend on security awareness training also focuses on the increasing complexity of Business Email Compromise (BEC) and the use of deepfake technology.

With more people working remotely, the training focuses on securing remote devices and practicing safe measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and data privacy. It also tackles advanced threats like AI in threat detection and the impact of quantum computing on encryption.

Additionally, the training ensures employees understand and comply with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA and promotes the adoption of passkeys over traditional passwords for better security.

The most important trend is now the shift from traditional security awareness training to human risk management. According to Gartner (2023), despite 90% of companies having security awareness training programs, 70% of their employees behave insecurely. So, traditional security awareness training is not working; companies must implement security culture programs using behavioral science principles, data analytics, and automation to foster measurable cultural change and mitigate risks.

Phishing Attacks

The top security awareness training trends in 2024 for addressing phishing attacks with security awareness training emphasize innovative and personalized approaches.

Firstly, incorporating personalized lessons that simulate real-world phishing scenarios tailored to specific job roles makes the training highly relevant and effective​. Secondly, using interactive modules with quizzes, simulations, and real-time feedback actively engages users, helping them practice spotting and responding to phishing attempts​​.

Thirdly, leveraging AI-driven customization to analyze each user's performance on phishing simulations and quizzes allows the training content to be adapted to target specific weaknesses, ensuring a more effective learning experience​​. Additionally, designing the security awareness training for employees to be mobile-friendly enables them to access it anytime and anywhere, enhancing flexibility and convenience.

Finally, organizations must prioritize continuous improvement by analyzing data and conducting regular evaluations. Tracking key metrics, such as phishing simulation click rates and user feedback, helps refine the training programs and ensure they stay ahead of evolving phishing tactics. This keeps employees attentive, prepared, and better equipped to handle phishing threats​​.

Voice Phishing Or Vishing

To align cybersecurity awareness training with 2024 trends for handling voice phishing (vishing), consider these concise strategies:

1. Real-World Simulations: Develop role-specific vishing scenarios to prepare employees for real threats​​.
2. Interactive Training: Use quizzes and role-playing for active engagement and better retention​​.
3. AI-Personalized Content: Implement AI to tailor training based on individual performance and weaknesses​​.
4. Mobile Accessibility: Ensure training is mobile-friendly to accommodate remote and hybrid workers​​.
5. Regular Updates: Continuously update training content with the latest vishing tactics and employee feedback​​.
6. Reporting Mechanisms: Educate employees on reporting vishing attempts and encourage proactive communication​.
7. Use Real-Life Examples: Illustrate the impact of vishing with recent case studies to highlight the critical need for awareness​.

These steps ensure your cybersecurity training remains relevant and effective against vishing threats in 2024.

Watch a case example of a deepfake vishing scam to understand the extent of employee cyber unawareness.

SMS Phishing Or Smishing

In 2024, cybersecurity awareness training is evolving to tackle smishing (SMS phishing) effectively. Training sessions now include lifelike scenarios tailored to SMS-based attacks, using role-specific examples to mimic real-world threats. Interactive quizzes and simulations make learning engaging, while AI-driven customization ensures content is targeted to individual performance. Mobile-friendly training makes it accessible for remote and hybrid workers.

One of the key trends in 2024 is regularly updating training materials to keep employees informed about the latest smishing tactics, such as fake delivery updates and urgent security alerts. Real-world case studies highlight the impact of smishing, making the training relatable and impactful. Clear reporting protocols empower employees to respond swiftly and effectively, encouraging proactive communication. Another trend is educating employees to recognize multi-channel attacks involving SMS, email, phone calls, and social media, ensuring they are well-prepared. This comprehensive approach helps stop sophisticated smishing attacks, safeguarding your organization’s data and reputation.

Business Email Compromise

To effectively address the Business Email Compromise (BEC) in 2024, businesses can apply the following unique trends in their cybersecurity awareness training:

1. Role-Specific Threat Simulations: Develop interactive scenarios that simulate BEC attacks tailored to different job roles, helping employees recognize and respond to threats specific to their duties.
2. Behavioral Analysis and Custom Training: Use AI to analyze employee behavior and performance, customizing training modules to target individual vulnerabilities related to BEC.
3. Dynamic Learning Paths: Create adaptive learning paths that evolve based on employee progress and emerging BEC tactics, ensuring continuous and relevant education.
4. Mobile-First Training Design: Design all training content to be mobile-friendly, enabling seamless access for remote and hybrid workers to engage in training on the go.
5. Real-Time Threat Updates: Integrate real-time threat intelligence feeds into training materials, keeping employees updated on the latest BEC strategies and scams.
6. Cross-Channel Attack Recognition: Educate employees on how BEC attacks can be part of larger, coordinated efforts involving email, phone calls, and social media, enhancing their overall threat detection skills.
7. Impactful Storytelling with Case Studies: Use compelling, real-world case studies of BEC incidents to illustrate the potential damage and encourage a culture of awareness and responsibility.
8. Streamlined Reporting Mechanisms: Implement easy-to-use reporting tools within the training platform, allowing employees to quickly and effectively report suspected BEC attempts.
9. Gamified Training Elements: Introduce gamification elements like leaderboards, badges, and rewards to motivate employees and make learning about BEC more engaging and enjoyable.
10. Continuous Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop where employees can share their experiences and insights on BEC threats, helping to continuously improve and adapt the training program.

Incorporating these tailored strategies, companies can create robust security awareness training for employees specifically designed to combat Business Email Compromise and protect their operations.

Passwords

Businesses can significantly improve their password security by incorporating several specific trends into their security awareness training in 2024. First, encourage the adoption of passwordless authentication methods, such as biometrics, security keys, and single sign-on (SSO), to reduce reliance on traditional passwords and enhance security. Alongside this, emphasize the importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA) in training programs by educating employees on how to set up and use MFA for added protection.

Next, develop and enforce strong password policies. This includes providing guidelines for creating complex passwords, scheduling regular updates, and avoiding password reuse. Training modules should be incorporated to teach employees how to manage and maintain secure passwords effectively.

Additionally, promote the use of password managers to securely store and manage passwords and ensure training includes instruction on their effective use and benefits.

With these security awareness training trends, businesses can significantly improve password security and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Passwordless Authentication

In 2024, several key trends can be applied to your business's cybersecurity awareness training to enhance passwordless authentication. Start by training employees on biometric methods like fingerprints and facial recognition and provide hands-on experience with security keys such as YubiKeys, which are physical devices used for secure logins. Companies should pay attention to secure Single Sign-On (SSO) for accessing multiple applications with one login and using behavioral biometrics to enhance security.

To further protect against threats, organizations should conduct regular phishing simulations that focus on safeguarding biometric data and security keys. Real-world case studies can effectively show the benefits of passwordless authentication, while practical workshops provide employees with valuable hands-on experience.

Additionally, ensure that your employees understand compliance and privacy considerations, particularly when handling biometric data responsibly. Keeping training materials updated with the latest advancements in passwordless technology and gathering feedback to continuously improve the program will further strengthen your security measures.

By applying these security awareness training trends, your business can effectively train employees on passwordless authentication, enhancing both security and convenience.

Cloud Security

Cloud security has an important role in company cybersecurity as it protects data, applications, and services hosted in the cloud from various cyber threats. That's why companies should prioritize it by training their employees and following these training trends:

1. Zero Trust Architecture: Train employees to verify every access request as if it originates from an open network.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Encourage the use of MFA to access cloud services.
3. Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM): Teach employees about CSPM tools for continuous monitoring and managing cloud security configurations.
4. Data Encryption: Highlight the importance of encrypting data both when stored and in transit.
5. Automated Threat Detection: Train employees to use AI-driven tools that detect and respond to security threats in real time, enabling proactive threat management.
6. Incident Response and Recovery: Educate employees on protocols for quick and effective action during security breaches.
7. Continuous Learning: Regularly update training materials and promote ongoing education on the latest cloud security developments, ensuring employees stay informed about emerging threats and best practices.

By focusing on these key areas, companies can significantly enhance their cloud security and protect their digital assets more effectively.

Mobile Device Security

To improve mobile device security in 2024, companies should update their security awareness training for employees with the latest trends. First, implement Zero Trust Security, which continuously verifies devices, and use AI-powered Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) solutions to protect against new threats. Additionally, stress the importance of creating secure mobile apps and utilizing automated security checks.

Next, train employees on advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools that quickly identify and respond to suspicious activities using machine learning. Moreover, highlight the need for encrypting data on mobile devices and keeping software updated with automated patch management.

Furthermore, promote Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with biometrics for accessing company resources. Teach employees to use Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools with AI to enforce security policies. Additionally, make sure employees can spot phishing attacks like smishing and vishing, and educate them on using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) with AI-based threat detection for secure connections.

Public Wi-Fi

To enhance security awareness training for employees regarding public Wi-Fi in 2024, companies should integrate several cutting-edge cybersecurity trends. First, implement a Zero Trust approach, training employees to treat all public Wi-Fi networks as untrusted, with continuous verification using advanced identity management systems. Encourage the use of sophisticated Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that offer encrypted connections, AI-driven threat detection, and anomaly monitoring to secure data transmissions over public networks.

Introduce Secure Web Gateways (SWGs) that leverage machine learning and AI to inspect and filter web traffic, identifying and blocking malicious content in real-time. Promote Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with biometric authentication methods, adding robust security layers for accessing company resources. Train employees on Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) platforms equipped with AI and machine learning capabilities to autonomously detect, analyze, and respond to threats.

Incorporate advanced phishing awareness training with AI-driven simulations that adapt to user behavior. Highlight the use of secure cloud-based tools with end-to-end encryption for safe communication over public Wi-Fi. Emphasize security hygiene practices with AI-driven patch management to keep devices updated.

Building a Security Culture

Security awareness training provides core knowledge, but risky behaviors can still continue without a strong security culture. Cybersecurity culture programs aim to change this using behavioral science, data analytics, and automation to create a more secure environment.

Many organizations offer basic security training focused on skills and compliance. However, this often doesn't change risky behaviors. By integrating behavioral science, data analytics, and automation into security culture programs, organizations can make real changes and reduce risks. These programs do more than just meet compliance standards; they actively manage and reduce human risks.

The PIPE Framework, recommended by Gartner, supports this comprehensive approach. It highlights that security awareness should go beyond just sharing information to truly influence behavior and culture. This method not only increases knowledge but also builds a security-conscious culture in the workplace.

Try Keepnet Security Awareness Training

Keepnet Security Awareness Training incorporates the top cybersecurity trends for 2024, ensuring that organizations stay ahead of emerging threats. As frontline defenders, employees must be well-informed about cyber threats. Keepnet Security Awareness Training helps them recognize and respond to various cybersecurity risks like phishing, vishing, smishing, and business email compromise, significantly reducing the likelihood of data breaches and financial losses.

By fostering secure communication, strong passwords, and multi-factor authentication, Keepnet creates a robust and comprehensive defense against cyber threats.

Key Features of Keepnet Security Awareness Training include:

• Behavior-Based Training: Utilize phishing simulators (vishing, smishing, quishing, callback phishing, MFA) to train employees based on their responses to simulated attacks, preventing future mistakes and enhancing overall cybersecurity.
• AI-based Voice Phishing Simulation: Simulates vishing attempts with AI-generated voices mimicking real individuals to teach users to identify signs of vishing and verify caller identity.
• User-Centric Training Experience: Trusted by over 2 million users, offering SCORM-compliant training packages that integrate with existing LMS systems, promoting consistent security practices across the organization.
• Personalized Learning and Gamification: Engage employees through gamified elements like leaderboards, custom certificates, and compelling storytelling to make training sessions interactive and memorable, reinforcing awareness of cybersecurity risks.
• Advanced Reporting: Access detailed reports to track progress and address specific cybersecurity risks.
• Regulatory and Role-Based Training: Ensure compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR and provide tailored training for different organizational roles, emphasizing privacy and security.
• Custom Content Creation: Create and integrate custom training materials to address unique organizational needs and specific security concerns.
• Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensure security awareness training for employees is accessible anytime and anywhere, enhancing flexibility and convenience for remote and hybrid workers.
• AI-Driven Security Awareness: Leverage AI to analyze user performance and adapt training content to target specific weaknesses, ensuring a more effective learning experience.
• SMS Training Delivery: This option is ideal for employees with limited internet access. It offers detailed reporting to track progress and effectiveness in phishing prevention.
• All in One: Keepnet offers 2000+ training modules from 12+ content providers, covering all social engineering types, including phishing. Everything you need is in one place.

By leveraging these features, Keepnet Security Awareness Training helps organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture. It builds a robust security culture, enhances defenses against social engineering attacks and other cyber threats.

Watch the video below to learn more about the core features of Keepnet Security Awareness Training and how it can help your business enhance its cybersecurity.

Editor's Note: This blog was updated on December 9, 2024.