One security class each year is better than nothing, but it is not enough by itself.
Cyber threats change constantly, and employees forget information that they do not use regularly.
Short, ongoing training is usually more effective. Employees can learn one topic at a time, such as phishing, password safety, safe web browsing, data handling, or payment fraud.
Simulated phishing exercises can also help employees practice recognizing suspicious messages. The goal should be education, not embarrassment.
Security training works best when employees feel comfortable reporting mistakes quickly.
If someone clicks a suspicious link and reports it immediately, IT may be able to contain the problem before it becomes serious. Fear of punishment can delay reporting.
A strong security culture makes employees part of the defense. Technology is important, but informed people are still one of the most valuable security controls a business has.