Static Solutions Security Consulting, LTD.
Let’s be honest, a lot of industries right now are stretched thin. Healthcare can’t find or keep enough staff, and hospitality is running on fumes trying to fill every shift. People are working double time, picking up extra responsibilities just to keep things running. Leadership is doing the same by trying to fill the gaps with tools and technology like AI agents for customer service, scheduling, and data entry.
Everyone’s treading water trying to keep up with the workload, but while all that’s happening, cyber threat actors haven’t slowed down one bit. In fact, they’re taking full advantage of an overworked and mentally exhausted workforce. They’re leveraging the latest technology such as AI to help them craft believable phishing emails, mimic real voices for phone calls, and crack passwords faster than ever. At some point, something has got to give. And if a business isn’t careful, that “give” can come in the form of a breach or a very expensive lesson.
Why Cyber Training Often Misses the Mark
Now, the last thing anyone wants at the end of a long day is to sit through another “mandatory” cybersecurity training session that drags on for hours. Most employees see it as a check-the-box requirement, not something that applies directly to them. That’s because most training programs are built as one-size-fits-all modules and may not be up to date. They talk in generalities across entire industries instead of tailoring the message to specific roles. The reality is the cybersecurity training for a hospital’s front desk clerk needs is not the same as what an ER charge nurse should get. If the content doesn’t feel relevant, people tune out. When that happens, you’ve wasted time, lost engagement, and gained very little in the way of improved security behavior.
Building Cyber Training That Actually Works
Here’s the good news, training doesn’t have to be painful, and it doesn’t have to be generic. The key is finding a balance between compliance, relevance, and practicality. Below are some strategies that work well when building or improving a training program for your team.
- Start with a Knowledge Check
Before you assign training, find out where your team stands. A simple knowledge assessment can reveal which areas need the most attention. Then, tailor the content to fit each role.
- A hospital receptionist should focus on phishing emails and data privacy basics.
- A nurse might need guidance on securing mobile devices and protecting patient records.
- Senior leaders should be focused on managing risk, response plans, and understanding the business impact of a breach.
- Know the Department’s Workload
Before scheduling any in-person or live sessions, take the time to understand each department’s day-to-day. Timing matters. If your staff is slammed during certain hours, adjust accordingly. Maybe a 20-minute session during a slower shift or morning huddle works better than a two-hour block on a busy day.
- Cover the Compliance Basics
Every industry has its compliance requirements such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GLBA, or others. Make sure those pieces are covered in your program. That keeps you compliant and ensures employees get the foundational knowledge they need to stay out of trouble.
- Review Past Incidents and Industry Trends
Look at your company’s history. Have there been breaches, phishing attempts, or data leaks? Combine that with what’s been happening across your industry in recent years. These real examples help keep training focused on what actually matters instead of just theoretical risk.
- Use Short, Focused CBTs
Computer-based training doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Fifteen to thirty minutes is plenty for most topics. These shorter sessions make it easier to stay engaged, and people are more likely to remember what they learned.
- Pull in Examples from Other Industries
Even if you’re in healthcare or hospitality, lessons from finance or retail can still apply. Cybercriminals often reuse tactics across industries and only the target changes. Showing cross-industry examples helps employees recognize patterns and threats faster.
- Be Realistic for SMBs
Small and mid-sized businesses face an extra challenge: limited time, funding, and in-house expertise. That’s okay. Many SMBs can get by with a basic, well-structured one-hour training session every six months or annually. The key is to make it relevant and practical, don’t overcomplicate it.
Making Cyber Awareness Part of the Culture
At the end of the day, cybersecurity training should never feel like a punishment or a formality. It should be something that makes people feel more confident in their work. When training is relevant, respectful of people’s time, and directly connected to their role, employees start to take it seriously. The goal isn’t just to check a compliance box, it’s to build functional awareness and accountability across every level of the business. When everyone understands their role in keeping data secure, it creates a stronger and more resilient organization overall.
The world isn’t slowing down. AI is changing how both good and bad actors operate, and the workload isn’t getting lighter. But with the right approach to cybersecurity training, you can keep your staff sharp, your operations safe, and your business moving forward without adding more stress to the mix.
