Training employees to recognise and reduce security risks is essential for protecting an organisation from cyber threats. Traditional approaches relied on long, annual lectures, but many organisations now seek more effective and engaging ways to build secure behaviour.

There are four main types of security awareness training

1. Classroom training
2. Cloud based training
3. Video based training
4. Simulation based training

Below is an overview of each type and guidance on choosing the best approach for your organisation.

Classroom security awareness training

Classroom or lecture based training is one of the oldest and most widely used formats. Employees gather in a meeting room where an internal trainer, often from the IT team, presents information on cyber risks and best practice. Sessions can last an hour or more and aim to cover a wide range of topics in a single sitting.

This method provides direct interaction but can result in low engagement, especially when content is dense or repeated annually without variation.

Cloud based security awareness training

Cloud based training has grown rapidly as organisations shift to flexible, self paced learning. Users access short online courses that they can complete on a laptop or mobile device at a time that suits them.

Courses typically include bite sized training content followed by questions that reinforce learning and improve retention. This format supports consistent, recurring training without requiring staff to attend scheduled sessions.

Video based security awareness training

Video training provides a more engaging alternative to slide decks or long lectures. Visual content tends to capture attention more effectively and can simplify complex topics.

Videos can be delivered in company wide sessions or included as part of cloud based training. This flexibility makes video a popular choice for improving engagement and ensuring more users complete their training.

Simulation based security awareness training

Simulation based training adds a practical layer by testing users in real world scenarios. The most common method is simulated phishing. Users receive mock phishing emails crafted to look convincing, and their responses reveal how vulnerable the organisation may be.

Many employees assume they would never fall for a phishing email until they experience a realistic simulation. This format increases awareness, encourages better habits and provides valuable insight into actual risk levels.

What is the best way to deliver security awareness training

The most effective approach is to combine the strengths of each method. Blending cloud based learning with engaging video content keeps training accessible and relevant. Adding phishing simulations helps users understand the real impact of threats and reinforces the need for ongoing awareness.

This combination supports higher engagement, better knowledge retention and more accurate measurement of human risk.

Build a complete security awareness programme with usecure

The best way to deliver security awareness is to take advantages of each approach. While every company will have different requirements to fit their specific needs, combining videos with cloud-based training will allow users to enjoy engaging content at their own convenience, maximise engagement and ensure that users are switched on when undertaking training.

Adding phishing simulations to the mix will allow you to keep users alert about the potential cyber threats they face, and help them understand how easy it is to fall for a scam. This will make them more likely to engage with their other training, and will also help you assess the real-world risk that your organisation faces from cyber threats.

Get started with the one-stop security awareness platform

usecure provides a platform designed to help organisations address human error through automated cloud based training, engaging video content and regular phishing simulations. Training is personalised to each user’s weaknesses and delivered in short, manageable sessions that fit into busy schedules.

Learn more about launching effective phishing and security awareness training with usecure's free 2021 guide below, or try usecure's security awareness training courses with a free 14-day trial.

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