2025 Cybersecurity Training Checklist for HR Managers

In 2025, HR managers are essential in protecting organizations from cyber threats by equipping employees with the right training. Since human error is a leading cause of breaches, HR must focus on creating engaging and practical programs.

Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know:

• Focus Areas: Phishing prevention, social engineering awareness, and password security basics.

• Core Strategies:

  1. Use hands-on exercises and phishing simulations.

  2. Incorporate multi-factor authentication and safe remote work practices.

  3. Regularly update training for emerging threats.

• Tools to Use: Platforms like Riskspot for training and monitoring, plus free resources from HHS or ESET.

• Steps to Implement:

  1. Assess security gaps and employee vulnerabilities.

  2. Deliver interactive workshops and practical simulations.

  3. Monitor progress with quizzes and incident tracking.

  4. Gather feedback to refine the program.

     
     

Core Elements of an Effective Cybersecurity Training Program

To ensure employees are well-prepared to handle cybersecurity threats, HR managers should prioritize three key components when designing training programs.

Identifying Risks and Raising Awareness

Every strong cybersecurity training program starts with understanding the risks. HR and IT teams should work together to assess vulnerabilities in both systems and employee behavior. This collaborative, data-focused approach ensures training is tailored to the organization's specific needs.

"Human-centric cybersecurity designs processes that account for users' needs and incentivize secure behaviors." - Julie Haney, HCC Program Lead at NIST's Information Technology Lab [5]

By analyzing employee behavior, organizations can pinpoint areas where interventions are most needed. Training should then focus on addressing the most common risks, like phishing and social engineering, which are often the entry points for cyberattacks.

Training on Phishing and Social Engineering

Phishing and social engineering remain some of the most common and dangerous threats. To combat them, effective training programs should include:

These exercises help employees build critical skills, making them more alert to potential threats and better equipped to respond.

Teaching Password and Network Security Basics

Strong password and network security practices are essential. Training should cover:

• Using multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection.

• Password managers to securely store and manage credentials.

• Safe remote work practices, including proper VPN usage and securing home networks.

• Keeping software updated to minimize vulnerabilities.

The goal is to make these practices easy to adopt and relevant to employees' daily tasks. For remote workers, emphasize practical tips for securing their home setups. Training should always feel applicable and realistic, helping employees incorporate security measures into their routines.

Tools and Resources to Support HR Managers

Riskspot: A Security Training and Monitoring Platform

Riskspot provides HR managers with a platform for security training that includes customizable modules, phishing simulations, instant risk alerts, and tools to track progress. It’s designed to work for organizations of all sizes, offering tiered plans that cater to small teams as well as large enterprises.

Free and Low-Cost Cybersecurity Resources

There are several affordable or free options that can complement formal training efforts without straining the budget:

These tools and resources help HR managers create training programs that are engaging, regularly updated, and measurable. Each option can be adjusted to fit the specific needs of an organization, all while keeping costs under control.

Steps to Launch and Maintain Cybersecurity Training

Planning and Running Training Sessions

Once you have the right tools and resources, the next step is creating and delivering a structured training program. Start by identifying your organization's security gaps to ensure the training addresses specific needs.

To keep employees engaged, break your training into manageable parts:

"Human-centric programs reduce the security burden on employees while promoting awareness." - Julie Haney, HCC Program Lead at NIST's Information Technology Lab [5]

As you roll out training, make sure to collect and use employee feedback to refine and improve the sessions.

Using Feedback to Improve Training

A reliable feedback system is key to keeping your training program effective. Make it easy for employees to share their thoughts on the training process.

Track progress and success using these metrics:

KBI.Media highlights that "Human-centric security emphasizes the integration of human behavior, psychology, and interaction within cybersecurity frameworks" [2]. Consider using anonymous surveys after each session to get honest feedback on what’s working and what isn’t. This ongoing process ensures your training stays relevant and effective.

Building Awareness and Responsibility Across Teams

Encouraging Employee Participation

Getting everyone on board with cybersecurity awareness means involving the entire team. NIST's HCC program emphasizes the importance of reducing security burdens while keeping employees alert and proactive.

These strategies lead to tangible results, such as better phishing detection and fewer security breaches. Once employees are engaged, it’s essential to connect cybersecurity efforts with HR policies to make the impact even stronger.

Aligning Training with HR Policies

Tying cybersecurity into HR policies helps create a workplace culture that prioritizes security. For example, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) includes cybersecurity training as part of their mandatory employee requirements [1].

Regular audits can pinpoint weak spots, while tracking metrics like participation and quiz results helps refine the program. By maintaining a supportive environment, security awareness becomes second nature. Linking cybersecurity with HR policies ensures a workplace that’s ready to handle new challenges and threats well into the future.

Conclusion: Next Steps for HR Managers

HR managers play a key role in ensuring cybersecurity training programs are not only implemented but also maintained effectively. Research from NIST's Information Technology Lab highlights the importance of focusing on a human-centered approach to achieve lasting results [5].

For a successful cybersecurity training program, consider these key elements:

1. Infrastructure Development
Use tools like Riskspot and other free resources to create a robust training system. Track progress through participation rates and incident reports to measure effectiveness.

2. Employee Engagement Strategy
Foster a learning environment that encourages active participation. Make security practices relatable and integrate them into employees' daily tasks.

3. Continuous Improvement Framework
Consistently evaluate and enhance the program. Metrics like training completion rates and phishing simulation outcomes can help identify areas for improvement.

Cybersecurity training isn't a one-and-done task - it’s an ongoing effort. By addressing human behavior and psychology within your cybersecurity strategy, you can significantly lower security risks and build a stronger, more secure organization [2].

To truly embed cybersecurity awareness into your company culture, use regular training sessions, interactive workshops, and open communication. Research shows that well-executed phishing prevention programs can cut incidents by as much as 50% [5].

FAQs

HR managers often encounter questions about prioritizing cybersecurity topics. Below are clear answers to some of the most frequent concerns.

What is the primary purpose of social engineering awareness training?

Social engineering training equips employees to recognize threats, take the right actions, and maintain safe habits. Here's a breakdown:

What is the most important security awareness training topic?

Phishing continues to be the top focus for 2025, as it remains the leading cause of data breaches [5]. Other key areas include:

• Authentication Security: Emphasizing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to strengthen defenses.

• Physical Security: Covering practical measures like:

  • Keeping workspaces secure

  • Proper device handling

  • Implementing access controls

These topics form the backbone of a security plan that balances protection with everyday usability.