Cybersecurity Awareness Training

Duration: 2 Days

Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Introduction

The Cybersecurity Awareness Training course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to common cyber threats. This program introduces the fundamentals of cyberattacks, social engineering tactics, and the role of individuals in safeguarding organizational security. Through interactive exercises, case studies, and simulations, participants will learn how to identify suspicious activity, adopt secure practices, and contribute to building a cyber-smart workplace culture.

Learning Outcomes / Benefits

• Understand the nature of cyberattacks, their types, and prevention strategies
• Recognize and respond to social engineering tactics and deception techniques
• Apply proactive cybersecurity practices to strengthen organizational resilience
• Contribute to a workplace culture that prioritizes security, accountability, and customer trust
• Demonstrate awareness through simulations, role-play, and assessments

Key Content

Day 1

Module 1: Demystifying Cyberattacks

This module introduces the concept of cyberattacks, explaining what they are and the motivations behind them. Participants will explore common attack types such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and DDoS, supported by real-world case studies. Practical prevention strategies like firewalls, antivirus, patching, and strong authentication are also covered.

Topic A: What Is A Cyberattack?

• Define cyberattack as a deliberate attempt to exploit systems, networks, or technologies
• Explain attacker motivations: financial, political, revenge, disruption

Topic B: Types Of Cyberattacks

• Phishing
• Malware
• Ransomware
• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
• Man-in-the-Middle attacks
• Case studies of real-world incidents

Topic C: Prevention Strategies

• Firewalls and antivirus software
• Regular patching and updates
• Strong password practices
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Human vigilance as the first line of defence

Module 2: Defeating Deception: Spotting And Preventing Social Engineering Tactics

Learners will understand how attackers manipulate people through social engineering techniques. The module highlights common tactics such as urgency, authority, and fear, while teaching participants to recognize red flags in emails, calls, and links. Role-playing exercises provide hands-on practice in identifying and responding to deceptive scenarios.

Topic A: What Is Social Engineering?

• Manipulating people to reveal sensitive information
• Examples: phishing emails, baiting with USBs, impersonation calls

Topic B: Common Tactics And Red Flags

• Urgency and pressure
• Authority exploitation
• Fear-based manipulation
• Trust exploitation
• Red flags: unexpected emails, suspicious links, credential requests

Topic C: Role-Playing Exercises

• Simulated phishing emails
• Suspicious phone call scenarios
• Group debrief and discussion on responses

Module 3: Empowering The Human Firewall

This module emphasizes that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, not just an IT concern. Participants will learn to recognize suspicious activity such as login anomalies or unauthorized access. The session also promotes proactive habits like updating software, locking screens, and reporting unusual behaviour.

Topic A: Cybersecurity Is Everyone’s Responsibility

• Shift mindset from “IT-only” to shared responsibility
• Highlight individual contributions to security

Topic B: Recognizing Suspicious Activity

• Strange pop-ups or system behaviour
• Login anomalies
• Unauthorized file access

Topic C: Encouraging Proactive Behaviour

• Regular password changes
• Software updates and patching
• Locking screens when away
• Verifying unusual requests
• Reporting suspicious activity

Module 4: Creating A Cyber-Smart Workplace Culture

Learners will explore how to move from awareness to daily secure habits through reminders, gamification, and nudges. The module reviews key organizational policies for acceptable use, remote work, and mobile devices. Leadership’s role in setting the tone and appointing cybersecurity champions is also emphasized.

Topic A: From Awareness To Habits

• Move from one-time training to continuous habits
• Use reminders: posters, screen savers, gamification

Topic B: Policies And Best Practices

• Acceptable use policies
• Remote work guidelines
• Mobile device management

Topic C: Leadership And Accountability

• Leadership sets the tone for security
• Cybersecurity champions in departments
• Encourage accountability and ownership

Day 2

Module 5: Strengthening Awareness And Confidence To Combat Cyber Threats

This module provides updates on the evolving threat landscape, using real-world news and intelligence reports. Participants will build confidence through phishing simulations and cyber drills, followed by feedback and coaching to reinforce learning.

Topic A: Understanding The Threat Landscape

• Current cyber threats and attacker tactics
• Use of news stories and intelligence reports

Topic B: Building Confidence Through Simulation

• Phishing simulations
• Cyber drills and exercises
• Feedback and coaching sessions

Module 6: Protecting Customer Trust Through Secure Practices

Learners will understand the link between cybersecurity and organizational reputation, with examples of breaches that damaged customer trust. The module stresses responsible data handling practices such as encryption, access controls, and compliance with regulations like GDPR and PDPA.

Topic A: The Link Between Cybersecurity And Reputation

• Breaches cause loss of customer confidence
• Legal and reputational consequences
• High-profile case studies

Topic B: Data Protection As A Promise To Customers

• Encryption and access controls
• Data minimization practices
• Compliance with regulations (GDPR, PDPA)

Module 7: Cybersecurity Governance & Frameworks

This module introduces the concept of governance within cybersecurity and its importance in setting policies, aligning security objectives with business goals, and ensuring accountability. Participants will explore popular frameworks like NIST, COBIT, and ISO 27001, understand governance vs. management, and learn why executive involvement is crucial.

Topic A: What Is Governance In Cybersecurity?

• Defining cybersecurity governance: Setting direction, monitoring performance, and aligning with business goals
• Key components: policies, roles, decision-making, and accountability
• Governance as a proactive approach to reducing cyber risk

Topic B: Cybersecurity Frameworks And Standards

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover
• COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies): Governance and management goals for enterprise IT
• ISO/IEC 27001: International standard for managing information security
• How frameworks streamline auditing, compliance, and risk assessment processes

Topic C: Governance Vs. Management In Cybersecurity

• Governance = “Doing the right things” (strategic direction)
• Management = “Doing things right” (executing processes)
• Distinguish high-level policies from day-to-day operational controls

Module 8: Emerging Technologies In Cybersecurity

This module explores the upcoming and emerging technologies influencing cybersecurity, such as AI, machine learning, and quantum computing. Participants will understand the importance of modern security concepts like Zero Trust Architecture and get insights into global cybersecurity career trends ideal for forward-thinking organizations.

Topic A: AI And Machine Learning In Security

• How AI enhances threat detection, fraud monitoring, and automated incident response
• ML-based solutions for behavioral analysis and anomaly detection
• Risks: AI-powered attacks and ethical misuse

Topic B: Quantum Computing And Its Cyber Impact

• What is quantum computing and why does it matter?
• Threats to current encryption standards
• Preparing for a post-quantum cryptography world

Topic C: Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)

• “Never trust, always verify” model explained
• Principles: micro-segmentation, least privilege, identity-based access
• How organizations are adopting ZTA to strengthen defences in hybrid/remote environments

Target Audience

This course is ideal for employees at all levels who use digital systems and handle sensitive information. It is especially valuable for professionals in business, education, government, and customer-facing roles who need to strengthen their awareness of cyber risks and adopt secure practices in daily work.

Methodology

• Guided instructor demonstrations
• Case studies and real-world examples
• Interactive role-playing and simulations
• Group discussions and debriefs
• Quizzes and assessments