The Director of Security Awareness and Training is responsible for developing and implementing security training programs, driving awareness initiatives, and managing internal communications regarding security. This role plays a critical part in ensuring that employees understand the importance of security and are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to protect the organization’s information and assets.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive security awareness and training strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and risk appetite.
• Design and deliver engaging security training programs tailored to various roles and departments within the organization, ensuring the content is up-to-date, relevant, and effective.
• Develop and execute security awareness campaigns and initiatives to promote a security-conscious culture and drive behavioral change.
• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of security training and awareness programs, using metrics and feedback to identify areas for improvement and optimize the strategy.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as IT, HR, and Communications, to ensure the integration of security awareness and training into existing processes and initiatives.
• Manage internal communications regarding security, ensuring that employees are informed about relevant threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices.
• Stay informed about emerging threats, attack vectors, and best practices in security awareness and training, and incorporate this knowledge into the organization’s strategy.
• Develop and manage the security awareness and training team, providing them with the necessary resources and support to perform their duties effectively.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the security awareness and training team.

Overall Goals:

1. Improve employees’ understanding of security risks, responsibilities, and best practices.
2. Foster a security-conscious culture within the organization.
3. Enhance the effectiveness of security training and awareness programs.
4. Ensure the organization’s security awareness and training strategy remains relevant and up-to-date in the face of evolving threats and challenges.

Specific Skills and Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in education, communications, cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or Security+ are highly desirable.
• Extensive experience in security awareness, training, or a related area, preferably in the organization’s industry.
• In-depth knowledge of security threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices, as well as an understanding of the principles of adult learning and instructional design.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to build and maintain a high-performing security awareness and training team.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex security concepts to a variety of audiences.

Individual Skills Needed:

• Creativity and innovation in designing engaging and effective security training programs and awareness initiatives.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify areas for improvement in security awareness and training efforts.
• Project management skills to oversee the implementation of security awareness and training initiatives and ensure their timely completion.
• Interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with different departments and stakeholders across the organization.
• Adaptability and resilience in the face of changing security threats and challenges.
• Decision-making skills to prioritize and allocate resources effectively, balancing the organization’s security awareness and training needs with its business objectives and risk appetite.
• Strategic thinking and planning abilities to develop and execute a long-term security awareness and training strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and risk appetite.

In order to provide a comprehensive security awareness and training program, the Director of Security Awareness and Training should ensure that the following topics are covered:

1. Cybersecurity fundamentals: Educate employees about key security concepts, such as confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as well as common threats and vulnerabilities.
2. Password security: Teach employees about the importance of strong, unique passwords and the use of password management tools.
3. Phishing awareness: Train employees to identify and report phishing emails and other social engineering attacks.
4. Safe internet browsing and email practices: Educate employees on the best practices for browsing the web and using email securely, including the use of secure connections and avoiding suspicious links or attachments.
5. Data protection and privacy: Teach employees about the importance of safeguarding sensitive data and adhering to privacy regulations and policies.
6. Mobile device security: Educate employees on the risks associated with mobile devices and the best practices for securing them, such as using strong authentication and keeping software up to date.
7. Remote work security: Train employees on the best practices for working securely from remote locations, including the use of VPNs and secure Wi-Fi networks.
8. Incident reporting and response: Teach employees about the organization’s incident reporting process and their responsibilities in the event of a security breach.
9. Physical security: Educate employees on the importance of maintaining physical security in the workplace, such as locking doors, securing sensitive documents, and being aware of their surroundings.
10. Security policies and procedures: Ensure that employees are familiar with the organization’s security policies and procedures, and understand their responsibilities in adhering to them.

By covering these essential security awareness and training topics, the Director of Security Awareness and Training will help employees develop a strong understanding of their security responsibilities, and empower them to protect the organization’s information and assets.