Security Awareness Training in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated August 25, 2025

What is Security Awareness Training?

Security awareness training turns employees into an extra security layer by teaching them to spot phishing, social engineering, and bad hygiene habits. Ongoing micro-training plus realistic simulations build instincts that filters and firewalls can’t.

Core Categories of Security Awareness Training Solutions

Security Learning Platforms

Security Learning Platforms deliver structured, interactive cybersecurity training. They develop workforce skills, reinforce awareness, and support a culture of security across the organization.

MediaPRO

KnowBe4

Wombat

Phishing Simulation Platforms

Phishing Simulation Platforms test employees with realistic fake phishing attempts. They measure user susceptibility and provide targeted training, building resilience against social engineering.

KnowBe4

Fortra PhishLabs

Wombat

## Category Overview ### Introduction People remain the most common breach vector, whether through phishing, weak password hygiene, or social engineering. Security Awareness Training addresses this by reshaping employee behavior. The best programs in 2025 combine simulations, role-based content, and behavioral nudges to create a culture where security is intuitive rather than intrusive. ## Quarterly Trends & News | Theme | Update | |---|---| | **Human error still dominant** | Distraction, pressure, and lack of awareness remain top root causes of breaches. | | **Proven ROI of training** | Mature training programs cut phishing susceptibility by up to 80%. | | **AI-powered lures** | Deepfakes and AI-crafted phishing emails require more advanced simulation and detection exercises. | | **Culture over compliance** | Organizations focus on embedding security into daily habits, not just annual training modules. | | **Metrics-driven programs** | PPP (phish-prone percentage) and reporting rates become core KPIs. | ## Common Terms & Definitions | Term | Definition | |---|---| | **Phish-Prone %** | Percentage of users who fall for simulated phishing emails. | | **Just-in-Time Training** | Contextual prompts delivered when risky behavior is detected. | | **Security Culture** | The degree to which security-conscious behavior is normalized in an organization. | | **Role-Based Training** | Tailored modules for high-risk functions like finance or system administration. | | **Reporting Rate** | The proportion of phishing attempts reported by employees. |

Key Considerations

Quick tips, recommendations, and trade-offs

Upside Downside

Behavior Change

Teaches employees to spot phishing and scams in real email

Regulatory Coverage

Meets training requirements for GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS

Culture Building

Promotes security awareness across the workforce

Short-Term Impact

Training fades unless refreshed regularly

User Fatigue