What does ISO 27001 security awareness entail?
Security awareness means that everyone in an organization knows how to handle information securely and is aware of information security policies. Not just IT specialists, but all employees. ISO 27001 has clear requirements for awareness and training. These are some key components:
🔹 A.6.3 - Information security awareness, education and training
Provide regular training and workshops that teach employees how to handle information securely. This can be done through interactive e-learning modules (such as Guardey), phishing simulations or real-life case studies that teach them how to recognize and report suspicious activity. In addition, make security awareness part of the onboarding process for new employees.
🔹 A.8.7 - Protection against malware
Implement clear guidelines for updating software and using strong passwords. Make sure employees know how to identify suspicious attachments and links. Give them tools such as secure password managers and antivirus software, and hold regular tests to check if they can identify phishing attacks.
🔹 5.1 - Leadership and commitment & A.5.4 - Management responsibilities
Management must be actively involved in security awareness. This means that executives set a good example by observing and communicating security measures themselves. For example, organize periodic meetings in which executives stress the importance of information security and encourage an open culture in which employees feel free to report security incidents without fear of negative consequences. It's not bad to click on a wrong link, but it is bad if it goes unreported.
How do you make security awareness fun?
Many organizations struggle with raising security awareness. Dusty presentations don't always work well: they're often boring and employees don't remember the information. It can be done differently!
Make security training interactive with Guardey 🎮
Guardey takes a different approach to security awareness. Instead of dry theory, this platform offers a playful and interactive way to make employees aware of cybersecurity risks. How?
✅ Realistic scenarios: Employees learn to deal with phishing, weak passwords and unauthorized access through hands-on simulations.
✅ Gamification: earning points and challenging colleagues makes learning fun and motivating.
✅ Instant feedback: After each exercise, employees gain insight into their actions and learn how to respond better.
Want to know more? Read all about Guardey here! 🚀
Other ways to strengthen ISO 27001 awareness
In addition to interactive tools such as Guardey, there are other tools to increase security awareness:
📢 Clear communication
Keep employees informed about cyber threats and best practices through newsletters, emails or the intranet.
📚 Regular training
Repetition is key! Ensure that employees receive ongoing training and stay abreast of the latest threats. Use hands-on workshops that teach employees how to use strong password policies and follow secure e-mail protocols. In addition, an internal "security awareness week" can help keep information security top of mind with interactive sessions, quizzes and real-life case studies.
🛠️ Practical Guidelines
Give employees clear and applicable guidelines so they know what is expected of them. A useful way to support this is to create a concise one-pager with the "Golden Rules" for information security. This document can sit on everyone's desk or be available digitally, so employees know the key guidelines of the information security policy at a glance.
🚀 Create a security culture
Security should not be a one-time action, but a permanent part of the corporate culture. For example, by incorporating it into daily routines:
- Start team meetings with a brief "security tip of the week.
- Reward employees who report suspicious emails correctly or achieve the highest score in Guardey with a monthly "Cyber Hero" award.
- Use recognizable real-life examples to raise awareness, such as how a colleague successfully intercepted a phishing attempt.
- Make security awareness a regular part of performance reviews to emphasize its importance.
Customized Security Awareness
We understand that every organization is unique and that security awareness requires customization. That's why we like to think with you about the best approach for your company. Just like we did at CyberGoos, where we worked together to create an effective awareness strategy. For example, we organized an interactive cyber week with an escape room, guest speakers and workshops, making employees aware of cyber threats in a fun and effective way. Read the CyberGoose customer case study here!
Wondering how we can help your organization with a security awareness strategy? Schedule a no-obligation meeting and ask what we can do for you!
