Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Policy and Procedures

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Program to ensure all employees understand their roles and responsibilities in protecting the organization’s information systems and data. This policy aims to mitigate risks related to human error, social engineering, and other security threats through continuous education and practical exercises.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and third-party users of the organization’s information systems and data. It encompasses all aspects of security awareness and training, including role-based training and maintaining training records.

3. Policy

AT-01: Policy and Procedures

The organization shall establish, document, and disseminate a security awareness and training policy that includes the following components:

Roles and Responsibilities: Define roles and responsibilities for implementing and maintaining the security awareness and training program.

Frequency of Training: Specify the frequency and types of training required for different roles within the organization.

Assessment and Evaluation: Outline methods for assessing the effectiveness of the training program and making necessary improvements.

Review and Updates: Outline the process for periodic review and update of the policy and procedures.

AT-02: Literacy Training and Awareness

All employees shall receive initial and ongoing literacy training and awareness covering the following topics:

Basic Security Concepts: Understanding of basic security concepts, policies, and procedures.

Phishing and Social Engineering: Recognizing and reporting phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.

Password Management: Best practices for creating and managing strong passwords.

Data Protection: Importance of protecting sensitive information and the methods for doing so.

AT-02(01): Practical Exercises

Incorporate practical exercises, such as simulated phishing attacks, to reinforce training objectives and ensure employees can apply what they have learned.

AT-02(02): Insider Threat

Educate employees about the risks associated with insider threats and how to detect and report suspicious activities.

AT-02(03): Social Engineering and Mining

Provide training on identifying social engineering and data mining techniques used by attackers to gain unauthorized access.

AT-02(04): Suspicious Communications and Anomalous System Behavior

Train employees to recognize and report suspicious communications and anomalous behavior in information systems.

AT-02(05): Advanced Persistent Threat

Inform employees about advanced persistent threats (APTs) and the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting.

AT-02(06): Cyber Threat Environment

Keep employees updated on the evolving cyber threat landscape and emerging threats.

AT-03: Role-Based Training

Provide specialized training based on the roles and responsibilities of employees. This training should cover:

Environmental Controls: Understanding the environmental controls relevant to their role.

Physical Security Controls: Knowledge of physical security measures and their importance.

Practical Exercises: Role-specific practical exercises to enhance learning.

Suspicious Communications and Anomalous System Behavior: Role-specific guidelines for identifying and reporting anomalies.

Processing Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Procedures and best practices for handling PII securely.

AT-04: Training Records

Maintain accurate records of all security awareness and training activities, including:

Completion Records: Documenting the completion of required training by employees.

Assessment Results: Recording the results of training assessments and practical exercises.

Continuous Improvement: Tracking improvements and updates made to the training program.

AT-05: Contacts with Security Groups and Associations

Encourage and facilitate contact with external security groups and associations to stay informed about the latest threats, trends, and best practices.

AT-06: Training Feedback

Implement a system for collecting and analyzing feedback from training participants to improve the program continually.

4. Procedures

4.1 Training Implementation

New Employees: Provide initial security training during onboarding.

Ongoing Training: Schedule regular training sessions and distribute materials to all employees.

Specialized Training: Develop and deliver role-based training as needed.

4.2 Practical Exercises

Simulations: Conduct regular phishing simulations and other practical exercises.

Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of exercises and provide feedback.

4.3 Incident Reporting

Reporting Mechanism: Establish clear procedures for reporting security incidents and suspicious activities.

Response Plan: Define a response plan for reported incidents.

4.4 Record Keeping

Documentation: Keep detailed records of training sessions, participant attendance, and assessment results.

Review: Periodically review and update records to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

5. Review and Update

This policy and its associated procedures shall be reviewed and updated annually or following significant security incidents, changes in applicable laws, regulations, or organizational structure.

Approval and Acknowledgement

This policy is approved by the organization's executive management and will be communicated to all employees. Employees are required to acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the policy.

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

Review Date: [Insert Date]

Approved by: [Insert Name and Title]

This template serves as a foundation for establishing a robust security awareness and training program. It should be customized to fit the specific needs and context of the organization.