How Often Should You Do Cybersecurity Awareness Training?

Beyond the Annual Checklist: Why Frequent Training Matters

Cyber threats are continually evolving, and human error remains a leading cause of security breaches. In fact, a striking 82% of data breaches involve a human element, such as falling for phishing or using stolen credentials. This reality underscores that one-off training sessions are not sufficient. Many organizations still treat cybersecurity awareness training as a “check-the-box” annual exercise, yet memories fade and threats adapt quickly. Employees might ace a security quiz right after a yearly training, only to click a malicious link six months later. For instance, 60% of small businesses don’t survive a cyber-attack, often because an employee’s lapse in judgment opened the door to an attack. To keep companies safe, cybersecurity training awareness must be an ongoing effort rather than a one-time event.

An effective security culture requires regular reinforcement of good cyber hygiene practices. Just as we can’t expect physical fitness from a single yearly workout, we can’t expect lasting security-savvy behavior from infrequent training. The question isn’t “Should we train our staff?”, it’s “How often should we train them to truly reduce risk?”. In this article, we explore optimal training frequency, what current research and industry practices say, and how to implement frequent training in a way that keeps employees engaged without causing fatigue.

Cybersecurity is as much about people as it is about technology. Attackers often target employees through phishing emails, social engineering calls, and other tricks, knowing that humans are the weakest link in many defenses. This means that maintaining a vigilant workforce is critical. However, vigilance wanes over time if not reinforced. Employees may start off cautious after training, but as months pass, they can become complacent or forgetful about threats.

Real-world incidents highlight this challenge. Consider a scenario where a company conducts training for all staff once a year. Immediately after the training, employees might perform well in spotting scams. But a few months down the line, an employee receives a convincing phishing email and, having forgotten some of the warning signs, clicks a malicious link, leading to a ransomware infection. This hypothetical scenario mirrors reality for many organizations. One study found that well-trained employees’ ability to spot phishing emails remained strong at four months after training, but dropped significantly by the six-month mark. In other words, the effectiveness of training “wears off” after a few months, indicating that knowledge and habits need periodic refreshers.

Frequent cybersecurity awareness training addresses this human factor by keeping risks and best practices fresh in employees’ minds. Ongoing awareness, through reminders, updates, and practice, helps employees retain knowledge and stay alert to new threats. Simply put, regular training turns cybersecurity into a habit, rather than a one-time lesson. Given that a single mistake can have catastrophic consequences, such as a costly breach or regulatory fines, the effort to train continuously is a prudent investment in risk reduction. Notably, companies that consistently engage in security awareness programs have seen up to a 70% reduction in security incidents compared to those with infrequent training. This data makes a compelling case that human risk can be dramatically lowered when training is not a one-and-done affair.

Many organizations settle for annual cybersecurity training, often due to compliance mandates that require it at least once per year. Annual training is certainly better than none, it satisfies basic requirements (for example, PCI-DSS requires training upon hire and annually) and it establishes a security baseline. However, annual training alone is widely regarded as insufficient for true preparedness. The reason lies in the psychology of learning and forgetting.

Employees are inundated with information every day, and security advice can slip from memory if not reinforced. Research presented at the USENIX SOUPS security conference demonstrated a classic “forgetting curve” in cybersecurity skills. In that study, employees were trained and then tested on phishing awareness after varying intervals: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months. The results were eye-opening: performance remained strong up to about four months, but by six months without reinforcement, employees’ phishing detection scores significantly deteriorated. By the 8- to 12-month range, many had forgotten much of what they learned, leading to substantially worse results. This suggests that if you train people once a year and do nothing in between, for roughly half that year they may be operating with degraded awareness.

Security experts often echo this point. Professor Daniel Solove, a noted expert on privacy and security law, points out that “Memories fade quickly. People need to be constantly reminded... all it takes is one lapse and there will be an incident.”. In practice, most organizations do at least annual training as a baseline, but the best practice is to provide periodic refreshers and updates throughout the year. In short, annual training is a starting point, not the finish line. To truly combat the forgetting curve, companies should aim to “train frequently,” as Solove puts it, reinforcing key lessons before employees lose sight of them.

If annual is not enough, then how often should cybersecurity awareness training occur? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, multiple studies and industry guidelines converge on a similar range. A common recommendation is to hold formal training sessions or refreshers every 4 to 6 months. The rationale is based on the retention research cited earlier: at four months most employees still retain knowledge, but by six months many begin to forget. Thus, twice a year at minimum is advised, and quarterly is often ideal to stay ahead of the forgetting curve. In fact, the cybersecurity association ISACA explicitly recommends training “every four to six months”, noting that after six months users start to forget what they learned.

Figure: Survey data shows the current frequency of security awareness training in organizations. In a 2025 study of US technology leaders, 38% reported conducting training monthly, while others trained quarterly, twice a year, or annually. This trend reflects a push for more frequent and consistent training.

Many forward-thinking companies are moving toward more frequent, bite-sized trainings. According to a 2025 industry survey, monthly security training is now the most common approach, used by 38% of senior tech leaders. This indicates a growing recognition that one-off sessions aren’t enough in the face of ever-evolving threats. Still, a considerable number of organizations stick to longer intervals (18% annually, 12% biannually, 10% quarterly) or even have no set schedule. Notably, only about 7.5% use adaptive continuous training that adjusts to employees’ performance in real time. The overall direction is clear: more frequent training correlates with better outcomes.

Cybersecurity training providers often advocate for at least a quarterly rhythm, supplemented by ongoing micro-learning. For example, a research report by KnowBe4 (which analyzed data from over 500,000 employees worldwide) found that employees who received training more frequently had a much better understanding of how to respond to security incidents. The report concludes that organizations should train on a monthly or at least quarterly basis for optimal preparedness. As KnowBe4’s chief research officer put it, increased frequency ensures employees aren’t “left to decipher security instructions on their own” in a crisis. In other words, regular training equips staff to react correctly when real threats arise.

It’s also worth mentioning that different formats of training can be mixed to achieve frequency without overloading employees. Many companies now use a combination of an annual comprehensive training (to cover broad topics and fulfill compliance) plus more frequent short trainings or simulations. For instance, a common best practice is to do a quarterly phishing simulation or quiz as a checkpoint, and to distribute monthly security tips or mini-training videos. One CISO describes a multi-layered program where “quarterly awareness training activities [are] combined with monthly touch points featuring short activities, games, and cyber challenges,” which keeps users informed year-round without fatigue. This approach aligns well with learning science, spacing out learning in smaller chunks helps knowledge stick, while also continually reminding people to stay vigilant.

In summary, experts generally agree on the following benchmarks for training frequency: at minimum, an annual full training, with additional refreshers at least every 4–6 months. Even better, aim for quarterly sessions, and if possible, monthly micro-trainings or phishing simulations for constant reinforcement. The goal is to ensure no employee goes too long without a reminder of cybersecurity best practices. Naturally, these recommendations may be adjusted based on specific organizational needs, which we will discuss next.

While general best practices exist, the ideal frequency of cybersecurity awareness training can depend on several factors unique to each organization:

• Industry and Regulatory Requirements: Certain industries mandate more frequent training. For example, healthcare organizations under HIPAA must provide security awareness training and “periodic security updates” to staff, and standards like PCI-DSS require training upon hire and at least annually. In highly regulated sectors (finance, government, etc.), quarterly or ongoing training may be expected to ensure compliance and protect sensitive data. Even when laws only specify annual training, regulators interpret “periodic” to mean that ongoing reinforcement is needed to stay compliant. Failing to meet these expectations can lead to penalties and, more importantly, greater risk of breaches.
  
• Threat Environment: Organizations facing a high volume of threats or sophisticated attack attempts should train more frequently. If your company has recently been targeted by phishing campaigns or if there’s a surge in new attack techniques (e.g. a wave of ransomware in your sector), ramping up training (even ad-hoc updates or emergency briefings) is wise. The more active the threat landscape, the more continuous your awareness efforts should be. For instance, during periods of heightened phishing activity, a quick company-wide reminder or extra phishing simulation that month can shore up defenses.
  
• Company Size and Complexity: Larger enterprises with complex IT environments often require more frequent training touches. A big company has more people (and thus more potential “weak links”) and typically a broader range of threats (due to diverse job roles and technologies in use). Complex businesses may opt for monthly topic-focused trainings (covering different risk areas each month) to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout the year. By contrast, a very small business might manage with quarterly refreshers if their threat profile is lower, but they must weigh that against the severe impact a single incident could have.
  
• Organizational Culture and Risk Tolerance: An organization’s risk appetite and security culture play a role. Some enterprises choose to foster a robust “security-first” culture with constant engagement, daily or weekly tips, security newsletters, posters, and frequent drills. Others with a higher risk tolerance (or resource constraints) might do the basics annually and rely on a smaller subset of power users (IT staff) to be the front line. However, as cyber risks grow, even risk-tolerant businesses are recognizing that an untrained workforce is a liability. Surveys show that 62% of companies lack sufficient security awareness training to see meaningful benefits. Leadership mindset is key: companies that prioritize security invest in more regular training, viewing it as essential rather than optional.
  
• Past Incident History and Employee Performance: If your organization has experienced security incidents or close calls attributable to user actions, that’s a clear signal to increase training frequency. Likewise, results from phishing simulations or quizzes can guide frequency, if employees are frequently failing phishing tests, more training is needed until those rates improve. Adaptive approaches tailor the cadence to performance: users who struggle may receive extra training sessions, whereas those who consistently demonstrate good practices might just get standard periodic training. The idea is to allocate training efforts in proportion to risk.
  
  
• Employee Turnover and Onboarding: Every new hire is a potential new attack target if not trained. Companies with high turnover or lots of new hires should provide security training immediately during onboarding (on day one or week one), then follow up with those individuals more frequently in their first year. If employees join continuously, you essentially need an ongoing training program to catch everyone up. This can effectively raise the overall frequency of training sessions (to accommodate onboarding in batches or individually). Consistent scheduling (e.g. monthly orientation sessions on security) can ensure no one slips through the cracks.
  

In summary, factors like regulatory demands, threat levels, company complexity, and workforce dynamics will influence how often you must or should train. A bank or hospital might choose a strict monthly or quarterly training schedule due to high stakes, whereas a small software firm might aim for quarterly plus occasional updates. It’s important to assess your risk environment and adjust accordingly, but err on the side of more frequent if unsure, because the cost of under-training is a lot higher than the effort of additional training sessions.

One concern leaders often have is that increasing training frequency could lead to “training fatigue” or disengagement. After all, employees have day jobs, and too many mandatory courses can become overwhelming. The good news is that cybersecurity awareness training doesn’t have to be a boring, hours-long lecture repeated every month. There are proven strategies to keep frequent training effective, engaging, and even enjoyable:

• Microlearning and Short Modules: Instead of long annual seminars, break content into short, focused modules that can be delivered more often. Research shows that bite-sized learning (e.g. 5-10 minute lessons) can boost retention by at least 80%. These quick refreshers, sometimes called “micro” or “nano” learning, cover one topic at a time and fit easily into an employee’s workday. For example, you might release a 5-minute video on phishing red flags this month, a 3-minute interactive quiz on passwords next month, and so on. The brevity keeps it from feeling burdensome, and the regular cadence keeps security top-of-mind.
  
• Variety of Formats: To maintain interest, use a mix of training formats, videos, interactive quizzes, email tips, infographics, even games. A varied approach prevents the “not another boring training” syndrome. Visual content and real examples can help users grasp concepts faster. For instance, showing a screenshot of a real phishing email and having employees click to identify the suspicious elements can be more engaging than a text-only explanation. Gamification elements like points, badges, or team competitions can motivate participation. In one study, 83% of employees said gamified training made them more motivated. While not every topic lends itself to a game, sprinkling in some friendly competition (e.g. department phishing challenge) can turn training into a positive, team-building activity rather than a chore.
  
• Phishing Simulations and Drills: Conducting regular phishing simulation exercises is one of the most effective ways to reinforce awareness. These simulations involve sending fake phishing emails to employees (in a safe, controlled manner) to see who clicks and who reports the email. When done monthly or quarterly, simulations serve both as training and as a measurement tool. They keep employees on their toes, knowing that any email could be a test (or worse, a real phish) encourages caution. Just as importantly, simulations provide teachable moments: employees who fall for a simulated phish can immediately receive feedback and a quick refresher training on how to spot such scams. Over time, organizations commonly see their phishing click rates drop as simulations and follow-up training correct risky behaviors. (Industry data backs this up, one global report found that after a year of ongoing training, average phishing click rates dropped from ~27% to just 4%, an 86% improvement.) The key is to run these simulations regularly enough to catch lapses, but not so punitively that employees feel tricked or demoralized. Most experts recommend a monthly phishing test or at least several times per year, with supportive coaching for those who make mistakes.
  
• Interactive and Role-Based Content: Tailor training to be relevant to different roles and departments. For example, developers might get specialized training on secure coding in addition to general topics; finance staff might get extra training on spotting business email compromise scams. Role-based training acknowledges that one size doesn’t fit all. It can also be spaced out in a rotation, perhaps each month focuses on a theme or department. January’s awareness focus might be “phishing 101” for all staff, whereas February might deliver a brief for executives on data leakage risks, March might target the sales team’s travel security practices, etc. This rotating schedule (often aligned with a yearly training calendar) ensures everyone gets the basics regularly and specialized content periodically. By making training directly relevant to an employee’s day-to-day challenges, you increase engagement and knowledge retention.
  
• Continuous Communication: In between formal training sessions, maintain a stream of security awareness through newsletters, email tips, posters, and discussions. For example, an organization might have a “Security Tip of the Week” email or Slack message that highlights a recent threat or a quick best practice. October’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month can be used as an annual campaign with events and refreshers, but don’t wait for October, weave security into the culture year-round. Some companies share short security stories during all-hands meetings or use screensavers with security reminders. These informal touchpoints complement scheduled training and keep the momentum going. They also signal from leadership that security is not just an IT issue, but a core part of business operations every day.
  
• Measure and Adjust: Finally, track the effectiveness of your frequent training to ensure it’s working and adjust if needed. Use metrics like quiz scores, phishing simulation results, number of incidents reported by staff, and feedback surveys to gauge impact. If monthly trainings are too overwhelming, you might dial back to bi-monthly but increase interactivity. If you notice particular topics where employees struggle (say, recognizing phishing links), focus more on those in upcoming sessions. The advantage of a continuous program is you have multiple opportunities to iterate and improve. Remember, the goal is not just to “do training often” but to change behavior and build a security-first mindset. Regular measurement helps ensure your training frequency and methods are achieving that goal.
  

By following these practices, organizations can significantly boost their security posture through frequent training without burning out their employees. In fact, done well, employees will come to appreciate these trainings as empowerment, they are being equipped with knowledge that not only protects the company, but also their own digital lives. Frequent, well-designed training transforms security awareness from a dull compliance task into an engaging, habit-forming experience.

Ultimately, the question of “how often” to conduct cybersecurity awareness training comes down to one core principle: security is not a one-time checklist, but a continuous culture. Threats won’t wait on an annual schedule, and neither should your training. By training regularly, whether that means quarterly workshops, monthly mini-trainings, or daily bite-sized tips, organizations keep cybersecurity front-and-center. This fosters a culture of continuous alertness where employees understand that security is part of their everyday job responsibility.

Finding the right balance is key. Training should be frequent enough to reinforce knowledge and adapt to new threats, yet not so constant that it becomes noise. For most companies, this balance leans towards “more frequent than you might think, but less heavy each time.” In practice, that could mean an engaging 15-minute refresher every month instead of a long once-a-year seminar. The payoff for getting this right is substantial: fewer incidents, faster incident response, and employees who feel empowered to act as the first line of defense against cyber attacks.

In the end, the frequency of training is a means to an end, the end being a workforce that is resilient against social engineering and other human-targeted attacks. As breaches continue to make headlines and regulators demand accountability, investing in human-centric security measures is not optional. Regular cybersecurity awareness training is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to bolster your defenses. The organizations that embrace continuous learning will be far better prepared than those that stick to outdated “annual training only” mindsets. Cybersecurity awareness is a journey, not a destination, and that journey needs frequent footsteps. By pacing those footsteps thoughtfully throughout the year, you ensure that each employee remains vigilant, informed, and ready to thwart the next threat that comes their way.

FAQ

How often should cybersecurity awareness training be conducted?

Experts recommend at least quarterly training, with refreshers every 4–6 months. Monthly micro-trainings or phishing simulations can further improve retention and readiness against evolving threats.

Why isn’t annual cybersecurity training enough?

Annual training alone fails to combat the “forgetting curve,” where knowledge fades after 4–6 months. Without reinforcement, employees’ ability to detect threats drops significantly, increasing the risk of breaches.

What factors influence the ideal training frequency?

Factors include industry regulations, threat levels, company size, organizational culture, past incidents, and employee turnover. High-risk industries or those facing frequent threats often require more frequent training.

How can organizations prevent training fatigue with frequent sessions?

Using microlearning, varied formats, phishing simulations, and role-based content keeps sessions engaging. Short, interactive lessons and ongoing communication maintain interest without overwhelming employees.

What are the benefits of frequent cybersecurity training?

Regular training reinforces good habits, improves threat detection, reduces security incidents, ensures compliance, and fosters a culture where employees act as the first line of defense.