Investing in cyber awareness training is crucial, especially for SMEs who tend not to have the expertise and resource at their fingertips, to protect themselves against cyber-attacks and scams. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and smaller businesses are often prime targets for attackers due to perceived weaker security defences. Your staff are key, they are the first line of defence, and potentially, your biggest weakness.  This means they must know what the threats are and what simple steps they can take to protect the business. 

Here are some key reasons why an SME should be seriously considering a cyber awareness training programme for their staff:

a. Protect Against Cyber Threats

SMEs face risks from phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attacks. Training helps employees recognise and respond to these threats before they cause harm.

b. Reduce Human Error

Most cyber incidents result from human mistakes and are not malicious in nature.  Cyber awareness training can significantly reduce mistakes such as clicking on malicious links or using weak passwords. Training teaches employees what security best practice means and how to adopt it.

c. Ensure Regulatory Compliance

Many industries have data protection laws (e.g., GDPR) and other industry led regulations (PCI, FSA etc) that require businesses to safeguard customer data. Cyber awareness training helps SMEs comply with these regulations and avoid fines and reputational damage.

d. Protect Business Reputation

A data breach can damage customer trust and brand reputation, potentially leading to lost business. Proactive cybersecurity measures, including training, help maintain credibility.

e. Minimise Financial Losses

Cyber incidents can lead to financial losses from fraud, legal fees, downtime, and recovery costs. Investing in training is a cost-effective way to mitigate these risks.

f. Strengthen Overall Security Culture

When employees understand cybersecurity risks, they become an active part of the defence strategy, fostering a security-first mindset across the organisation.

g. Improve Incident Response

Trained employees can quickly identify and report security incidents, enabling faster response times and reducing potential damage.

h. Stay Competitive

Many clients and partners prefer working with businesses that prioritise cybersecurity. Demonstrating a commitment to security can be a competitive advantage.

Awareness training doesn’t need to cost that much, and it can be delivered classroom based, either on site or online, or it can be automated.  The latter is often the preferred platform for an SME. 

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each method of delivery.

Classroom-Based Training

Pros:

• Interactive Learning – Employees can ask questions, engage in discussions, and get real-time feedback.
• Customisable Content – Trainers can tailor content based on specific organisational threats or employee skill levels.
• Higher Engagement – In-person or live virtual sessions often result in better engagement and knowledge retention.
• Hands-on Practice – Allows for simulations, group exercises, and real-world case studies.

Cons:

• Costly – Requires hiring trainers, scheduling sessions, and potential travel expenses.
• Time-Consuming – Employees must take time away from work to attend sessions.
• Scalability Issues – Difficult to train a large workforce across multiple locations.
• Inconsistency – The effectiveness may vary depending on the instructor’s expertise and teaching style.

Automated Training (often AI-Based)

Pros:

• Cost-Effective – No need for in-person instructors or travel costs.
• Scalable – Easily deployed across an entire organisation, including remote employees.
• Flexible Scheduling – Employees can complete training at their own pace.
• Consistent Content Delivery – Ensures all employees receive the same training material.
• Trackable Progress & Reporting – Automated platforms provide analytics on employee performance and compliance.

Cons:

• Limited Engagement – Lack of real-time interaction may result in lower retention.
• Generic Content – May not always address specific threats or industry-specific risks.
• No Immediate Feedback – Employees may not have an opportunity to clarify doubts in real time.
• Potential for Click-Through Learning – Some employees might rush through without fully absorbing the information.

Which one is better?  This is somewhat subjective and will depend very much on the type of business you are, your budget and expectations.  Generally:

• For organisations needing high engagement and tailored content, classroom-based training is ideal.
• For large, distributed teams or cost-conscious businesses, automated training is more practical.
• A hybrid approach, combining both methods, often works best—using classroom sessions for deep learning and automated modules for ongoing reinforcement.

Here at H2 we can offer both classroom based, in person or on-line, as well as an automated programme which can include induction courses and continual reinforcement.  This of course if the more cost effective solution for many SMEs.