What is user awareness training?

Last updated: 27 September 2026

User awareness training teaches your staff to recognise and avoid cyber threats such as phishing emails, fake login pages, scam phone calls and unsafe use of AI tools. Because most cyber attacks start with a person clicking a link or sharing information, training your team is one of the most effective and affordable security measures you can take.

What does good awareness training cover?

• Spotting phishing emails, texts (smishing) and phone scams (vishing)
• Password managers and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Handling personal and sensitive data under UK GDPR
• Safe remote working, Wi-Fi and device use
• What is and is not safe to share with AI tools such as ChatGPT or Copilot
• How and when to report something suspicious

How often should staff be trained?

Short, regular sessions work better than one long annual course. Many organisations combine a yearly session with monthly micro-lessons and simulated phishing emails, which show who might need extra support.

Why does it matter?

Phishing is by far the most common type of attack reported by UK businesses in the Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey. Trained staff are much more likely to spot and report an attack before it causes damage, and insurers increasingly ask whether training is in place.

ABCOM provides staff awareness training as part of our cyber security services. See also how to make employees your first line of defence.

How ABCOM helps

Training works best alongside technical controls, so a single mistake doesn’t become a breach. As part of our cyber security services we combine practical guidance for your team with the protections that catch what people miss:

• Email filtering to stop most phishing and spoofed emails before they reach inboxes
• Multi-factor authentication and Microsoft 365 hardening, so a stolen password alone can’t be used to take over an account
• Plain-English guidance on spotting phishing, safe use of AI tools and how to report something suspicious
• A clear route for staff to ask “is this genuine?” by phoning our helpdesk on 01444 871 200

Awareness and access control also support Cyber Essentials and UK GDPR. Ask us about short awareness sessions for your team, or read our free email hijack guide.