How to measure the success of cybersecurity training?

Product Researcher

Measuring the success of cybersecurity training is important to confirm the program works and employees understand the material. One common method is to look at completion rates of training modules. While high completion rates can signal initial progress, they don't show whether employees understand and retain the information. Another effective strategy is to conduct follow-up assessments or quizzes after training sessions to measure knowledge retention. Platforms like Infosec IQ often offer these features, allowing organizations to test employees on what they've learned. This provides immediate feedback and can identify areas where additional training is needed. However, the strongest measure of effectiveness is observed behavior change. Organizations should monitor for reductions in security incidents or phishing attempts that employees fall for after training. This requires a longer-term view but provides clearer evidence of training success. Employers should also consider employee feedback and engagement levels—are employees more aware of cybersecurity threats? Do they feel confident applying what they've learned? These insights help organizations assess training effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.