Why human risk remains a major security challenge

Even with strong technical controls in place, users are still targeted daily by increasingly convincing cyber attacks. Attackers understand that people are often easier to exploit than systems, and they design attacks to bypass technology by manipulating behaviour.

A single click on a phishing link, disclosure of credentials, or approval of a fraudulent request can undermine otherwise effective security controls. As organisations adopt remote and hybrid working, this risk increases further.

Without regular, relevant training, users remain vulnerable to attacks designed specifically to exploit human error.

The modern social engineering threat landscape

Social engineering attacks have evolved significantly:

  • Phishing emails closely mimic real business communications
  • Credential harvesting targets cloud services and remote access
  • Impersonation attacks exploit authority and urgency
  • Smishing and vishing extend attacks beyond email
  • Attack timing aligns with real events to increase success

These attacks are often low-effort for attackers, but high-impact for organisations.

Why one-off training is not enough

Traditional security awareness training is often delivered once a year as a compliance exercise. While this may satisfy basic requirements, it does little to change behaviour long term.

Common limitations include:

  • Training that is too generic or outdated
  • Lack of reinforcement over time
  • No testing of real user behaviour
  • Little visibility into who is most at risk
  • No measurable improvement in outcomes

As a result, organisations may remain exposed despite having “done the training”.

What effective security awareness training should deliver

A modern security awareness programme should provide:

  • Relevant, engaging training based on real threats
  • Regular reinforcement rather than one-off sessions
  • Simulated attacks to test user behaviour
  • Clear reporting on risk and improvement
  • Evidence of training for compliance and assurance

The goal is to create lasting behaviour change, not just awareness.

How BSAS approaches security awareness training

BSAS delivers security awareness training as an ongoing, managed programme.

We focus on educating users in a practical, accessible way, while using simulated phishing campaigns to measure risk and identify weaknesses. Training and testing are used together to improve awareness over time and reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.

Our approach balances security improvement with minimal disruption to users.

Key capabilities of BSAS security awareness training

Depending on your requirements, our services include:

  • Engaging training content focused on real-world threats
  • Regular simulated phishing campaigns
  • Identification of high-risk users and behaviours
  • Clear reporting on results and improvement trends
  • Ongoing reinforcement and awareness campaigns
  • Support for compliance and audit requirements

These capabilities help embed security awareness into day-to-day behaviour.

Why BSAS is different

Many providers treat security awareness training as a box-ticking exercise. Content is delivered, reports are generated, and little changes in practice.

BSAS takes ownership of security awareness by:

  • Delivering training that reflects current threats
  • Measuring behaviour, not just completion rates
  • Adjusting programmes based on real results
  • Integrating awareness with wider cyber controls
  • Providing ongoing guidance and improvement

This results in fewer successful phishing attacks and a stronger security culture.

How security awareness fits into a layered strategy

Security awareness training strengthens every other security control. When combined with:

  • Email security
  • Endpoint protection
  • Microsoft 365 security
  • Network security
  • Backup and recovery

…it significantly reduces the likelihood of attacks succeeding in the first place.

Who this service is for

Security Awareness Training is particularly valuable for organisations that:

  • Want to reduce phishing and social engineering risk
  • Support remote or hybrid working
  • Need evidence of user training for compliance
  • Want to improve security culture, not just technology
  • Have experienced user-driven security incidents

Moving beyond compliance training

Security awareness is most effective when it is continuous, relevant, and measurable.

BSAS helps organisations reduce human risk by delivering security awareness training as part of a managed, layered cyber security strategy.