October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global initiative designed to help businesses and individuals strengthen their defences against growing digital threats. While technology plays a huge role in protection, the human factor remains the most vulnerable point. That’s where Cybersecurity Awareness Training comes in.
At Commercial Networks, we provide clients with the knowledge and tools to make their people the strongest defence line and not the weakest link.
Why Cybersecurity Awareness Training Matters
The importance of cybersecurity awareness training cannot be overstated. According to the UK National Cyber Security Centre, over 80% of breaches involve a human element, from clicking on a phishing email to using weak passwords and for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), one careless mistake can lead to ransomware, data loss, or reputational damage.
By equipping staff with practical skills, businesses shrink their attack surface significantly. Awareness training also ensures compliance with frameworks like Cyber Essentials, which highlight staff education as a core requirement.
At Commercial Networks, we combine technical defences with training programmes that make security second nature for employees.
Many organisations assume awareness training is just a tick-box exercise. The reality? Effective training changes behaviour – from spotting a suspicious email to reporting incidents quickly, employees who are trained properly act as an extension of your IT security team.
We’ve seen first-hand how clients benefit: fewer phishing clicks, faster reporting of incidents, and greater overall confidence across the business. By embedding training into company culture, businesses transform cyber risk into resilience.
Building Employee Cyber Security
The foundation of strong employee cyber security lies in practical, memorable advice that staff can apply daily. Training should be hands-on, not theoretical. Here are 10 training tips every employee needs during Cybersecurity Awareness Month:
- Think before you click – verify links and attachments before opening.
- Use strong, unique passwords – avoid reusing across accounts.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) – add a second layer of protection.
- Lock screens when away – even short breaks leave systems exposed.
- Report suspicious emails immediately – don’t ignore them.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for work – or use a secure VPN if required.
- Update software promptly – patches close known vulnerabilities.
- Be cautious with removable media – USB drives can harbour malware.
- Check sender details carefully – phishing often hides behind familiar names.
- Stay alert for social engineering – attackers exploit human trust, not just systems.
At Commercial Networks, our Business IT Support includes tailored training sessions that turn these tips into daily habits, helping employees feel confident, not overwhelmed.
Some businesses worry about training fatigue, that employees will zone out if the content is repetitive. The solution is variety: interactive workshops, phishing simulations, and scenario-based learning and when staff see real-world examples that mirror their daily challenges, they’re far more likely to retain knowledge and apply it.
Training also builds a culture of shared responsibility. Employees understand that cyber security isn’t just “an IT issue” but a business-wide priority.
Final Thoughts: Awareness is the First Defence
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect reminder that people are central to your security strategy. Technology alone cannot stop a cleverly crafted phishing email or a convincing phone scam. But employees who are trained, alert, and confident can.
By embedding cybersecurity awareness training into your business, you protect not only your data but also your reputation and future growth.
Next step: Contact us at Commercial Networks today to implement effective awareness training that empowers your employees and strengthens your overall cyber resilience.
