How cybersecurity training builds trust

Published: Friday 5th September 2025

security, technology like firewalls and encryption matters, but so does proving compliance and accountability. The human element is often the deciding factor, and showing that your team is trained and alert demonstrates to customers, regulators, and partners that you take their trust seriously.

Those on your team can accidentally compromise data security by clicking on dubious links or using ineffective passwords, providing an opportunity to exploit man-made weak spots. In fact, a significant 74% of cybersecurity incidents are due to phishing attacks, which often employ social engineering strategies such as impersonation.

Why are employees the first line of cyber security defence?

Studies consistently show that human error remains the root cause of most data breaches. In 2024, human error caused 95% of data breaches, with just 8% of staff responsible for 80% of incidents, but raising employee awareness turns potential vulnerabilities into strengths.

With the right knowledge, staff can spot warning signs, follow secure processes, and actively reduce everyday security threats. Trained employees are 40 % more likely to spot and report phishing attempts, reducing breach risk.

But the benefits go far beyond reducing risk. By building a culture of awareness, you can demonstrate accountability and compliance to regulators, clients, and partners – not only strengthening your reputation but also proving your commitment to doing business the right way.

How can employees unknowingly weaken defences?

Falling for phishing emails	Clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments.
Weak or reused passwords	Giving attackers easy access across multiple accounts.
Unsecured devices	Working on personal devices without proper protection.
Oversharing online	Posting information that can be used for social engineering

Why awareness must evolve with threats

Cyber attackers are constantly evolving, which means businesses must prove they’re evolving too. Customers and stakeholders expect more than basic defences; they want assurance that staff are trained and prepared for emerging risks. Treating awareness as a living, evolving part of your management system shows that compliance isn’t a tick-box exercise but an ongoing commitment.

Continuous training, real-world simulations, and open communication channels not only keep employees alert but also build trust. That’s why compliance frameworks like ISO 27001 and GDPR now expect regular refresher training, updated processes, and documented evidence.

When staff feel confident spotting new tactics and know their vigilance is valued, it demonstrates to the outside world that your business takes security and customer confidence seriously. This turns awareness into proof of reliability, reinforcing trust just as much as it reinforces active defence.

How to build a culture of security awareness

Start with onboarding: Introduce new hires to cybersecurity training straight away.
Regular refresher training: Cyber threats evolve quickly. Bite-sized, ongoing training keeps knowledge fresh and at the front of your employees’ minds.
Practical simulations: Beyond phishing tests, run scenario-based exercises to rehearse incident response plans so employees know exactly what to do in a real attack.
Role-specific guidance: Tailor awareness to different departments (HR, Finance, IT, Sales) since each faces unique risks.
Gamify learning: Quizzes, competitions, or rewards make security awareness training engaging.
Recognition & rewards: Celebrate employees who report suspicious activity or demonstrate good security habits to reinforce positive behaviour.
Technology with people in mind: Tools such as multi-factor authentication and secure platforms help employees easily make safe choices.

Embedding secure-aware practices into daily routines doesn’t just lower vulnerabilities; it proves compliance and builds trust. Even the most advanced systems can be undermined by one mistake, but when employees are educated, alert, and empowered, they become evidence of a culture of accountability. The result is a clear message: your organisation takes trust, security, and compliance seriously at every level.

How Signable can support a cyber-secure culture

We understand that even the best-trained employees need the tools to back them up. That’s why every document sent through our platform is protected with full encryption, detailed audit trails, and compliance with GDPR, eIDAS, and ISO 27001.

By combining employee security awareness with Signable’s built-in safeguards, from identity verification techniques and password protection to secure, UK based data storage, you’re not just protecting data, you’re proving clear and demonstrable compliance. This partnership between people and technology demonstrates accountability to regulators and builds confidence with customers and partners.

With Signable, you can strengthen your cyber-resilient business approach by aligning human awareness with secure technology.

Start building a security-first culture today. Pair regular awareness training with the right tools, and give your team the confidence to spot threats before they become risks.

Discover how Signable can make your business more secure.

Peter Amey

Copywriter

Peter is a Copywriter with a wealth of experience spanning technology, construction, fashion, and the captivating superyacht industry. He proudly possesses a degree in Creative Writing and boasts nearly eight years of rich marketing experience across various roles. Outside of his passion for crafting engaging long-form copy, Peter loves cafe-hopping, enjoying live music, and making art.