Security Awareness

Cybersecurity Training for Businesses

Transform your employees from your main vulnerability into your first line of defense.

What is Security Awareness and why is it essential today?

Security Awareness, also known as cybersecurity training, cybersecurity awareness training, or information security training, is a structured and ongoing program that helps company employees recognize cyber threats, respond correctly, and develop safe behaviors in their daily work.

In a context where threats evolve every day and artificial intelligence is now also available to cybercriminals, technology alone is not enough. The true security perimeter runs through people.

The problem: human error is the leading cause of cyberattacks

The data is clear. According to the Swiss Federal Office for Cybersecurity (NCSC), in 2024 20,872 active phishing websites were identified, an increase of 108% compared to the previous year. 98% of reports came from private individuals and SMEs.

Globally:

  • Over 90% of cybersecurity incidents are caused by human error
  • 73% of breaches originate from phishing or credential theft
  • 94% of SMEs suffered at least one cyberattack in 2024

The employee who clicks on a malicious link, opens an infected attachment, reuses a weak password, or responds to a forged urgent request: this is now cybercriminals’ preferred attack vector.

"Cybercriminals do not only attack systems, they attack people."

The challenges companies face every day

1. Employees do not recognize modern threats

Phishing emails have become indistinguishable from legitimate ones. Thanks to generative artificial intelligence, criminals create personalized, coherent messages, written in the local language and with the right tone. Non-technical staff — administration, HR, finance, marketing — are among the most frequently targeted.

2. Traditional training does not produce lasting results

An annual course, perhaps lasting just a few hours, does not change behaviors. Content is forgotten within a few weeks. Security continues to be perceived as an IT problem, not a shared responsibility.

3. There is no corporate security culture

When cybersecurity is not part of the organization’s DNA, risky behaviors happen every day: password sharing, access from unsecure networks, and careless handling of sensitive data.

4. Regulatory pressure is increasing

Swiss and international regulations such as FADP, ISO 27001, and GDPR for companies operating in the EU require documentable staff training programs. The lack of evidence exposes organizations to sanctions, negative audits, and reputational damage.

The VarGroup Suisse solution: Security Awareness as an ongoing program

VarGroup Suisse offers an approach to security awareness that goes beyond a simple course. Our program is designed to change behaviors over time, measure progress, and create an organizational security culture.


Continuous training and micro-learning

The training modules are short, engaging, and distributed over time. Instead of a single annual training block, staff receive frequent updates on specific topics: phishing, password management, secure remote working, social engineering, and safe use of company devices. Micro-learning supports retention and real behavioral change.

 

Realistic and contextualized phishing simulations

We send simulated phishing campaigns, customized to the Swiss context and the company’s industry, to test staff responsiveness under real-world conditions. The simulations are calibrated according to each user’s risk level:

  • Phishing emails that imitate known senders — Swiss banks, public authorities, suppliers
  • Periodic tests with constantly updated scenarios
  • Immediate feedback for users who “take the bait,” turning the mistake into a learning moment

Measurable result: structured awareness programs reduce the phishing email click rate from an initial 33% to 5% after 12 months of continuous training.

 

Adaptive paths based on risk level

Not all employees have the same risk profile. Our program assigns differentiated training paths based on role, business area, and simulation results. Those who have shown riskier behaviors receive targeted additional training.

 

Human Risk Management

We go beyond individual training: we monitor and manage human risk as an integral part of the company’s security strategy. Each employee has a risk profile updated over time, allowing the organization to intervene precisely where the risk is highest.

 

Reporting and compliance support

We provide dashboards and detailed reports to:

  • Track completion of training modules
  • Measure phishing simulation trends over time
  • Document the program for internal and external audits
  • Demonstrate compliance with corporate policies and regulations

How the program works: the operational phases

1. Initial assessment Analysis of staff maturity level through baseline phishing simulations and self-assessment questionnaires. We identify the highest-risk areas before launching any training.

2. Platform activation Configuration of the Security Awareness Training platform with profiles for all employees. The solution is cloud-based, accessible from any device, with no installation required.

3. Launch of the training program Distribution of training modules according to the agreed plan. Employees complete the courses independently, with automatic reminders and progress dashboards.

4. Ongoing phishing simulations Simulated phishing campaigns planned throughout the year, with diverse scenarios that increase in complexity.

5. Analysis and optimization Periodic data review with the VarGroup Suisse team. Adaptation of the program based on results: new scenarios, additional modules, and internal awareness communications.

6. Reports for management Executive and technical reports, ready to be shared with management, the CISO, or auditors.

The benefits for your organization

Benefit Concrete impact
Reduced human risk Fewer phishing clicks, fewer compromised credentials
Security culture Employees become an active part of the defense
Regulatory compliance Documented program for audits and compliance
Measurability Clear KPIs before and after the program launch
Adaptive training Personalized paths by role and risk profile
Continuous coverage Constant updates on new threats and techniques

Frequently asked questions about Security Awareness

What is meant by Security Awareness Training?
It is a structured training program that teaches company employees to recognize and prevent the most common cyber threats: phishing, social engineering, misuse of credentials, and risky behaviors when using digital tools.

What is a phishing simulation?
It is the controlled sending of fake emails to employees, designed to imitate real attacks. Anyone who clicks the link or enters data is redirected to a training page. The goal is not to “punish,” but to build awareness through direct experience.

Is the training suitable for all staff, including non-technical employees?
Yes. The program is designed to be accessible to all company profiles, regardless of their technical background. Content is available in Italian, French, or German, depending on the organization’s needs.

How often are simulations carried out?
It depends on the selected plan, but the recommended approach includes monthly or quarterly simulations, with ever-changing scenarios to keep attention levels high.

How is the effectiveness of the program measured?
Through clear metrics: phishing simulation click rate before and after, module completion percentage, and scores in assessment quizzes. Reports are available in real time on the platform.

Does the program support regulatory compliance?
Yes. The program generates documentation useful for audits and demonstrates compliance with the training obligations required by nFADP, ISO 27001, and other relevant regulations.

How much time do the training modules require from employees?
Individual modules typically last between 5 and 15 minutes. The micro-learning format minimizes the impact on productivity and increases learning effectiveness.

Why choose VarGroup Suisse

VarGroup Suisse is a technology partner with an established presence in Switzerland and Italy, with certified cybersecurity expertise. We are not just a software provider: we support organizations in building a security posture that is sustainable over time.

  • Local presence: team in Switzerland, with an understanding of the Swiss regulatory and cultural context
  • Consultative approach: we do not sell a platform; we design a tailored program
  • Multi-sector experience: SMEs, industrial companies, professional firms, and enterprise organizations
  • Integration with the security strategy: awareness is part of a broader ecosystem that includes vulnerability management, SOC, and incident response

Start protecting your organization

Phishing does not wait. Every day that passes without a Security Awareness program is a day in which your employees face threats without the tools to recognize them.

Contact the VarGroup Suisse team for a free consultation and an initial assessment of your staff’s risk level.