Cybersecurity Awareness Training – Fewer incidents, more security

Why awareness training is indispensable

More than 60% of data breaches in the Netherlands occur because of human activity: clicking on phishing, weak passwords or improper sharing of data. Our LinkedIn survey shows that 43% of organizations only train annually and 24% do not train at all. This means that many companies are still vulnerable to the biggest threat: human error.

At ALTA-ICT, we see the impact every day: organizations that are down for days after a phishing attack or have to deal with the Personal Data Authority because of an AVG notification. Awareness training is therefore not a luxury, but a strategic necessity for SMEs, healthcare institutions, financial organizations and government.

Endpoint Security – From Antivirus to Full Control

What is cybersecurity awareness training?

Cybersecurity awareness training teaches employees to recognize risks and act according to best practices. Consider phishing simulations, secure password practices and AVG-compliant handling of data.

Dutch context:

AVG/GDPR: mandatory data breach notification (72 hours).
NEN7510: mandatory for healthcare facilities.
BIO: baseline for government.

Why essential? Because technology never provides 100% protection – the human link remains the greatest risk.

Implementation in 4 steps

Step 1 – Assessment: measure current maturity with ALTA-ICT security scan.
Step 2 – Program design: trainings tailored to sector (healthcare, finance, SME).
Step 3 – Rollout & simulations: interactive trainings + phishing tests.
Step 4 – Monitoring & optimization: reports, KPIs (incidents -32%).

Challenges in the Netherlands and solutions

Employee resistance → interactive formats, gamification.
Compliance pressure (AVG/NEN7510) → integration into training.
Budget SMEs → modular packages, measurable ROI.
IT overload → ALTA-ICT provides 24/7 monitoring and updates.

ROI of awareness training

Average 32% fewer incidents (ALTA-ICT data).
Data breach prevention = savings €150,000 (average AP fine + reputational damage).
Shorter downtime → higher continuity.

ALTA-ICT approach

We combine certifications (ISO27001, ISO9001, NEN7510) with Dutch practical experience. Our benefits:
✅ Certified awareness programs
✅ Practical AVG/NL compliance integration
✅ 24/7 monitoring & reporting
✅ Measurably fewer incidents

FAQ

How often should I train? At least quarterly.
Is phishing training mandatory? Not legal, but highly recommended.
What does it cost? Depending on organization size – ROI always demonstrable.
Does this work for SMEs? Yes, ALTA-ICT specializes in cost-efficient packages.
Can I start immediately? Yes, with a free security scan.