Knowledge base
November 19, 2025
Security Awareness – Behavior as Fundamentals
Intro: Behavior, not checkboxes
In 2025, the greatest risk of a data breach is not technology, but behavior. A busy employee clicking on a phishing email, not because he was ignorant, but because he was in a hurry. The firewalls were on, the antivirus was up to date. And yet it went wrong. Why? Culture.
Security awareness in the Netherlands is too often still an annual training – a check mark. But that doesn’t prevent mistakes. So what does work? Behavior, communication and setting an example.
At ALTA-ICT, we help Dutch organizations make awareness a culture. With proven approaches, ISO27001 certification and focus on Dutch compliance.
What is security awareness – and why crucial in the Netherlands?
Security awareness is the ability of employees to recognize and respond to cyber risks. It’s not about knowledge alone, but about behavior: acting under pressure, reporting mistakes, holding each other accountable.
Dutch context:
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Data breach notification requirement (72 hours, AVG)
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Phishing incidents increase annually (source: CBS)
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SMEs and healthcare sector most often targeted
A strong awareness culture ensures:
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Less human error
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Faster response to incidents
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Greater trust among clients and auditors
Implementation: Security awareness as a behavioral program
Step 1: Zero measurement and risk analysis
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Phishing simulations
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Interviews and security scans
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Compliance check (AVG, NEN7510)
Step 2: Culture and communication
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Management training (exemplary behavior)
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Internal campaigns (posters, mailings)
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Report structures without shame
Step 3: Training and repetition
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Short, interactive sessions (instead of boring e-learning)
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Customization by department/role
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Repeated micro-learnings (1x per month)
Step 4: Monitoring and improvement
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Awareness KPIs
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Reporting ratios
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Feedback loops with employees
Common mistakes – and how ALTA-ICT prevents them
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One-time training courses
→ Our approach: continuous learning lines and cultural interventions -
Security = IT’s job
→ We train all layers, including management -
Shame-based communication
→ Reporting errors should feel safe -
No follow-up on incidents
→ We help with lessons-learned pathways -
Internally inconsistent policies
→ ALTA-ICT makes policies visible, executable and supported
What does it provide? ROI of security awareness
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70% lower click rate on phishing within 6 months
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3x more reported security incidents (positive KPI!)
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Comply with AVG and NEN7510 standards
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Insurance premiums drop through demonstrable risk management
The ALTA-ICT approach
We believe that security starts with people. That is why we combine technical knowledge with behavioral psychology and Dutch compliance requirements.
Our guarantees:
✅ ISO27001 certified
✅ Dutch specialization (AVG, NEN7510, BIO)
✅ 24/7 support + repeatable formats
✅ Approach with proven behavioral results
FAQ
What does a security awareness course cost?
Depending on size/sector, starting at €2,500 per year.
Is this suitable for SMEs?
Yes, we offer scalable pathways by organization size.
Does it have to be physical or can everything be digital?
Both – we offer blended learning and 100% remote options.
How do we measure impact?
Through KPIs such as reporting ratio, test results and behavioral surveys.
How soon can you start?
Within 10 working days of intake.
Conclusion: not a checkmark, but a movement
Security awareness must live in your organization. Not as a mandatory number, but as a shared responsibility. That requires behavioral change, leadership and smart repetition.
Book your free ICT consultation with ALTA-ICT today.
Together we make security part of your culture.
📞 Schedule a free introductory consultation: alta-ict.co.uk/free-consultation
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