Edward Tuorinsky, Managing Principal of DTS, has over two decades of experience in management, cybersecurity, compliance, and IT services. Tuorinsky recently shared a personal story about a friend’s business being hacked, leading to operational shutdowns and costly clean-up processes. This incident prompted him to realize the power of storytelling in cybersecurity training.
Educators have long recognized the effectiveness of storytelling in engaging learners. Tuorinsky emphasizes the importance of making cybersecurity training memorable to drive changes in risky behaviors. While traditional training methods can be repetitive and ineffective, storytelling offers a unique approach to make training more relatable and impactful.
Organizations are increasingly incorporating storytelling into their cybersecurity training programs to make them more experiential and engaging. By sharing real-world scenarios and personal anecdotes, employees are better able to understand the importance of cybersecurity hygiene. This approach helps to create a culture of risk-reducing norms and behaviors within the organization.
Incorporating storytelling into cybersecurity training can enhance the effectiveness of the program. Real stories are up to 20% more effective in changing future behaviors compared to hypothetical scenarios. The details and specifics of a cautionary tale can make a significant difference in how well employees retain the information and apply it in real-life situations. Additionally, stories from security professional “advocates” can help overcome negative perceptions about cybersecurity being scary, confusing, and dull.
Employers can use storytelling to influence employee behavior by making traditional training more relatable and experiential. By incorporating micro-training emails and modules, as well as explaining proper procedures after an incident, employees are better equipped to handle potential cybersecurity threats. The most effective stories address phishing attacks, smartphone behavior, and company policies to remind employees of their role as the first line of defense against cyber threats.
Forbes Business Council, a leading organization for business owners and leaders, highlights the importance of storytelling in cybersecurity training. By incorporating personal anecdotes and real-world scenarios, organizations can effectively engage employees and drive changes in risky behaviors. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, cybersecurity training must adapt to effectively educate employees on the importance of cybersecurity hygiene and best practices.
