The Email That Could Destroy Your Business
By Michael Pilch, Information Security Officer, Delaware Valley University
Imagine this scenario: One of your employees receives an email claiming they have won an all-inclusive trip to New York City for the 2026 World Cup Finals, a premier sporting event in a city renowned for its entertainment and restaurants. It’s easy to see why someone might fall victim to such a well-crafted scam.
Your business comes to a complete standstill the next day. Your website is down. You cannot access your systems or data, and you are unable to serve your customers. The media is reaching out, and your business is in crisis mode. This scenario underscores the critical importance of security awareness training.
Security awareness training is one of the most cost-effective security controls a business can implement. Yet, many organizations remain unprepared. A report from Security Magazine found that 40% of organizations are unprepared for phishing attacks. A 2024 Fortinet research report found that 67% of companies are concerned about their employees’ lack of basic security awareness. Numerous studies indicate that phishing serves as the initial entry point in 85-90% of cyberattacks.
For a security awareness program to succeed, IT cannot operate in isolation. Partnering with Human Resources is essential when implementing reward and accountability structures.
These statistics translate into real-world consequences. Lincoln College, for example, was forced to close after 157 years due to a ransomware attack. St. Margaret’s Health and KNP are additional examples of organizations that shut down following a cyberattack. If you are a small business owner who believes you’re too small to be a target, think again. 60% of small enterprises that have a cyberattack shut down within six months.
In the original Suits TV series, one of the main characters, Harvey Specter, famously said: “I don’t play the odds, I play the man.” The same principle applies to cybersecurity. It is far easier for hackers to trick someone into giving up their password than to crack it.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and employees are often the primary target. Cybercriminals exploit human error, technology misuse, and the complexity of security measures. Insider threats and the susceptibility to social engineering further compound this risk. However, with proper training, employees can become an organization’s first line of defense instead of unknowingly opening a door for cybercriminals.
A well-designed security awareness training program is the key to mitigating these risks. Security awareness training educates employees on recognizing and responding to cyber threats, helping them protect themselves and their organization. Effective programs cover topics such as phishing, social engineering, password security, and emerging threats like AI-driven scams.
Security training needs to be balanced in order to be effective. If the content is too long, employees will lose focus. If it is too short, they will not retain crucial information. Training should cover essential topics, including social engineering, phishing, handling sensitive data, AI threats, deepfakes, password management, the dangers of public Wi-Fi, and how to handle unexpected USB sticks or QR codes they may encounter.
Consistency is another key element of an effective program. Security awareness should not be a
one-and-done annual event but rather a continuous effort. Posters, newsletters, and email reminders should reinforce training year-round. Messaging should be tailored to relevant threats, such as holiday scams in November, tax scams in tax season, romance scams in February, and travel security in June. When multiple employees report the same phishing email, the organization should send an internal alert with guidance on recognizing similar threats.
Engagement is equally critical. A monotone speaker lecturing about 12-character passwords will bore employees and reduce retention. Training should incorporate gamification, role-playing, and interactive series-based content to keep employees interested and involved. Applying learned concepts is also essential. Organizations should conduct phishing simulation campaigns where employees receive simulated phishing emails to test their responses. Social engineering penetration tests, such as placing USB sticks in common areas or posting QR codes on bulletin boards, can further reinforce awareness and preparedness.
An effective security awareness program balances incentives and accountability. Employees who actively participate and demonstrate strong cybersecurity habits should be rewarded with performance-based bonuses, merit raises, gift cards, extra time off, or other incentives based on a company’s budget. Positive reinforcement fosters a culture of security, motivating employees to integrate best practices into their daily work.
Conversely, organizations must address disengagement and repeated security lapses. Some companies tie training completion to financial incentives, while persistent issues may warrant refresher courses, one-on-one coaching, or team-based exercises. In cases of continued noncompliance, formal documentation or disciplinary action may be necessary. However, the emphasis should always remain on education and continuous improvements, thus ensuring employees feel supported rather than punished, making security a shared responsibility, not a compliance burden.
For a security awareness program to succeed, IT cannot operate in isolation. Partnering with Human Resources is essential when implementing reward and accountability structures. IT teams may oversee training, but HR has the authority to enforce polices related to performance evaluations, pay, and disciplinary action. Additionally, senior leadership support is critical. Without senior leadership support, no cybersecurity initiative will gain traction.
With a strong security awareness training program, employees will recognize phishing attempts, such as that enticing free trip to the 2026 World Cup, and delete them. Well-trained employees will spot and prevent social engineering attacks, use strong, unique passwords with password managers, and enable multifactor authentication. With the right training, employees don’t just reduce risk, they become your strongest cybersecurity asset.