Addressing end-to-end security needs within organizations isn’t just about having a well-versed security team; it’s about ensuring that every person throughout the business is knowledgeable and up-to-date on security threats and issues. Training can ensure every employee–not just the IT staff–is cautious, alert and informed.

Here’s how you can structure your IT security training curriculum to optimize team diligence and knowledge retention.

Foundations courses secure the front line of the business.

Even the best, high-functioning security teams may not be enough to contain threats if the remainder of employees aren’t aware of the security risks within their control. That’s why all company staff should take foundations courses.

Regardless of computer experience, foundational courses can help each employee use technology safely and securely by making him or her more aware of not just technology-related risks, but also of what they can do to protect themselves and the enterprise.

Intermediate courses ensure IT professionals learn skills, not products.

IT professionals are normally provided training that teaches them about specific vendors or products already in the IT environment, but that doesn’t confirm they’re understanding what they need to know about IT security.

In addition to offering training that focuses on features and functions of IT equipment, bridge knowledge and information gaps with security training that keeps IT professionals up-to-date on security issues, concepts and techniques. The security skills they’ll learn can be applied to multiple scenarios and environments to protect your IT environment today and in the future.

Specialist or advanced courses strengthen information security teams’ abilities to handle threats before, during and after attacks.

Information security professionals need in-depth knowledge about security management in order to develop and implement a strong security strategy. Certified training ensures your team can strengthen its knowledge and capabilities to identify and prioritize risks; troubleshoot and recover from security incidents; manage data, application and host security; and plan for business continuity and disaster recovery in the event of a breach. With advanced training courses, you can strengthen the knowledge of your security professionals and secure your enterprise.

Create custom security curriculum for your employees.

Every employee throughout an organization should have comprehensive security training to ensure end-to-end security protection. Avnet Academy offers a complete range of IT security training courses that can be customized and packaged to form a curriculum based on the different roles, job functions and experience levels of each employee.

With tailored and customized education and curriculum options, you select the courses and materials that cater to the varying skill level and experience to help all staff members understand and abate security risks and threats.

Alex Ryals is Vice President, Security Specialized Business Unit, Americas Security.

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