Everything You Should Know about Cyber Security Awareness Training Cost in 2024

Cyber security awareness training costs can vary widely based on several factors. This guide explores the key factors influencing these costs, while also detailing 10 essential factors that impact pricing. Additionally, you’ll find insights on the 4 popular types of cyber awareness training in 2024, effective budgeting strategies, and a roundup of the top 5 best training providers for 2024. READ NOW!

Cyber Security Awareness Training: Why Understanding the Cost Matters

With the rise of cybersecurity threats, investing in cyber security awareness training has become essential for businesses to protect sensitive data and maintain operational security. This training provides employees with the skills to recognize and respond to potential risks, helping to prevent costly data breaches. 

Understanding the cost of cyber security awareness training is vital for companies aiming to protect sensitive information and minimize the risk of cybersecurity threats. Thoughtful budgeting ensures a balance between cost and effectiveness, ultimately strengthening the company’s information security and reducing vulnerability across all levels. By accurately understanding costs, companies can better allocate their budgets and choose training programs that align with their security goals without overspending.

10 Key Factors Influencing Cyber Security Awareness Training Cost

The cost of security awareness training depends on several factors, from the size of the organization to the complexity of the training program itself, including whether it incorporates animated or interactive elements. Each of these elements can impact the total investment required for effective training. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the key factors that affect pricing:

No.	Factors	Description	Potential Cost Impact
1	Business Size and Scale	Larger organizations often require extensive training for multiple departments, which can increase costs due to the number of employees needing training.	Higher costs arise from a larger number of participants and the need for customized content.
2	Type of Training Delivery	Delivery methods vary, such as online, in-person, or hybrid formats. Online sessions may be more budget-friendly, while in-person training might involve extra costs.	In-person training can add travel and accommodation expenses.
3	Scope of Content	Comprehensive programs covering multiple topics like phishing, password security, and recognizing cyber attacks will typically cost more than basic courses.	Broader content scope often requires more resources and expertise.
4	Customization Level	Tailored training that addresses specific company needs or incorporates custom scenarios tends to raise the overall price.	Increased costs due to design and development time.
5	Training Frequency	Regular sessions (e.g., monthly or quarterly) increase costs but help maintain awareness and reinforce security habits.	More frequent training can lead to higher cumulative costs.
6	Geographical Factors	Costs can vary depending on location, as some regions have higher rates for professional services or added logistical expenses.	Regional price variations may affect overall training budgets.
7	Technology Requirements	Programs that utilize advanced technology, such as interactive simulations or virtual reality, may incur higher costs due to the tools and resources needed.	Significant investment in technology can raise overall training expenses.
8	Certification and Compliance	Training that leads to certifications or meets specific regulatory requirements can drive up costs, as these programs often include additional assessments and materials.	Certification programs typically involve extra fees and documentation.
9	Instructor Expertise	The experience and qualifications of the instructors can also impact costs. Highly qualified instructors often charge premium rates for their expertise.	Higher instructor fees can lead to increased training costs.
10	Participant Engagement Level	Interactive programs designed to enhance participant engagement may require additional resources for facilitation and materials, influencing overall costs.	More engaging training can lead to increased expenses for resources and technology.

7 Additional Costs to Consider for Cyber Security Awareness Training

When planning a comprehensive cyber security awareness training budget, it’s essential to look beyond standard program fees. Additional costs can impact your total expenditure significantly. Here’s a breakdown of these potential extra costs.

Cost Type	Description	Potential Impact
Initial costs	These costs include development expenses for custom training materials, one-time setup fees from providers, and subscription or licensing fees for online modules. Organizations may also face technology costs for specialized tools, licensing fees for third-party content, and indirect costs related to employee time spent in training sessions, impacting overall productivity.	By understanding these initial costs, organizations can budget more effectively and ensure a comprehensive approach to their cyber security awareness training needs.
Customization Costs	Expenses for tailoring content to fit your organization’s specific needs, enhancing engagement and effectiveness.	Improves training relevance, leading to better retention.
Assessment & Certification	Costs associated with formal assessments and certifications beyond basic offerings.	Validates employee knowledge and boosts morale.
Facilitator or Consultant Fees	Charges for hiring external experts for in-depth training or workshops.	Enhances training quality, providing expert insights.
Ongoing Support & Resources	Expenses for regular updates, support, and access to supplementary materials after initial training.	Ensures continuous learning and up-to-date knowledge.
Lost Productivity	Indirect costs from employees being temporarily unavailable for regular work during training sessions.	May affect overall productivity and operational efficiency.
Follow-Up Training	Budget for periodic refresher courses or advanced training to keep employees updated on the latest threats.	Keeps the workforce vigilant, reducing security risks.

4 Popular Types of Cyber Awareness Training in 2024

In 2024, cyber awareness training programs can be categorized into 4 main types, each tailored to meet varying organizational needs and budget constraints. These categories include: 

• Off-the-shelf programs: offer an economical and flexible option for quick deployment. 
• Custom In-House Training: is ideal for organizations with unique security requirements.
• Simulated Exercises: provide the most practical experience, though at a higher cost. 
• Blended Learning: balances flexibility with engagement, making it a well-rounded choice for comprehensive training.

To provide a clearer understanding of how these factors vary among the different training formats, the following table outlines the key aspects of each type:

Training Format	Cost Implications	Benefits	Limitations
Off-the-shelf Programs (Online Courses, Webinars, etc.)	– Affordable, often priced per user or as a yearly subscription  (e.g., $100-$500/user/year) – No venue or travel costs	– Easy to deploy with minimal setup – Flexible, self-paced learning	– Limited customization to specific company needs – May lack interactivity and real-world application
Custom In-House Training	– Higher costs due to content development and staff involvement  (cost varies significantly) – Potential additional costs for materials and technology	– Tailored to organizational needs and security risks – Allows for company-specific scenarios and policies	– Time-consuming to develop; requires expertise – May require dedicated training personnel
Simulated Exercises	– Resource-intensive; costs may include tech, environment setup, and facilitation fees – Potentially $5,000+ per session	– Realistic, hands-on experience in a controlled setting – Builds readiness through real-world scenarios	– Requires careful scheduling and resource allocation – Higher costs; may disrupt daily work schedules
Blended Learning Programs	– Variable costs based on in-person and online elements  (e.g., $500-$2,000 per participant) – Costs for venue, technology, and instructors	– Combines flexibility with hands-on components – Offers structured progression with feedback	– Coordination of both online and in-person sessions required – Typically requires longer training durations

How to Budget for Cyber Security Awareness Training Effectively?

When planning your budget for cyber security awareness training, consider the following key strategies to ensure an effective allocation of resources:

• Assess Organizational Needs: Evaluate specific risks related to cybercrime and tailor training accordingly to address vulnerabilities.
• Research Training Options: Explore various formats (in-person, online, hybrid) to find cost-effective solutions that engage employees without relying heavily on pre-packaged courses.
• Estimate Training Costs: Calculate the cyber security awareness training for employees cost, including initial development and ongoing expenses, while considering hidden costs like employee time away from work.
• Plan for Customization: While customization may require a larger investment, it can enhance relevance and retention for employees.
• Include Employee Feedback: Gather input from employees on training experiences to identify improvement areas and demonstrate value.
• Budget for Updates: Allocate resources for regular updates and refresher courses to keep employees informed about new threats.
• Monitor and Adjust: Track the effectiveness of training and adjust your budget based on metrics like engagement and incident reports.

5 Key Benefits of Investing in Cyber Security Training ROI

Investing in cyber security training yields significant returns for organizations. Here are 5 key benefits that highlight the ROI of such training.

5 Best Practices for Choosing Cost-Effective Cyber Security Awareness Training

When selecting cost-effective cyber security awareness training, consider the following best practices:

1. Evaluate Vendors Carefully

• Description: Assess potential training vendors based on their reputation, experience, and customer feedback to ensure they meet your organization’s needs.
• How to Do: Research vendor reviews, request case studies, and conduct interviews with past clients to gain insights into their effectiveness and reliability.
• Benefit: A well-vetted vendor can provide high-quality training that aligns with your organization’s specific requirements, maximizing your training budget and reducing vulnerabilities.

2. Assess Training Quality and Cost

• Description: Look for a balance between training quality and cost, ensuring you’re not sacrificing effectiveness for lower prices.
• How to Do: Request demos or trials of the training programs to evaluate content quality and engagement levels, and compare multiple options to find the best value.
• Benefit: Investing in high-quality training can lead to better employee retention and awareness, ultimately reducing the risk of costly security breaches, including phishing attacks.

3. Prioritize Customization

• Description: Choose training that can be customized to fit your organization’s unique policies, industry, and threat landscape.
• How to Do: Inquire about customization options when reviewing vendor offerings, and ensure that the training aligns with your specific security needs.
• Benefit: Customized training is often more relevant to employees, leading to greater engagement and effectiveness, which enhances overall security posture.

4. Look for Ongoing Support and Updates

• Description: Ensure the vendor provides ongoing support and updates to the training content to keep it relevant in the face of evolving threats.
• How to Do: Ask vendors about their policies on content updates, support availability, and any additional resources they offer post-training.
• Benefit: Regular updates ensure that employees stay informed about the latest threats and best practices, maintaining the effectiveness of your training over time.

5. Measure and Review Training Effectiveness

• Description: Implement metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program and its impact on employee behavior.
• How to Do: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs), such as incident reporting rates and employee feedback surveys, to gauge the training’s success.
• Benefit: Measuring effectiveness helps identify areas for improvement and justifies future investments in training, ensuring your budget is spent wisely while enhancing protection against various threats.

Case Studies: Companies Benefit from Investing in Cyber Security Awareness Training

1. IBM

• Investment: $200,000
• Outcomes: IBM has invested significantly in cyber security training programs that have led to a 30% reduction in security incidents. This proactive approach has resulted in approximately $1.5 million in cost savings from avoided breaches. The company has also seen improved compliance with industry standards and a retention rate of 85%. According to a report by IBM, the average cost of a data breach is around $4.88 million

Source: https://ine.com/newsroom/ine-security-releases-insights-to-measure-cyber-training-roi 

2. KnowBe4

• Investment: $150,000
• Outcomes: As a leader in security awareness training, KnowBe4 has reported an impressive 90% reduction in phishing incidents among its clients. This translates to around $2.5 million in cost savings due to fewer data breaches. Their training programs have enhanced compliance efforts and contributed to a high employee retention rate of 90.

Source: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/resources/security-awareness/the-roi-of-security-awareness-training-2/ 

3. INE Security

• Investment: $120,000
• Outcomes: INE Security’s emphasis on continuous learning and real-world simulations has resulted in a 70% reduction in incidents and savings of around $1.2 million. Their strong compliance improvements have also contributed to an employee retention rate of 88%. As highlighted by INE Security’s insights, the ROI of cyber security training extends beyond risk management and includes significant financial benefits.

Source: https://ine.com/newsroom/ine-security-releases-insights-to-measure-cyber-training-roi 

The data clearly illustrates that investing in cybersecurity training is not merely an expense; it is an essential investment that yields substantial returns for companies. The significant reductions in security incidents translate directly into financial savings and enhanced compliance capabilities. The benefits far exceed the costs – making cybersecurity training a critical component of any organization’s strategy for success in today’s digital landscape.

TOP 5 Best Cyber Security Awareness Training Providers in 2024

Here are the top 5 providers in 2024 that we gathered for your reference:

Provider	Description	Key Features	Pricing
F.Learning Studio	For organizations aiming to boost cybersecurity training, F.Learning Studio offers cost-effective, high-quality animation services to elevate cybersecurity training. We focus on minimizing costs while maximizing user engagement and information retention for improved learning outcomes. With our exceptional customer service, F.Learning Studio supports clients with a smooth, convenient process, we address your organization’s unique needs, from phishing awareness to regulatory compliance, ensuring relevance across roles and departments	Custom animated videos, interactive scenarios, tailored content, gamification elements	Custom pricing based on requirements Don’t leave your organization’s security to chance – partner with us today to create cyber security awareness training that aligns seamlessly with each organization’s unique training needs!
KnowBe4	A leading provider known for its engaging and comprehensive training modules designed to combat phishing and other threats.	Extensive library of training modules, phishing simulations	Subscription-based, starting at $29/user/month
SANS Institute	Renowned for its high-quality security training and certifications, SANS provides robust awareness programs for all levels.	In-depth courses, hands-on labs, recognized certifications	Varies by course; generally higher-end
Infosec	Infosec provides a wide range of training options, including on-demand courses and live training sessions tailored to all skill levels.	Customizable learning paths, progress tracking	$39/user/month for basic access
CybSafe	CybSafe combines behavioral science with cyber security training to promote a security-first culture within organizations.	Personalized learning experiences, comprehensive reporting	Custom pricing based on user count

Final Thoughts

In the evolving digital landscape, cyber security awareness training is a critical investment for organizations. Understanding the associated costs allows businesses to budget effectively while safeguarding their assets. Investing in training not only reduces incidents but also results in substantial cost savings and a high return on investment. Ultimately, prioritizing security training transforms an organization’s approach to cybersecurity threats and enhances overall employee awareness.

To strengthen your defenses and cultivate a culture of security, explore F.Learning Studio’s tailored training services. With our exceptional customer service, F.Learning Studio supports clients with a smooth, convenient process, offering personalized consultation and ongoing assistance to create cyber security awareness training that aligns seamlessly with each organization’s unique training needs. Contact us today to get started!

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