Travel back in time a bit, and cybersecurity was a niche concern. But that has long changed. Now, it is a daily priority for businesses and individuals alike, and it is only growing in importance as AI and other technologies continue to change the digital landscape. Organizations simply can’t afford to rely on outdated training or surface-level awareness.
Meeting this need is Hook Security, which has released its 2024 Training Catalog, an expansive collection of over 100 video courses designed to help employees tackle today’s most pressing security challenges. From phishing and ransomware to industry-specific risks, the courses aim to create a culture of resilience and readiness.
Moving Beyond Checkbox Training
Let’s be honest, compliance training is often a chore. Click through a few slides, take a quiz, and hope it sticks. Spoiler: it rarely does. But in today’s environment, it needs to, and that is why the new 2024 catalog takes a completely different approach, prioritizing engagement and real-world impact.
The catalog includes a mix of formats to meet employees where they are. Monthly deep dives provide in-depth coverage of topics like social engineering and safe web browsing, while “Quick Hits” deliver concise, five-minute lessons for busy professionals who need fast, actionable insights.
For those who need an even more tailored experience, there are 12 micro-trainings spread across the year, helping employees absorb complex topics incrementally without feeling overwhelmed. In addition, industry-specific courses dive into the unique challenges faced by sectors like healthcare, finance, and real estate, ensuring content is relevant to the risks employees are most likely to encounter.
And then there’s innovation. A new course on deepfake awareness, developed in collaboration with cybersecurity experts, tackles one of the fastest-growing threats in today’s digital landscape. For global teams, multilingual and culturally adapted content ensures employees everywhere can engage with the training effectively.
The Power of Real-Time Feedback
Imagine an employee clicks on a phishing simulation link. Traditionally, that’s the end of the story — a mark against them. But in Hook Security’s approach, it’s just the beginning.
With just-in-time training, employees receive immediate, personalized feedback. What red flags did they miss? What should they watch for next time? By addressing mistakes in the moment, the training turns errors into opportunities for growth.
This non-punitive approach is a game-changer. Instead of feeling penalized, employees are encouraged to learn and improve with real-time feedback.
Making Security Stick
Training is only as good as what employees remember. Let’s be real: few remember a dry lecture or a list of rules.
That’s why storytelling and humor play such a big role in the catalog. Courses hosted by Wilderness Jack or Kimberly Cain bring cybersecurity to life, using relatable scenarios to teach serious concepts. Regardless of the topic, employees walk away not just informed but entertained.
And that’s the point. Engagement leads to retention, with employees who enjoy the process being far more likely to apply what they’ve learned when it matters.
The Compliance Piece
Another topic remaining at the forefront is compliance. In fact, it’s non-negotiable for most businesses, which is why the catalog covers key standards like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI.
But compliance training isn’t about memorizing legal jargon. It’s about application. Employees learn how to secure patient data under HIPAA or protect payment card information under PCI in ways they can easily incorporate into their daily routines.
The result? Fewer breaches. Stronger compliance. And a workforce that’s ready to handle sensitive data with confidence.
Cybersecurity for Today’s Challenges
Why does all this matter? Because the threats are evolving, and fast. Phishing tactics are more sophisticated, ransomware attacks are hitting harder, and even deepfakes are now part of the savvy cybercriminal’s playbook.
That is precisely why Hook Security’s catalog is taking a new approach, because the threats are as well. So, it stands as a toolkit for tackling the modern cybersecurity landscape. By combining engaging content, practical lessons, and innovative features, it empowers employees to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.