Security awareness training is a must for hoteliers in the digital age.

However, rolling out a comprehensive curriculum in hospitality’s dynamic operational environment comes with industry-specific challenges.

To strike the right balance between effective education with minimal disruption, a thoughtful, well-planned approach is required. This means considering not just what is taught, but how it will be taught.

In this week’s edition of the VENZA Echo, we’re examining the top four methods of training delivery. From group training to simulated social engineering attacks, we’ll guide you on when and where to implement each approach, highlighting the specific job roles that stand to benefit the most.

1. Computer-Based Training (CBT)

CBT is a widely used and highly adaptable method for delivering training. Typically offered through online modules on platforms like the VENZA PEAK™ Learning Management System, it requires a computer and personalized access to an eLearning platform.

Pros:

*Customizable: Training can be tailored to the specific role of each employee within the organisation, automatically providing relevant and targeted education. 

*Minimal Disruption: Employees who already use computers in their daily tasks can easily complete training with minimal disruption to their workflow.

*Consistency: CBT ensures uniformity in training content and delivery, maintaining consistent quality and standards across the organisation.

Cons:

*Computer Access: In hospitality, some on-property employees may not have regular access to a computer during their shifts, necessitating scheduled training times that pull them away from daily duties.

*Communication: Because CBT is largely self-paced, must be accompanied by a robust communication strategy to ensure all employees are aware of expectations, deadlines, and the importance of completing the training.

*Technology Dependent: Digital content requires computer literacy among staff, which can hinder training effectiveness.

Recommendations:

*Tailored Training: CBT is best suited for employees who have regular access to a computer as part of their job duties, such as front desk staff, reservations agents, night auditors, management teams, and corporate office employees.

*Onboarding: Online training is effective for new hires of all roles, as education can be seamlessly integrated into their overall onboarding process.

2. Group Training

Group Training  typically involves gathering employees in a breakroom or available conference room for an instructor-led discussion at a scheduled time.

It fosters collaboration, making it a powerful tool for creating a culture of security awareness.

Pros:

*Convenience: Large groups of employees can be trained simultaneously, allowing for efficient use of time and resources in an interactive setting.

*Accessibility: Group training is ideal for employees who may lack strong online literacy skills or who do not regularly use computers in their daily roles.

*Engagement: Collective learning has been proven to enhance retention and foster greater employee engagement, allowing participants to discuss, ask questions, and share insights in real-time.

Cons:

*Operational Disruption: Group training may pull a significant number of employees away from their operational duties for a period of time, which could disrupt daily activities and impact productivity.

*Inconsistency: If different trainers or facilitators lead sessions without a standardized procedure, there may be variations in the depth and quality of training.

*Scheduling: For properties without dedicated training managers, organizing group sessions can be time-consuming, pulling managers away from their regular duties. Scheduling these sessions for all participants can also be challenging in a 24/7 hospitality environment.

Recommendations:

*Tailor to Job Role: Group training is ideal for employees who do not regularly use a computer in their daily operations, such as housekeepers, bellhops, laundry staff, maintenance workers, and other similar roles.

*Ensure Consistency: To maintain consistency across all training sessions, consider partnering with an established security awareness training provider. VENZA offers instructional packets specifically designed for group training, as well as online and in-person group training sessions led by experts. This ensures that all employees receive uniform, high-quality training, regardless of who is leading the session.

3. Simulations

Simulations are an extremely effective method for testing knowledge by immersing employees in realistic, risk-free scenarios. These exercises often involve simulating common social engineering tactics, such as phishing and vishing, to assess and address potential vulnerabilities within your team.

Pros:

*Hands-On Learning: Simulations provide hands-on experience by mimicking real-world threats, allowing employees to practice their responses in a controlled environment.

*Vulnerability Identification: By identifying vulnerable employees, targeted remediation can be provided to address specific gaps and reinforce security practices.

*Confidence: Repeated exposure to simulated threats can increase employees’ confidence in handling actual incidents, reducing errors in real situations.

Cons:

*Additional Training: Simulated social engineering attacks identify vulnerable employees but don’t provide comprehensive training on their own.

*Disruption: Depending on the simulation, it can temporarily disrupt normal operations. For example, IT teams might be inundated with reports of phishing emails that are part of a simulation.

*Scope: The effectiveness of simulations varies by technique. For instance, vishing often targets one person, and flagged employees might warn others, reducing the exercise’s impact.

Recommendations:

*Metrics: Simulations are best for measuring employee knowledge and susceptibility. Regular, year-round simulations help track progress and pinpoint areas for further training.

*Corrective Action: Corrective training should be part of a comprehensive action plan, with targeted sessions, clear guidelines, and deadlines to ensure accountability.

4. Microlearning

Microlearning offers concise, targeted lessons that emphasize key concepts. This approach includes visual aids like breakroom posters and brief email lessons, such as VENZA’s Rocky’s Corner templates, designed to be quickly reviewed in under a minute.

Pros:

*Reinforcement: Concise lessons reinforce security awareness topics throughout the year, ensuring a strong, security-conscious culture within an organisation.

*Accessibility: With content designed to be consumed in under a minute, microlearning fits easily into the busiest schedules, making it accessible and easily integrated into operations.

*Flexibility: Microlearning can be delivered through various formats and channels with minimal effort.

Cons:

*Limited Depth: Microlearning reinforces key concepts but may not provide comprehensive security awareness. Supplementary training could be needed for a deeper understanding of the subject.

*Fragmentation: Employees may miss the bigger picture if lessons are too isolated or disconnected from broader training programs, potentially leading to gaps in understanding.

*Fatigue: If not managed carefully, the frequent delivery of content—no matter its length—can overwhelm employees, leading to disengagement and information fatigue.

Recommendations:

*Supplement Training: Microlessons should complement broader security training. To strategically reinforce key security concepts year-round, these resources should be deliberately deployed.

*Targeted Resources: Choose tools and formats that fit your audience when deploying microlessons. Email lessons like VENZA’s Rocky’s Corner could work well for corporate staff, but visual aids like breakroom posters may be better for operational employees without email access.

Conclusion

Each training delivery method has its unique strengths and challenges, but when used together, they provide a well-rounded approach that enhances knowledge retention, promotes engagement, and ultimately strengthens an organisation’s cybersecurity posture.

As the landscape of cyber threats continues to evolve, a multi-faceted training strategy will be key to maintaining a secure and resilient hospitality environment.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry. VENZA, the leading experts in hospitality data protection, offers tailored training solutions to match your portfolio’s unique needs.

Ready to get started? Contact Sales to discuss signing up for our programs or adding new solutions to your contract.

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Take VENZA’s free Phishing Test to assess gaps in your human firewall today!

Training your personnel to recognize and report phishing attempts is essential to protecting your guests and their data. Get started by determining your risk and readiness level using this free tool.

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