Why Security Training And Threat Awareness Is Critical

Why Security Training And Threat Awareness Is Critical

As a company grows in size and complexity, it needs a documented security training plan and records of employee completion to ensure everyone receives essential information. Further,

the more specialized employees become within the company, the more specialized training should become. Don’t waste company time and resources on a one-size-fits-all training program. For example, does a receptionist need to know how to conduct trailer inspections? Does a warehouse materials handler have to know how to conduct site security surveys at business partner premises? The answer to both questions is no, so resources need not be expended on such training.

Likewise, if only office personnel at a small highway carrier company have access to the computer system, drivers need not be instructed on password requirements. No matter the size of the company, all personnel need to be aware of what actions to take when an unknown/unauthorized person or persons are found on the premises, as well as how to report any type of suspicious incident.

In creating an effective security and threat awareness program, keep these issues in mind:

Secure Commitment from the Top

Security buy-in from top management is crucial. Top corporate leaders must embrace training enthusiastically in corporate communications, business plans, and individual performance goals. If personal development is part of the formal appraisal, your staff will know that a direct correlation exists between training, acquiring new skills, and their career success.

Training Must Be Aligned with Company’s Goals

C-TPAT Partners are committed to ensuring the security of the supply chain. A company’s supply chain security, and how security protects a company’s image and brand name should be critical components of a company’s overall goals. Training should help employees develop the knowledge to succeed in effectively implementing the C-TPAT program’s minimum security criteria.

Needs Analysis

Focus on what security-related tasks your various types of employees conduct. The inside of this document shows how training relates to various minimum security criteria. It lists examples of what types of employees might receive what types of specialized training. This will vary based on your company’s business model. If your sales personnel do not visit business partners, but quality control personnel do, then the latter personnel should be trained on conducting outreach to business partners and conducting site security assessments. If, as an importer, you do not physically handle freight, but use a third party warehouse as a distribution center, you would not train your company’s personnel on seal and container inspections — you would ensure that appropriate personnel at your business partner’s warehouse receive such training.

Delivery Options

Training may be delivered in a variety of ways — on-the-job, classroom instruction, mentoring, and computer-based training. Choose the most effective delivery method for each member of your team, given their individual jobs and responsibilities.

Follow Up

Talk to your employees to ensure the training was valuable and gave them the skills they require. Underscore your commitment to training and solicit future training needs.