Best Employee Security Training Courses & Certifications for Companies

In today's digital landscape, where cyberattacks and data breaches are becoming increasingly common, organizations must prioritize the security awareness of their employees. Equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber threats is becoming a critical aspect of protecting sensitive data and maintaining business continuity.

In this blog post, we explore some of the best employee security training courses and certifications available, providing a detailed analysis of each option to help organizations make informed decisions about their security awareness programs.

Best Employee Security Training Courses & Certifications for Companies at a Glance

Course/Certification	Cost	Duration	Topics Covered	Target Audience
AI Red Teaming Professional Certification (AIRTP+)	$299-$1,549	6 weeks	Prompt hacking, adversarial attacks, LLM vulnerabilities, AI defense strategies	Cybersecurity professionals, AI trust and safety leads, engineers
Cybrary's End User Fundamentals	Free	1 hour 45 minutes	Safe internet browsing, social media, public cloud storage, IoT	All employees
FedVTE	Free	Varies	Cloud security, ethical hacking and surveillance, risk management, malware analysis, and more	Federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government employees, federal contractors, U.S. military personnel and veterans
AI Security Essentials for Business Leaders by SANS Security Awareness	Contact Sales (Enterprise Edition)	Short-format training	AI origins, cybersecurity in AI, policy development, SCORM integration	Business and cybersecurity leaders
ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training	Free	Up to 90 minutes	Email protection, web protection, social engineering, threats overview, password policies, remote workforce	All employees
University of Maryland Global Campus Courses	$250-$1,087 per credit	8-12 weeks per course	Cybersecurity fundamentals, management, technology, digital forensics	Working adults and service members
Cyber Security Essentials by Pluralsight	$299-$499 per year	1 hour 3 minutes	Cyber attacks, digital identity theft, malware, remote working, vulnerabilities	Technology teams and individuals who want to upskill in security
Cyber Insider Pro by Cybrary	$49 per month billed annually	Varies	Foundational knowledge, career paths, certification prep, digital forensics	Individuals looking for a career in cybersecurity and cybersecurity professionals

AI Red Teaming Professional Certification (AIRTP+)

• Cost: $299 (Exam Only), $1,549 (Live Course + Exam), Custom (Enterprise)
• Duration: 6 weeks (for full program)
• Content: Prompt hacking, adversarial attacks, LLM vulnerabilities, AI defense strategies
• Certificate: Yes
• Visit course: Link

The AI Red Teaming Professional Certification (AIRTP+) is a professional-level program designed for experienced cybersecurity professionals and AI safety experts. Developed by industry leaders and spearheaded by Sander Schulhoff, this certification program validates expertise in identifying and mitigating complex vulnerabilities in large language models (LLMs). With a focus on advanced techniques such as prompt hacking, adversarial attacks, and robust defense strategies, AIRTP+ is a pathway to establishing yourself as a senior AI security expert in a rapidly growing field.

Topics Covered

The certification covers a comprehensive range of AI security topics, including:

• Prompt injections and hacking: Explores techniques to manipulate AI systems through carefully crafted inputs, uncovering potential vulnerabilities in language models.
• Jailbreaking techniques: Examines methods used to bypass AI safeguards and restrictions, equipping professionals with the knowledge to identify and prevent such breaches.
• Adversarial attacks: Covers sophisticated attack strategies against AI systems and how to identify patterns of vulnerability.
• AI security principles: Provides a foundational understanding of security concepts specific to artificial intelligence systems.
• Defense strategies: Offers practical approaches to strengthen AI systems against various types of attacks and vulnerabilities.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Industry-leading expertise from award-winning AI researchers	High commitment (4-6 hours per week plus additional project work)
Hands-on learning with practical, real-world projects	Requires prerequisite knowledge in cybersecurity or AI
Expert guest lectures from companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google	Higher cost compared to basic security awareness courses
Career advancement opportunities with exclusive job postings
Networking with professionals in the AI security field

Target Audience

The AIRTP+ certification is specifically designed for cybersecurity professionals, AI trust and safety leads, product managers, and engineers who need advanced skills in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in AI systems. Earning this certification can significantly broaden career opportunities in AI security, including roles such as:

• AI Red Team Specialist: Focus on probing and exploiting vulnerabilities in generative AI systems.
• Senior AI Security Engineer: Design and implement advanced security measures to protect AI systems from evolving threats.
• Cybersecurity Consultant: Provide strategic advice on integrating AI security practices into existing cybersecurity frameworks.
• AI Trust & Safety Lead: Oversee the safe and ethical deployment of AI technologies, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Security Auditor: Evaluate and enhance the security posture of AI-driven systems across industries.

Reviews and User Feedback

Participants in previous cohorts have praised the program for its depth, practicality, and engaging delivery. Many students noted significant skill improvements in AI red teaming and security, citing the challenging yet rewarding projects as a highlight. The expert guidance from industry leaders and the collaborative cohort-based format have been highly valued by learners, who appreciate the opportunity to share strategies and solutions in a supportive environment.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Features
Professional Exam Only	$299	• 1 Exam Attempt • Professional Study Materials
Professional Live Course + Exam	$1,549	• 6-Week Advanced Live Course • 2 Exam Attempts • 1-on-1 Mentoring Sessions • Advanced Projects & Feedback • Expert-Led Live Sessions
Enterprise	Custom Pricing	• Professional Team Training • Bulk Exam Licenses • Custom Training Solutions • Priority Support

AI Red Teaming and AI Security Masterclass

The AI Red Teaming and AI Security Masterclass is a cutting-edge, cohort-based live course that prepares participants for the AI Red Teaming Professional Certification (AIRTP+). Through a blend of live sessions, hands-on projects, and expert guest lectures from industry leaders, the course offers a practical, immersive learning experience with:

• Interactive Sessions: Weekly live classes providing direct access to Sander Schulhoff and guest experts
• Project-Based Learning: Structured projects simulating real-world scenarios on live AI systems
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering topics from classical security principles to advanced prompt injection techniques
• Community and Networking: Small, focused cohort that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing
• Rich Resources: Including the HackAPrompt Playground, pre-recorded and live lectures, and over 20 hours of supplementary courses

Cybrary's End User Fundamentals

• Cost: Free
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Content: Safe internet browsing, social media, public cloud storage, IoT
• Certificate: Yes
• Visit course: Link

Cybrary's End User Fundamentals is a free online course designed to provide a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles for all employees. The course is concise, with a duration of just 44 minutes, making it an ideal option for organizations seeking to deliver impactful training without significant time commitments.

Topics Covered

The course covers a range of essential topics relevant to everyday online activities, including:

• Safe internet browsing: Provides guidance on recognizing and avoiding common online threats, such as website spoofing, malvertising, and drive-by downloads.
• Social media: Educates employees on the potential risks associated with social media usage and provides best practices for secure social networking.
• Public cloud storage: Explores the benefits and risks of using public cloud storage services and offers guidance on secure data storage practices.
• IoT (Internet of Things): Introduces the concept of IoT and highlights the security challenges associated with connected devices, offering practical tips for securing IoT devices in the workplace and at home.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Free	Limited in scope
Concise and easy to understand	May not be sufficient for advanced users
Covers essential topics for everyday online activities

Target Audience

Designed for all employees, regardless of their technical expertise. It's particularly beneficial for organizations seeking to provide a baseline level of security awareness across their entire workforce.

Reviews and User Feedback

The course has received positive feedback from users, who appreciate its concise format and clear explanations. Many reviewers highlight the course's effectiveness in raising awareness of common cyber threats and providing practical tips for staying safe online.

FedVTE

• Cost: Varies
• Duration: Varies
• Content: Cloud security, ethical hacking, risk management, malware analysis
• Certificate: Yes
• Visit course: Link

The Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) is a comprehensive online cybersecurity training platform specifically designed for U.S. government personnel, including federal contractors and veterans. The platform offers a vast library of courses, with over 850 hours of content covering a wide range of cybersecurity topics.

Topics Covered

FedVTE provides in-depth training on various cybersecurity domains, including:

• Cloud security: Covers the essentials of securing cloud environments, including cloud architecture, data protection, and compliance considerations.
• Ethical hacking and surveillance: Provides training on ethical hacking techniques and surveillance methodologies, equipping professionals with the skills to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Risk management: Offers lessons on identifying, assessing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks, including risk analysis frameworks and best practices.
• Malware analysis: Provides in-depth analysis of malware threats, covering malware types, attack vectors, and countermeasures.
• Certification prep: Includes courses designed to prepare for industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications, such as CISM and CISSP.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Free for government personnel and veterans	May not be relevant for all industries
Comprehensive curriculum with over 850 hours of content	Some courses may require prior knowledge
Flexible, self-paced learning format

Target Audience

FedVTE is primarily targeted towards individuals working in the public sector, including federal government employees and contractors, state, local, tribal, and territorial government employees, and U.S. military personnel and veterans.

Reviews and User Feedback

FedVTE has received positive feedback from users, who appreciate its comprehensive curriculum and flexible learning format. Many reviewers highlight the platform's value in providing free access to high-quality cybersecurity training for government personnel.

SANS Security Awareness Work-from-Home Deployment Kit

• Cost: Free
• Duration: 2 days
• Content: Remote work security, home network protection, secure video conferencing, children's online safety
• Certificate: Yes
• Visit course: Link

The SANS Security Awareness Work-from-Home Deployment Kit is a free online training program designed to help organizations prepare for and manage remote workforces. The kit includes a series of training modules and resources to educate employees about remote work security, home network protection, and secure video conferencing.

Topics Covered

The kit covers a range of important security topics, including:

• Remote work security: Provides guidance on securing home networks and devices to protect against cyber threats while working remotely.
• Home network protection: Offers tips for securing home networks and devices, including setting up a secure Wi-Fi network and using a virtual private network (VPN).
• Secure video conferencing: Explores the importance of secure video conferencing and provides tips for using secure platforms and devices.
• Children's online safety: Provides guidance on protecting children's online activities and minimizing the risk of cyber threats.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Free and accessible	Limited scope compared to full training programs
Useful for organizations with remote workforces	May not be sufficient for all employees
Helps organizations meet compliance requirements

Target Audience

The SANS Security Awareness Work-from-Home Deployment Kit is designed for organizations with remote workforces, individuals working from home, and parents with children learning online.

Reviews and User Feedback

The kit has received positive feedback from users, who appreciate its practical guidance and ease of use. Many reviewers highlight the kit's effectiveness in raising awareness of remote work security and home network protection.

AI Security Essentials for Business Leaders by SANS Security Awareness

• Cost: Contact Sales (Enterprise Edition)
• Duration: Short-format training
• Content: AI origins, cybersecurity in AI, policy development, SCORM integration
• Certificate: Yes
• Visit course: Link

AI Security Essentials for Business Leaders is a comprehensive enterprise training program designed to empower organizational leaders with essential knowledge about AI security. This short-format training represents an investment in AI that equips leaders with cutting-edge knowledge to address today's specific cybersecurity challenges in the context of artificial intelligence.

Topics Covered

The course covers a range of essential topics relevant to AI security, including:

• AI origins, functionalities, and applications: Provides a comprehensive overview of AI technology, its development, and how it functions in various business contexts.
• Leveraging AI for strategic advantage: Explores how businesses can effectively implement AI tools while simplifying complex concepts for practical application.
• Cybersecurity in the AI-powered workplace: Offers foundational cybersecurity knowledge specifically focused on AI implementations, equipping leaders to confidently manage AI projects while safeguarding digital assets.
• Defensible AI policy development: Provides guidance on developing and implementing AI policies that align with ethical standards and legal requirements, ensuring responsible navigation of the AI landscape.
• SCORM compliance for LMS integration: Covers the technical aspects of implementing the training across an organization with seamless learning management system integration.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Specifically designed for business and cyber leaders	Enterprise-focused (may not be suitable for individuals)
Simplifies complex AI concepts for practical implementation	Pricing not publicly available (requires contacting sales)
SCORM compliant for easy integration with any LMS

Target Audience

AI Security Essentials for Business Leaders is designed for business and cybersecurity leaders within organizations who need to navigate the AI revolution confidently. It's particularly suitable for multiple users at organizations looking to implement AI securely.

ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training

• Cost: Free
• Duration: Up to 90 minutes
• Content: Email protection, web protection, social engineering, threats overview, password policies, remote workforce
• Certificate: Yes
• Visit course: Link

ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training is a free online course that provides employees with essential knowledge and skills to identify and respond to cyber threats. The course is designed to be engaging and interactive, using gamification and real-life scenarios to enhance learning and retention.

Topics Covered

The course covers a range of important security awareness topics, including:

• Email protection: Provides guidance on recognizing and avoiding phishing emails, malicious attachments, and other email-based threats.
• Web protection: Covers secure browsing habits, Wi-Fi security, and safe internet usage, including tips for avoiding malicious websites and online scams.
• Social engineering: Explores social engineering tactics and provides strategies for recognizing and avoiding social engineering attacks.
• Threats overview: Provides an overview of common cyber threats, such as malware, phishing, and insider threats, helping employees understand the threat landscape.
• Password policies: Covers best practices for password security, including password creation, password management, and the use of two-factor authentication.
• Remote workforce: Offers guidance on maintaining security while working remotely, including securing home networks and devices.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Free and engaging	Limited content compared to paid versions
Uses gamification and real-life scenarios to enhance learning
Helps organizations meet compliance requirements

Target Audience

ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training is designed for all employees, making it a suitable option for organizations of all sizes and industries.

Reviews and User Feedback

The course has received positive feedback from users, who appreciate its engaging format and practical approach. Many reviewers highlight the course's effectiveness in raising awareness of cyber threats and providing actionable steps for staying safe online.

University of Maryland Global Campus Courses

• Cost: $250-$1,087 per credit
• Duration: 8-12 weeks per course
• Content: Cybersecurity fundamentals, management, technology, digital forensics
• Certificate: Yes (degree or certificate programs)
• Visit course: Undergraduate certificates, Graduate certificates

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in cybersecurity, catering to the needs of working adults and service members. These courses provide in-depth knowledge and skills in various cybersecurity domains, preparing individuals for careers in this rapidly growing field.

Topics Covered

UMGC offers a wide range of cybersecurity courses covering topics such as:

• Cybersecurity fundamentals: Introduces the core concepts of cybersecurity, including threats, vulnerabilities, and countermeasures.
• Cybersecurity management and policy: Explores the management aspects of cybersecurity, including risk management, security governance, and compliance.
• Cybersecurity technology: Focuses on the technical aspects of cybersecurity, including network security, cryptography, and incident response.
• Digital forensics and cyber investigation: Provides training on digital forensics techniques and cyber investigation methodologies.
• Data science: Covers the application of data science principles to cybersecurity, including data analysis, threat intelligence, and security analytics.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Variety of courses and programs to choose from	Can be expensive
Flexible online format	May require prior knowledge or experience
Designed for working adults and service members

Target Audience

UMGC courses are specifically designed for working adults and service members who are looking to advance their education in cybersecurity.

Reviews and User Feedback

UMGC has received positive feedback from students, who appreciate the flexibility and quality of its online programs. Many reviewers highlight the university's commitment to serving adult learners and providing relevant, career-focused education.

Cyber Security Essentials by Pluralsight

• Cost: $299-$499 per year
• Duration: 1 hour 3 minutes
• Content: Cyber attacks, digital identity theft, malware, remote working, vulnerabilities
• Certificate: Yes
• Visit course: Link

Cyber Security Essentials by Pluralsight is an online course that provides a foundational understanding of cybersecurity concepts for all employees, with a particular focus on technology teams. The course is designed to be engaging and informative, using real-world examples and case studies to illustrate key concepts.

Topics Covered

The course covers a range of essential cybersecurity topics, including:

• Cyber attacks: Provides an overview of common cyber attacks, such as phishing, malware, and ransomware, helping employees understand the threat landscape.
• Digital identity theft: Explores the risks of digital identity theft and provides guidance on protecting personal and sensitive information online.
• Malware: Examines different types of malware, their attack vectors, and effective countermeasures, including antivirus software and safe browsing habits.
• Remote working: Offers guidance on maintaining security while working remotely, including securing home networks and devices.
• Vulnerabilities: Explores the concept of vulnerabilities and explains how attackers exploit vulnerabilities to compromise systems and data.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive coverage of essential cybersecurity topics	May not be sufficient for advanced users
Engaging format with real-world examples and case studies	Requires a Pluralsight subscription
Helps organizations meet compliance requirements

Target Audience

Cyber Security Essentials by Pluralsight is primarily targeted towards technology teams and individuals who want to upskill in security.

Reviews and User Feedback

The course has received positive reviews from users, who appreciate its clear explanations and engaging format. Many reviewers highlight the course's effectiveness in providing a foundational understanding of cybersecurity concepts and raising awareness of common threats.

Cyber Insider Pro by Cybrary

• Cost: $49 per month billed annually
• Duration: Varies
• Content: Foundational knowledge, career paths, certification prep, digital forensics
• Certificate: Yes
• Visit course: Link

Cyber Insider Pro by Cybrary is a comprehensive online program designed to help individuals launch or advance their cybersecurity careers. The program provides a structured learning path with a combination of foundational knowledge, advanced concepts, and hands-on practice.

Topics Covered

Cyber Insider Pro covers a wide range of cybersecurity topics, including:

• Foundational knowledge and practice in cybersecurity: Provides a solid foundation in cybersecurity concepts, principles, and best practices.
• Advanced concepts with role-based career paths: Offers specialized training for different cybersecurity roles, such as security analyst, penetration tester, and security engineer.
• Live-online certification prep: Provides live, instructor-led training to prepare for industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications.
• Digital forensics and incidence response (DFIR) intensive: Offers in-depth training on digital forensics techniques and incident response methodologies.
• Industry certification prep: Includes resources and practice tests to prepare for various cybersecurity certifications.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive curriculum with role-based career paths	Can be expensive
Includes live-online certification prep and DFIR intensive	May require a significant time commitment
Provides access to a community of mentors

Target Audience

Cyber Insider Pro is designed for individuals looking for a career in cybersecurity and cybersecurity professionals who want to upskill.

Reviews and User Feedback

The program has received positive feedback from users, who appreciate its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on approach. Many reviewers highlight the program's value in providing a structured learning path and preparing individuals for cybersecurity careers.

Types of Employee Security Training

When developing an employee security training program, it's essential to consider different training methods to cater to diverse learning styles and organizational needs. Some common types of employee security training include:

• Classroom training: Traditional in-person training sessions led by an instructor. This method can be effective for delivering complex information and facilitating interactive discussions.
• Cloud-based training: Online training modules that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. This method offers flexibility and convenience for employees, allowing them to learn at their own pace.
• Video training: Engaging video lessons that can be used to illustrate key concepts and provide real-world examples. This method can be particularly effective for visual learners.
• Simulation training: Interactive simulations that allow employees to practice their skills in a safe environment. This method can be used to reinforce training and assess employee knowledge.

A blended learning approach that combines different training methods can be highly effective in maximizing engagement and knowledge retention.

Key Insights

The information provided highlights several key insights regarding employee security training:

• Ongoing and repetitive training is crucial: Security awareness is not a one-time event. Employees need ongoing and repetitive training to stay up-to-date on the latest threats and maintain secure behaviors.
• Blended learning approaches are highly effective: Combining different training methods, such as online modules, videos, and simulations, can cater to diverse learning styles and maximize engagement.
• Tailoring training to specific roles and organizational needs is essential: Not all employees require the same level of security training. Organizations should tailor their training programs to address the specific needs of different roles and departments.

Compliance Considerations

Many industries and regulatory frameworks require organizations to provide security awareness training to their employees. Some common compliance requirements include:

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): Requires healthcare organizations to provide security awareness training to employees who handle protected health information (PHI).
• PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard): Requires organizations that process credit card information to provide security awareness training to employees who handle cardholder data.
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): Requires organizations that process personal data of EU residents to provide data protection training to employees.
• SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act): Requires publicly traded companies to implement internal controls and provide security awareness training to employees who handle financial data.
• CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act): Requires businesses that collect personal information of California residents to provide privacy training to employees.

Organizations should ensure that their security awareness programs meet all applicable compliance requirements.

Conclusion

Employee security training is a critical investment for organizations of all sizes. By providing employees with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their company, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.

When choosing a course or certification, it's important to consider the needs of your organization and your employees. Factors to consider include the cost, duration, topics covered, and target audience.