1. Purpose:
The Training and Awareness Policy establishes requirements for providing security awareness training to employees, contractors, and third-party users. The primary goal is to promote a culture of security awareness and compliance throughout the organization by educating personnel on information security best practices, data privacy principles, regulatory compliance, and reporting procedures.

2. Scope:
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, third-party vendors, and any other individuals who access or use organizational systems, applications, or data. It encompasses security awareness training programs, resources, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the understanding and adoption of security measures and practices.

3. Training Requirements:
a. New Employee Training: All new employees will receive security awareness training as part of their onboarding process, covering essential security topics, policies, and procedures relevant to their job roles.
b. Ongoing Training: Regular security awareness training sessions will be conducted for all personnel, focusing on emerging threats, changes in regulations, and updates to organizational policies and procedures.
c. Role-Based Training: Training content will be tailored to address specific job roles and responsibilities, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in promoting security awareness and compliance.
d. Third-Party Training: Third-party vendors and contractors with access to organizational systems or data will receive security awareness training to familiarize them with security requirements and expectations.

4. Training Topics:
Security awareness training will cover the following topics:
a. Information Security Best Practices: Guidelines for safeguarding sensitive information, securing devices and accounts, and detecting and responding to security threats.
b. Data Privacy Principles: Principles for protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal and organizational data, including data handling and disposal practices.
c. Regulatory Compliance: Requirements and obligations under relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, such as GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
d. Reporting Procedures: Procedures for reporting security incidents, data breaches, suspicious activities, and policy violations to appropriate authorities and stakeholders.

5. Training Delivery:
a. Training Formats: Training may be delivered through various formats, including online courses, instructor-led sessions, workshops, and interactive modules.
b. Training Materials: Training materials, resources, and tools will be developed and maintained to support ongoing training initiatives and facilitate knowledge retention.
c. Assessment and Evaluation: Training effectiveness will be assessed through quizzes, surveys, and evaluations to measure knowledge retention and identify areas for improvement.

6. Compliance:
This policy is designed to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and organizational security policies related to training and awareness. Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract.

7. Review and Revision:
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect changes in business requirements, technology, or regulatory requirements. Employees will be notified of any changes to the policy and provided with appropriate training and guidance.

By adhering to this Training and Awareness Policy, the organization can cultivate a culture of security awareness and compliance, empowering personnel to recognize and mitigate security risks, protect sensitive information, and contribute to the overall security posture of the organization.