Key Points
- Standardize training delivery with a client-agnostic framework: Establish a consistent security baseline across all managed environments to simplify service delivery, reduce administrative overhead, and ensure every client receives a high level of protection.
- Develop universal core training modules: Create reusable content focusing on fundamental threats like phishing, social engineering, and password hygiene that apply to all businesses regardless of their specific industry or size.
- Incorporate industry-specific compliance layers: Supplement the core framework with targeted modules to address unique regulatory requirements such as HIPAA for healthcare, PCI-DSS for retail, or GDPR for data privacy.
- Use interactive methods to drive behavior change: Implement engaging delivery formats including gamified learning, automated phishing simulations, and frequent micro-learning sessions to improve knowledge retention and lower human risk.
- Demonstrate MSP value through data-driven reporting: Utilize comprehensive analytics to track completion rates, simulation performance, and risk reduction, providing clients with tangible proof of their improved security posture.
Most companies treat cybersecurity training as another task to check off their to-do list, but in reality, these workshops can be an effective mitigation tool for human errors.
IBM reports that stolen or compromised credentials remain one of the top causes of recorded breaches. These are due to human errors such as
- clicking on phishing links,
- using weak passwords, and
- neglecting essential security practices.
Furthermore, according to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), 68% of breaches involved a “non-malicious” human element.
All the above mentioned actions can create openings in a secure IT infrastructure, which is why offering security awareness training is an essential practice for MSPs.
In this guide, we’ll help you create a scalable cybersecurity training program for your clients that drives real behavior change.
The MSPs’ guide to building a client-agnostic cybersecurity training program
While traditional training focuses on knowledge, a modern framework should transition toward Human Risk Management (HRM). This means moving from once-a-year sessions to continuous, data-driven interventions based on actual user behavior.
Step 1: Build your framework
The first step in creating a scalable security awareness training program is building a well-structured framework. This involves the following initiatives:
- Developing reusable training modules for core topics such as phishing, password hygiene, and data handling
- Ensuring that your modules are up to date on evolving—and emerging—cyber threats, such as deepfake voice/video fraud, LLM misuse, and Shadow AI
- Assigning internal roles:
- A program coordinator who will oversee the training operations
- A client champion who will handle client-specific needs
- A compliance reviewer who will ensure your training program meets regulatory standards
- Creating general and compliance-specific (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, NIST, and GDPR) versions of your training program
- Choosing a delivery model based on client requirements: self-paced vs. instructor-led)
Consider this step as laying the foundation for your training program. The framework will serve as the blueprint for all your modules and workshops.
Step 2: Automate the delivery of your training modules and track training progress
Now that you’ve finalized the framework of your training program, it’s time to deliver it to your clients.
If you work with multiple tenants, you can automate the delivery of your training modules using GPOs or an endpoint management platform like NinjaOne.
Afterward, create login scripts or email triggers to automate reminders. Here’s an example of a script you can use:
| $last = Get-ItemPropertyValue -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Org\SecurityTraining” -Name “LastCompleted” -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue if ($last) { |
To track everyone’s progress, use a PowerShell script that writes a user’s completion date to the Windows Registry, such as the following:
| Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Org\SecurityTraining” -Name “LastCompleted” -Value (Get-Date) |
Finally, collect all logs in your remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool or professional services automation (PSA) system to ensure audit readiness.
Step 3: Customize your training program based on risk and role sensitivity
Not all users face the same risks, so it’s important that you customize the content of your training modules according to risk levels and job functions. For instance:
| Role | Top Risks |
| Finance and executive staff | Spear phishing, data exfiltration |
| IT and admin roles | Privilege escalation, insider threats |
It would also be helpful to include client-specific add-ons for regulatory compliance.
Different industries have different security frameworks they must follow. So, to ensure compliance, your training program should be client-agnostic and able to accommodate varying client requirements.
Step 4: Make the training engaging
A cybersecurity training program only works if users apply what they’ve learned in real life. However, most users don’t take these workshops seriously because they find them boring.
That said, you need to make the experience more interactive and rewarding to ensure users pay attention. Some strategies you can use to make your training program more enjoyable include the following:
- Adding leaderboards, point systems, or progress dashboards.
- Running phishing simulations with real-time feedback.
- Delivering micro-content such as posters, endpoint banners, and security teams.
- Recognizing top performers through monthly spotlights or certificates.
Step 5: Showcase the results to your clients
To showcase the effectiveness of your training program to your clients, you can:
- track training completion and simulation outcomes.
- create cohort reports to demonstrate user improvement.
- provide dashboards and monthly or quarterly rollups tailored to each client.
- highlight risky user behavior for targeted follow-up.
These steps will help you highlight the value that your cybersecurity training offers.
Step 6: Continuously review and improve your training program
Security threats are constantly evolving, and so should your training program. You need to review the content of your modules quarterly to ensure it aligns with the latest trends in threat evolution.
Gathering user feedback can also help close knowledge gaps. Learners can provide valuable insights into how to improve the clarity and effectiveness of your training content.
You can also include real-world breach examples in your refresh modules to make them more impactful.
Finally, track and compare phishing simulation outcomes to identify the areas where users are struggling the most. You can use the data you’ve gathered to refine your training approach and prioritize high-risk areas.
Why cybersecurity training is important in managed services
So, why should you consider offering security awareness training to your clients? For one, MSPs that embrace a proactive approach to cybersecurity earn more than those that don’t.
Nowadays, companies want their MSPs to help them prevent breaches rather than address them as they occur. They’re more than willing to pay a premium price if it means they can avoid losing billions of dollars in damages and legal fees.
Think of it this way: preventing fires is better than putting them out because it stops the damage before it even begins.
More importantly, they build stronger client relationships. Teaching your clients how to identify suspicious activities before they become actual threats demonstrates your commitment to safeguarding their data.
Cyber insurance providers now often mandate proof of ongoing training for policy issuance or renewal. By maintaining these logs, you aren’t just educating—you’re ensuring client insurability and lowering their policy costs.
NinjaOne services for comprehensive cybersecurity training deployment and tracking
NinjaOne offers various services that can help you automate the deployment and tracking of your cybersecurity training program. These include:
NinjaOne Service | What it is | How it helps |
| Automation Library | A collection of scripting options for Windows, macOS, and Linux | Allows you to create scripts for tracking training competition status and write timestamps to specific registry locations |
| Scheduled Automations | Automated reminders that can be configured to run on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. | Automatically pushes reminders for training deadlines |
| Device Tagging | Tagging capability that allows sysadmins to create tags based on custom criteria such as training status, department, role, and location. | Makes identifying which users missed training or have failed simulations easier |
| Custom Reporting | A reporting software solution that automatically generates customizable reports. | Allows you to turn raw data into easy-to-read, comprehensive reports you can share with stakeholders |
Want to learn more about how NinjaOne supports training delivery and tracking? Explore our NinjaOne RMM FAQ for commonly asked questions
Boost MSP value with comprehensive cybersecurity training for clients
Offering effective cybersecurity training to your clients is not just about increasing revenue; it’s about elevating your role as an MSP.
By incorporating an engaging training program into your core managed services, you can position your organization as a proactive security partner committed to helping its clients achieve long-term success.
Developing a standardized, scalable framework ensures all your clients enjoy a consistent user experience and see measurable improvements in staff behavior.
Overall, embracing a proactive approach to cybersecurity is the secret to securing your MSP’s future in today’s increasingly competitive market.
Quick-Start Guide
NinjaOne offers several tools and integrations that can support a security awareness training approach:
1. Vulnerability Management:
NinjaOne’s Vulnerability Importer allows MSPs to:
- Import vulnerability data from multiple third-party security tools
- Centralize vulnerability tracking across different devices
- Prioritize and manage security risks systematically
2. Security Integrations:
NinjaOne supports integrations with several security tools that can aid in a security awareness framework:
- SentinelOne
- Bitdefender GravityZone
- CrowdStrike Spotlight
- Tenable
- Rapid7
3. Patch Management:
- Automated patch management helps address known vulnerabilities
- Can create ring deployments for testing and gradual security updates
- Provides notifications and health status for vulnerability remediation
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