How often should the security awareness program reinforce cybersecurity practices?

The requirement for a security awareness program to reinforce cybersecurity practices at least once each calendar quarter is aligned with the intention to keep all personnel continuously aware of the evolving threat landscape and the importance of robust cybersecurity practices. Frequent reinforcement, such as quarterly updates, ensures that employees remain knowledgeable about current threats, understand their roles in protecting critical infrastructure, and stay engaged with the organization's security protocol.

Quarterly training sessions can incorporate updates on new risks, changes to policies, and reminders of best practices. This frequency helps maintain a culture of security within the organization, which is vital for complying with the NERC CIP standards and for reducing the chances of human error that could lead to security incidents.

While more frequent training sessions, like monthly, can be beneficial, the requirement highlights a balanced approach that fosters ongoing engagement without overwhelming the workforce. Waiting longer intervals, such as annually or every two years, may lead to complacency and diminish retention of important security practices, making quarterly reinforcement the optimal choice.