Human Risk Management

Security Awareness Training

Transform your employees from security risks into your first line of defense. ITSEC's proprietary training platform delivers phishing simulations, interactive training modules, and measurable behavior change – all aligned with UAE regulatory requirements.

91%
Breaches start with human error
98%
Phishing click rate reduction
35+
Training module library
100%
DESC/NESA compliance support
Consult Cyber Experts
The Challenge

Why Security Awareness Training Is No Longer Optional

Cybercriminals have realized that targeting humans is far easier than bypassing technical security controls. A staggering 91% of successful cyberattacks begin with a phishing email or social engineering attack. Despite billions spent on security technology, the human element remains the weakest link in organizational security.

UAE organizations face increasingly sophisticated targeted attacks. Spear-phishing campaigns impersonate local banks, government entities, and trusted vendors. Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks targeting finance departments have resulted in millions of dirhams in fraudulent wire transfers. Deepfake technology now enables convincing voice impersonation for vishing attacks.

Regulatory mandates have made security awareness training mandatory, not optional. DESC requires all Dubai government-connected entities to implement security awareness programs. NESA mandates training for critical infrastructure. VARA requires employee security training for all virtual asset service providers. The Central Bank of the UAE expects financial institutions to maintain ongoing security awareness initiatives.

Traditional annual training is ineffective. Research shows employees forget 90% of training content within one week. Continuous reinforcement through regular simulations and micro-learning is essential for creating lasting behavior change and building a genuine security culture.

Our Platform

The ITSEC Security Awareness Platform

Purpose-built for UAE organizations, our proprietary platform combines phishing simulation, interactive training, and compliance automation in one integrated solution.

Phishing Simulation Engine
Man-in-the-middle attacks on open networks, default router credentials exploitation, and packet sniffing on unencrypted connections.
Interactive Training Modules
Bite-sized, engaging training on 35+ security topics with video content, quizzes, and practical exercises
Real-Time Reporting Dashboard
Track employee performance, identify high-risk users, measure improvement with executive-ready reports
Automated Remedial Training
Employees who fail tests receive immediate targeted training specific to the attack type they encountered
Role-Based Learning Paths
Customized training curricula for executives, finance, IT, HR, and general staff based on their risk profiles
Gamification & Leaderboards
Increase engagement with points, badges, team competitions, and recognition for security champions
Multi-Language Support
Full training library available in English and Arabic with cultural adaptation for GCC audiences
Compliance Tracking
Automated compliance reporting for DESC, NESA, VARA, and Central Bank audits with evidence packages
LMS Integration
Seamless integration with existing HR and learning management systems via SCIM, SAML, and API
Mobile-Ready
Training accessible on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices for flexible learning anywhere
Simulation Capabilities

Advanced Phishing Simulation Campaigns

Test your employees with realistic attack simulations across multiple channels. Our campaigns include UAE-specific templates targeting local banks, government portals, and service providers.

Email Phishing
Credential harvesting, malicious links, attachment-based attacks
Spear Phishing
Targeted attacks using employee and company data
Vishing (Voice)
Simulated phone-based social engineering attacks
USB Drop Testing
Physical security awareness testing with USB devices
QR Code Phishing
Quishing attacks via malicious QR codes
Business Email Compromise
CEO fraud and invoice manipulation simulations
Smishing (SMS)
Text message-based phishing tests and scams
Callback Phishing
Hybrid attacks combining email and phone tactics
35+ Modules

Comprehensive Training Content Library

Engaging, bite-sized training modules covering all aspects of cybersecurity awareness. Available in English and Arabic with regular content updates.

Phishing & Social Engineering
Email phishing, spear phishing, pretexting, tailgating, vishing, smishing, deepfake awareness
Password & Authentication
Strong passwords, MFA, password managers, credential hygiene, passkeys
Data Protection
Data classification, handling sensitive data, GDPR/PDPL compliance, data loss prevention
Physical Security
Clean desk policy, visitor management, USB security, secure printing, access control
Remote Work Security
Home network security, VPN usage, public WiFi risks, BYOD security, video call safety
Mobile Device Security
App permissions, device encryption, MDM compliance, lost device procedures
Cloud & SaaS Security
Shadow IT, secure file sharing, cloud storage best practices, SaaS application risks
Incident Reporting
Recognizing security incidents, reporting procedures, escalation protocols
Compliance Specific
DESC, NESA, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, VARA, Central Bank awareness
Executive Training
BEC awareness, whale phishing, C-suite targeted attacks, personal security
Simulation Capabilities

Security Awareness for UAE Regulatory Compliance

Our platform is designed to meet the specific security awareness requirements of UAE regulators, with built-in compliance tracking and evidence generation.

DESC (Dubai)
Requirement: Mandatory security awareness for all government-connected entities
ITSEC Solution:
DESC-aligned training program with compliance reporting and evidence packages
NESA
Requirement: Federal security awareness requirements for critical infrastructure
ITSEC Solution:
NESA-compliant training modules and annual certification tracking
VARA
Requirement: Employee security training for virtual asset service providers
ITSEC Solution:
Crypto-specific security awareness including wallet security and fraud prevention
Central Bank UAE
Requirement: Security awareness for financial institutions
ITSEC Solution:
Banking security awareness with PCI DSS integration and fraud awareness
SCA
Requirement: Security training for capital markets participants
ITSEC Solution:
Investment and securities-focused training modules
DHA
Requirement: Healthcare data protection awareness
ITSEC Solution:
HIPAA-aligned healthcare security training and patient data protection
Flexible Options

Flexible Training Delivery

Choose the delivery model that fits your organization's needs, from fully managed programs to self-service platform access.

Managed Service
ITSEC manages your entire security awareness program including phishing campaigns, training delivery, and reporting.

Best for: Organizations without dedicated security awareness resources.
Platform License
Access to ITSEC training platform with your own administration and full control.

Best for: Organizations with internal security awareness capability.
Custom Content Development
Bespoke training content tailored to your industry, processes, and specific risks.

Best for: Organizations with unique compliance or operational requirements
Workshop & Instructor-Led
In-person or virtual workshops delivered by ITSEC security trainers.

Best for: Executive training, specialized roles, compliance sessions
Our Methodology

How We Secure Your Remote Workforce

A proven 8-step methodology for implementing enterprise remote security with minimal disruption

01
Baseline Assessment
Conduct initial phishing test to establish current risk level and identify vulnerabilities
02
Risk Profiling
Analyze results to identify high-risk departments, roles, and individuals
03
Program Design
Create customized training curriculum based on risk profile and compliance requirements
04
Continuous Training
Deploy monthly training modules and phishing simulations
05
Metrics & Reporting
Track improvement with real-time dashboards and executive reports
06
Optimization
Continuously refine program based on results and emerging threats
Why ITSEC

Why Choose ITSEC for Security Awareness

Proprietary Platform
Our own technology built for UAE organizations, not reselling third-party tools
UAE Regulatory Expertise
Deep knowledge of DESC, NESA, VARA, and Central Bank requirements
Arabic Language Support
Full training library available in Arabic with cultural adaptation
Local Phishing Templates
UAE-specific scenarios including local banks, government, and telecom
Combined w/ Technical Testing
Integrate awareness with VAPT and red team exercises for full coverage
Proven Results
98% phishing click rate reduction across UAE clients within 12 months

Why Choose ITSEC

We deliver faster results, deeper expertise, and stronger regulatory relationships than traditional security consultancies

Feature
Traditional VPN
Zero Trust (ZTNA)
SASE
UAE Regulatory Focus
Deep DESC/NESA expertise
Generic global content
Limited knowledge
Arabic Content
Full Arabic library
Limited Arabic
Translated only
Local Phishing Templates
UAE banks, govt, telecom
Generic templates
Basic localization
Technical + Awareness
Combined VAPT + awareness
Awareness only
Awareness only
On-Ground Support
Dubai-based team
Remote support
Varies
Customization
Fully customizable
Limited customization
Minimal
Pricing
Competitive local
Premium global pricing
Variable

15+ Years UAE Market Leadership

Unlike Big 4 consultancies with generic security practices or startup firms with limited track records, ITSEC specializes exclusively in cybersecurity for UAE regulated sectors. Our proven methodologies have secured $2B+ in digital assets and achieved 100% regulatory compliance success across VARA, Central Bank, and DFSA audits.

Recent Success Story

Real Results for UAE Clients

CLIENT

UAE Financial Services Organization (1,500 employees)

CHALLENGE

The organization faced a 45% phishing click rate during initial testing, with multiple near-miss incidents involving fraudulent wire transfer requests. They had compliance gaps with DESC requirements and no formal security awareness program in place.

SOLUTION

ITSEC implemented a 12-month managed security awareness program including monthly phishing simulations with increasing difficulty, role-based training for all staff with specialized modules for finance and executive teams, quarterly vishing simulations for customer-facing staff, and executive workshops on BEC and wire fraud.

RESULTS ACHIEVED

93% reduction in phishing click rate (45% → 3.2%)

100% staff completion of core training modules

300% increase in security incident reporting

Zero successful phishing attacks during program

"ITSEC transformed our security culture. Our employees now actively look for and report phishing attempts. The DESC auditors were impressed with our training program documentation."

— CISO, UAE Financial Services Organization

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about our VAPT services.

What is security awareness training and why is it important?
Security awareness training is an educational program designed to teach employees how to recognize and respond to cybersecurity threats such as phishing, social engineering, and malware. It's critical because 91% of successful cyberattacks begin with human error. Training transforms your employees from potential security vulnerabilities into your first line of defense, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches and regulatory non-compliance.
How often should we conduct phishing simulations?
We recommend conducting phishing simulations at least monthly for optimal results. Research shows that quarterly testing is insufficient to maintain vigilance, as employees forget training within 4-6 weeks. Our platform automates monthly campaigns with varying difficulty levels, ensuring continuous reinforcement without administrator burden. For high-risk departments like finance and executive teams, bi-weekly simulations are recommended.
What languages are your training modules available in?
All ITSEC training modules are available in both English and Arabic, ensuring full accessibility for UAE-based workforces. Our Arabic content is not simply translated but culturally adapted to resonate with regional audiences. We also support additional languages upon request for multinational organizations operating across the GCC region.
Is security awareness training required for DESC compliance?
Yes, security awareness training is a mandatory requirement for DESC (Dubai Electronic Security Center) compliance. DESC standards require organizations to implement regular security awareness programs, conduct phishing simulations, and maintain training completion records. ITSEC's platform provides automated compliance reporting and evidence packages specifically designed for DESC audits.
Can training be customized for our industry?
Absolutely. ITSEC specializes in industry-specific security awareness training. We develop customized content for banking, healthcare, government, crypto/blockchain, and other sectors. Custom training includes industry-specific threat scenarios, regulatory requirements (VARA, Central Bank, DHA), role-based learning paths, and branded materials that align with your organization's policies and procedures.
How do you measure training effectiveness?
We measure effectiveness through multiple metrics: phishing simulation click rates, training completion rates, knowledge assessment scores, incident reporting frequency, and time-to-report suspicious emails. Our dashboard provides real-time analytics, trend analysis, departmental comparisons, and executive reports. We establish baselines and track improvement over time, with most clients achieving 80-95% reduction in phishing susceptibility within 12 months.
What happens when an employee fails a phishing test?
When an employee clicks a simulated phishing link, they're immediately redirected to a 'teachable moment' page explaining what they missed. This is followed by automated assignment of targeted remedial training relevant to the attack type they fell for. Repeat offenders are flagged for additional training and manager notification. Our approach focuses on education rather than punishment, creating a positive security culture.
Do you offer executive-level security training?
Yes, we provide specialized executive security training covering Business Email Compromise (BEC), whale phishing, CEO fraud, and targeted attacks against C-suite executives. Executive training includes one-on-one coaching, boardroom presentations, and scenario-based exercises. We also cover personal security, travel security, and protecting high-profile individuals from sophisticated social engineering attacks.
How long does it take to implement a security awareness program?
A basic implementation can be completed in 2-3 weeks, including platform configuration, user onboarding, baseline phishing assessment, and initial training deployment. Full program implementation with custom content, integrations, and role-based learning paths typically takes 4-6 weeks. We provide project management support throughout and offer quick-start templates for faster deployment.
Can you integrate with our existing LMS or HR systems?
Yes, ITSEC's platform supports integration with popular LMS platforms (Moodle, Cornerstone, SAP SuccessFactors) and HR systems via SCIM, SAML, and API connections. We also support Active Directory and Azure AD integration for automated user provisioning. Integration ensures training completion is reflected in your existing HR records and compliance dashboards.
ITSEC - Security Assessment
World Map

Ready to Secure Your Digital Assets?

Get a comprehensive security assessment from our expert team. Protecting businesses since 2011.

Consult Cyber Experts
NDA Protected
24hr Response
Global Coverage
×
ITSEC AI Security Agent
Secure
Encrypted
Online
Welcome to ITSEC — the UAE's first AI-augmented cybersecurity firm.

With 15+ years of excellence and 50+ certified experts, we protect enterprises across finance, government, and crypto sectors.

How can I secure your organization today?