Security Awareness Training for Employees | Northstar IT
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Empower Your Team with Expert Cyber Security Training

More than 80 percent of successful cyberattacks start with a human action: clicking a phishing link, entering credentials on a fake login page, or sending a wire transfer after a convincing impersonation email. Technical security tools cannot fully compensate for staff who do not know what to look for. North Star's security awareness training programme teaches your team to recognise and report threats, turning your people from a vulnerability into an asset.

Overview

What is included in security awareness training?

North Star's security awareness programme combines short online training modules with simulated phishing campaigns to measure real-world behaviour change. Training modules cover phishing recognition, password hygiene, multi-factor authentication, safe handling of sensitive files, and what to do when something looks suspicious. Simulated phishing sends realistic fake phishing emails to your staff without warning - the clicks are tracked, not punished, and are used to identify who needs additional training. Monthly reporting shows you click rates, training completion, and trend data over time. For businesses in BC and AB with compliance requirements, training records can be exported for audit purposes. The programme runs year-round because phishing campaigns change constantly.

What's included

What North Star delivers.

Training Modules

Short, engaging lessons that actually get completed.

Modules are 5-10 minutes long, mobile-friendly, and focused on practical scenarios. Not dry compliance videos. Completion rates are tracked per user.

Phishing Simulations

Controlled fake phishing emails to test and train in real time.

We send realistic simulated phishing emails - fake package delivery notices, IT password reset requests, internal payment requests - and track who clicks. Clickers receive immediate in-the-moment training.

Reporting

Monthly reports showing click rates and training progress.

You see which departments are most vulnerable, which users need extra attention, and whether the programme is driving improvement over time.

Custom Content

Scenarios specific to your industry and region.

Phishing campaigns targeting BC and AB businesses often use regional content - fake CRA notices, provincial government forms, or local courier names. Our simulations reflect that.

Policy Reinforcement

Helps enforce your acceptable use and password policies.

Training modules can be mapped to your specific IT policies, so staff are learning rules they are actually expected to follow, not generic best practices.

Common questions

What buyers ask before they sign.

How much does security awareness training cost?

North Star prices security awareness training on a per-user per-year basis. Costs are typically $20 to $40 per user per year for the full platform including phishing simulations and reporting. Volume discounts apply for larger teams.

How often should we run phishing simulations?

North Star recommends monthly phishing simulations. Less frequent campaigns give staff time to forget their training, and attackers do not slow down in between.

What if an employee fails a phishing simulation?

Failure is the point - it is a learning moment, not a disciplinary one. Employees who click are shown immediate training about what they missed. Repeat failures are flagged confidentially for management review so targeted coaching can be arranged.

Can training records be used for compliance or cyber insurance?

Yes. Many cyber liability insurers offer premium reductions for documented security awareness programmes. Training completion records and phishing simulation results can be exported in formats suitable for insurance audits.

Is the training available in French?

The platform North Star uses supports multiple languages including French. If you have bilingual staff, please mention this during onboarding and we will configure the appropriate language settings.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in security awareness training?

Our security awareness training covers a broad range of topics including phishing identification, password hygiene, safe internet browsing, and mobile device security. We provide interactive modules and regular testing to ensure employees understand how to recognise sophisticated threats. By focusing on real-world examples, we help staff identify social engineering tactics and suspicious emails that traditional filters might miss.

How often should employees receive cybersecurity training?

Cyber threats evolve rapidly, so annual training is rarely sufficient. Northstar IT recommends a continuous approach with monthly micro-learning sessions and quarterly phishing simulations. Regular reinforcement keeps security top-of-mind for staff in Calgary, Vancouver, and across BC. Frequent updates ensure your team stays informed about the latest malware trends and emerging scams targeting Canadian businesses.

Can training help us qualify for cyber insurance?

Yes, most cyber insurance providers in Canada now require proof of active security awareness training for all employees. Demonstrating that your staff undergoes regular phishing simulations and cybersecurity education can help lower premiums and is often a mandatory condition for coverage. We provide the reporting and documentation necessary to prove your compliance to insurers and auditors.

How do phishing simulations work?

We send safe, simulated phishing emails to your staff to test their reactions in a controlled environment. If an employee clicks a link or enters data, they receive immediate, non-punitive feedback and a short training lesson. This practical approach helps people learn from mistakes without risking actual data. Over time, these simulations significantly reduce the click rate on genuine malicious emails.