Who Owns Cyber Awareness Training? HR, IT, Finance, or the CTO?

Cybersecurity threats aren’t just a technology issue. The majority of successful cyberattacks start with a simple mistake by an employee, clicking on a phishing email, reusing a weak password, or sharing sensitive information without thinking. That’s why cyber awareness training has become such an essential part of business resilience. 

But here’s the question: who should actually take responsibility for it?

Is it HR?

Human Resources often leads on training and compliance. From onboarding to health and safety, HR makes sure staff have the knowledge and skills to do their jobs safely and responsibly. Cyber awareness training could naturally fit into that framework, ensuring every employee receives regular updates alongside other mandatory training.

Is it IT?

The IT team usually manages the company’s security tools, firewalls, and networks. They know first-hand where vulnerabilities exist and are often the first to respond when something goes wrong. It might seem logical that IT should deliver and monitor staff training, but their focus is usually on technology, not behavioural change.

Is it Finance?

Cyber mishaps don’t just cause disruption, they can cost real money. A ransomware attack, a fraudulent invoice, or a data breach can lead to lost revenue, fines, reputational damage, and spiralling recovery costs. That’s why Finance leaders are increasingly taking an interest in cyber awareness training: it’s not just a compliance issue, it’s a risk management and cost control strategy.

Is it the CTO or Senior Leadership?

Cybersecurity is ultimately a business risk, not just an IT risk. That’s why many argue responsibility should sit at the board level. An owner manager, CTO, CIO, or even CEO should ensure cyber awareness training is embedded in company culture and treated as a strategic priority, not a tick-box exercise.

The Truth? It’s Shared.

In reality, the best results come when HR, IT, Finance, and leadership all play a role:

• HR ensures training is delivered and recorded.
• IT provides insight into real-world threats and helps shape the content.
• Finance monitors the business impact and helps make the investment case.
• Leadership drives culture change, making security part of “how we do things” every day.

How HM Network Can Help

At HM Network, we know one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why we offer a range of Cyber Awareness Training options, from bite-sized modules, phishing simulations, to full programmes, designed to upskill your staff, reduce risk, and protect your business.

Whether you’re in HR looking for structured training, in IT looking for a partner to lighten the load, in Finance concerned about cost and risk, or in senior leadership wanting to improve resilience, we can help you put the right programme in place.

And for the record – it needn’t be expensive. It can be available from around £1.25 per user per month!

Get in touch with HM Network today and let’s make your people the strongest link in your security chain.

Call 03333444190 or use our contact form www.hm-network.com/contact