How often should refresher training on unauthorized disclosures occur?

Refresher training on unauthorized disclosures is crucial for maintaining a high level of awareness and compliance among employees regarding data security and privacy. Regular training, typically on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances warrant, ensures that employees remain up-to-date with current policies, procedures, and any changes in laws or regulations that govern the handling of sensitive information.

This regular reinforcement helps to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized disclosures by refreshing knowledge and practices that could otherwise fade over time. Additionally, as new threats and techniques for compromising data security evolve, ongoing training allows employees to adapt to these changes, ensuring they are well-equipped to protect sensitive information effectively.

Training only when new employees are hired or at infrequent intervals, such as every two or five years, may lead to outdated knowledge among existing staff, increasing the likelihood of inadvertent disclosures. Hence, consistent and recurring training is essential to maintain a culture of security awareness and ensure compliance with best practices related to unauthorized disclosures.