What This Role Does
A Security Awareness Specialist helps people understand how to use technology safely and responsibly.
This role focuses on education, communication, and behavior, rather than fixing systems or responding to technical alerts.
Security Awareness Specialists design learning materials, deliver training, and help users recognize risks such as phishing, scams, unsafe sharing, and poor security habits.
Their goal is simple: help people make safer choices online.
Why This Role Matters
Many cybersecurity incidents begin with human behavior.
Clicking a malicious link
sharing information too quickly
using weak passwords
ignoring security warnings
Security Awareness Specialists help reduce these risks by teaching, not blaming.
Their work protects:
people
privacy
organizations
digital trust
Education turns awareness into prevention.
Tools and Environments Used in This Role
Security Awareness Specialists use tools designed to communicate and educate.
These often include:
learning platforms and training portals
awareness campaigns and simulations
presentations and digital content
email and communication tools
feedback and reporting dashboards
The focus is not on complex technical tools, but on clarity and understanding.
Skills Commonly Used in This Role
This role combines cybersecurity knowledge with strong communication skills.
Common skills include:
clear and simple communication
empathy and understanding
storytelling and explanation
behavioral awareness
ethical responsibility
Helping people learn without fear is a core strength of this role.
How Young People Often Discover This Role
Many people discover interest in security awareness by:
helping friends avoid scams
explaining phishing or fake messages
creating presentations or guides
writing articles or posts about online safety
supporting school or community education efforts
Teaching others often reveals a natural talent for this role.
Real-Life Scenarios
Scenario 1: Phishing Education
Users repeatedly click suspicious emails.
A Security Awareness Specialist creates clear examples, explains warning signs, and helps users practice safer behavior.
Scenario 2: New Technology Rollout
A school or organization introduces a new platform.
The specialist explains how to use it safely, what to avoid, and how to ask for help.
Scenario 3: Reducing Fear and Confusion
Users feel overwhelmed by security rules.
The specialist reframes security as support, not punishment, improving trust and participation.
How to Start Exploring This Role
Exploring security awareness often starts with communication.
Many students begin by:
learning about phishing and scams
understanding online privacy
creating educational content
helping others stay safe online
participating in school STEM or digital citizenship programs
Strong awareness skills grow through practice and empathy.
Where This Role Fits in the Cybersecurity Landscape
Within the NICE Framework, Security Awareness roles are part of the Oversee and Govern and Protect and Defend areas.
They act as a bridge between people and technology, supporting technical teams by reducing human risk.
Understanding this role helps learners see how cybersecurity is about people as much as systems.
Where Can This Role Lead?
Starting as a Security Awareness Specialist opens several paths.
Many professionals grow into roles such as:
Cyber Risk Analyst
Security Program Manager
Policy and Compliance Specialist
Cybersecurity Educator
This role builds leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
Using the Cyber Career Pathways Tool
The Cyber Career Pathways Tool helps you explore security awareness and related roles.
You can use it to:
understand tasks and responsibilities
compare education-focused roles
see how communication supports cybersecurity
Explore the tool here:
https://niccs.cisa.gov/tools/cyber-career-pathways-tool
How This Role Connects to Being a Cyber Hero
A cyber hero helps others stay safe through knowledge and guidance.
Security Awareness Specialists:
empower people
reduce risk through education
build trust
create safer digital cultures
Teaching is one of the most powerful forms of protection.
Final Thought
Security Awareness Specialists don’t protect systems directly.
They protect people — and people protect systems.
By helping others understand how to stay safe online, you become a key part of a stronger digital future.
Be a Cyber Hero.
Daniel Porta
Cybersecurity Professional | CISO
Founder, Be a Cyber Hero Initiative