What Factors Are Most Important for a Security Awareness Training Curriculum?

SY0-701 By islever Editorial Last updated

Short answer

CE Threat vectors based on the industry in which the organization operates Cadence and duration of training events

Question

Which of the following factors are the most important to address when formulating a training curriculum plan for a security awareness program? (Choose two.)
  1. Channels by which the organization communicates with customers
  2. The reporting mechanisms for ethics violations
  3. Threat vectors based on the industry in which the organization operates Correct Answer
  4. Secure software development training for all personnel
  5. Cadence and duration of training events Correct Answer

Key Takeaways

The exam tests your ability to prioritize curriculum design elements: knowing the relevant threats (C) and scheduling training effectively (E) are core, while unrelated reporting mechanisms and customer communication channels are distractors.

For the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam, when planning a security awareness curriculum, the most important factors are industry-specific threat vectors and the cadence/duration of training events. Community consensus confirms C and E as the correct pair.

Common mistake: Choosing option B (reporting mechanisms for ethics violations) is a common mistake because it sounds like a policy concern, but it is unrelated to security awareness training curriculum and does not address threat exposure.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

The correct answers are C and E. A security awareness program must be tailored to the specific threat vectors relevant to the organization's industry (C) to ensure employees learn about the risks they are most likely to encounter. Equally important is the cadence and duration of training events (E), because periodic reinforcement and appropriately timed sessions are key to keeping security top-of-mind and maintaining a strong security culture.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A (channels by which the organization communicates with customers) is about external communications and not directly relevant to employee security awareness curriculum. Option B (reporting mechanisms for ethics violations) relates to corporate ethics policies, not cybersecurity awareness training. Option D (secure software development training for all personnel) is too narrowly focused and not appropriate for all staff; it is not a primary factor in a general security awareness curriculum.

Community Comment Notes

Several comments support CE by explaining that 'you need to know what to train against' and that the training schedule is one of the most important aspects of the curriculum. Another widely liked comment notes that ethics violations are unrelated to security training and that setting a cadence is an important factor. Community members also highlighted that designing a curriculum requires knowing the biggest 'what' to teach and the 'when/how often' to teach it.

Official Reference

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Exam Strategy

When choosing two answers, focus on factors that directly shape the content and delivery schedule of the training program. Eliminate options that address unrelated corporate policies, and remember that both the topic focus and session frequency are equally important.

Community Votes

CE
100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer CE. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 8 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 8

  1. Etc_Shadow28000 👍 9
    C. Threat vectors based on the industry in which the organization operates E. Cadence and duration of training events When formulating a training curriculum plan for a security awareness program, it is crucial to focus on: - Threat vectors based on the industry in which the organization operates (C): Understanding the specific threats that are most relevant to the industry helps tailor the training content to address the most pressing risks and vulnerabilities that employees might face. - Cadence and duration of training events (E): Establishing an appropriate schedule and duration for training ensures that employees receive regular, ongoing education to keep security top-of-mind and adapt to evolving threats. Therefore, the correct answers are: C. Threat vectors based on the industry in which the organization operates E. Cadence and duration of training events
  2. Th3irdEye 👍 5
    C you need to know what to train against E training schedule is one of the most important aspects of the curriculum The chosen answer with talking about ethics violations is unrelated to security training. Retraining requirements are important too but less so than C and E.
  3. AutoroTink 👍 4
    If I was to make a curriculum, I'd want to know the biggest "what" that we would teach, and "when" and "how often" we'd be teaching it. The others are great, but not as important as these two things.
  4. edmondme 👍 2
    ethics issues are unrelated to security trainings. Also setting a cadence is another important factor
  5. Jacket 👍 1
    C. Threat vectors based on the industry in which the organization operates: Understanding the specific threats that are relevant to your industry is critical. Different industries face unique risks (e.g., phishing attacks in finance, insider threats in healthcare). Training should be tailored to address these industry-specific threats to ensure the most relevant and effective education for employees. E. Cadence and duration of training events: The frequency and length of training sessions are essential to ensure that the training is both effective and engaging. Regular, well-timed training helps reinforce security principles, ensuring employees are constantly aware of evolving threats and practices without feeling overwhelmed.
Show 3 more comments
  1. dbrowndiver 👍 1
    opt C. Threat vectors based on the industry in which the organization operates and opt E. Cadence and duration of training events are the correct answers. These factors ensure that the training is relevant, engaging, and effective by focusing on the specific threats the organization faces and maintaining consistent reinforcement through well-planned training sessions.
  2. Shaman73 👍 1
    C. Threat vectors based on the industry in which the organization operates Most Voted E. Cadence and duration of training events Most Voted
  3. c80f5c5 👍 1
    Threat vectors and training schedule sounds more important to me than the others

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