The effectiveness of an information security awareness program is best measured by assessing real-world behavior rather than subjective feedback or indirect metrics. Social engineering exercises simulate real-world attack scenarios, testing whether employees can identify and respond appropriately to security threats. This directly evaluates the program's impact on employee behavior and awareness.
* Measuring User Satisfaction (Option A): While useful for feedback, satisfaction does not measure the effectiveness of awareness in preventing security incidents.
* Reviewing Security Staff Performance Evaluations (Option C): This focuses on staff capabilities rather than the awareness program's effectiveness.
* Analyzing Help Desk Calls (Option D): This might provide insight into recurring issues but does not directly measure the program's success in changing user behavior.
Conducting social engineering exercises aligns with best practices for assessing organizational security awareness.
Reference: ISACA CISA Review Manual, Job Practice Area 2: Information Systems Audit and Assurance.