Building a robust security culture: why your employees are the key to success
Published:
As Managing Director, I’ve come to appreciate just how vital it is to have every single person on the team invested in keeping the business secure. Cybersecurity might sound technical, but at its core, it’s about people. From dealing with phishing scams to protecting sensitive data, every team member plays a part. That’s why creating a strong security culture is essential for us all.
So, what does “security culture” really mean? It’s about how we, as a team, think and act when it comes to protecting the business. It’s about awareness and embedding secure practices into our everyday processes. Awareness means understanding the risks and knowing how to respond to them – from recognising a phishing attempt to knowing the steps to securely handle sensitive information. But awareness alone isn’t enough. Security culture also requires that these principles are built into our workflows and operations so that secure practices become second nature. Whether it’s how we handle data, communicate with clients, or onboard new employees, security needs to be seamlessly integrated into how we work, not treated as an afterthought.
By ensuring everyone – from myself to our newest hire – feels confident and responsible for safeguarding the company’s assets, we create an environment where security isn’t just a policy but instead is a shared mindset.
Why security culture matters
Human error is the leading cause of cybersecurity breaches. It’s easy to see how a momentary lapse in judgment – like clicking on a dodgy link or mishandling confidential information – can lead to serious consequences. But when we build awareness and keep security front of mind, we’re far less likely to make those mistakes.
What I’ve found most encouraging is how empowering employees to be vigilant can make all the difference. When someone spots and reports something suspicious, they’re actively protecting the business. It’s not just about stopping bad things from happening, it’s about building a team that’s engaged, proactive, and ready to adapt to the constantly changing threats we face.
Laying the groundwork for security culture
It all starts with leadership. If I’m not practicing what I preach, how can I expect anyone else to take security seriously? As leaders, we need to model good security behaviors and make it clear that this is a priority for the whole business.
Education plays a huge role too. Regular training sessions that go beyond the basics like real-world phishing simulations to keep everyone sharp. It’s also about creating a safe space where people feel comfortable raising concerns without worrying about blame. Mistakes happen and what matters is how we handle them.
Another key piece is integrating security into the everyday. It shouldn’t feel like an extra chore, it should just be part of how we do things. And when someone goes above and beyond, let’s recognise that. Acknowledging good practices encourages everyone to do the same.
The cost of ignoring security culture
The risks of not prioritising security culture are massive. Did you know the average cost of a data breach in 2024 was – in USD – $4.88M?! A 10% increase since 2023 and the highest total ever. And that’s not even counting the loss of customer trust or the hit to employee morale.
It’s tempting to think “It won’t happen to us” but the reality is that waiting until something goes wrong is a costly gamble. On the flip side, businesses that invest in a strong security culture not only reduce their risks but also build trust with clients who value security as much as we do.
Where to begin
I’m proud to share that we’ve recently achieved ISO 27001 certification, proof of the robust systems and processes we’ve put in place to protect our business and our customers. This milestone reinforces our commitment to security and serves as a reminder of what’s possible when an entire team pulls together.
For others looking to build their security culture, here are some steps to consider:
- Start with a self-assessment: Identify the gaps in your current approach to security. What are the weak points? Where are the opportunities for improvement?
- Invest in training: Regular, tailored sessions that engage employees are key. Go beyond the basics and provide practical, scenario-based learning.
- Foster open communication: Create an environment where employees feel safe reporting concerns. A no-blame culture encourages vigilance and transparency.
- Celebrate wins: Recognise and reward individuals or teams who demonstrate good security practices. This encourages others to follow suit.
- Leverage certifications: Consider frameworks like ISO 27001 to guide your processes and give you benchmarks for success. Achieving certification is a clear signal to your stakeholders that you take security seriously.
Ultimately, technology alone won’t protect us. It’s our people who make the real difference. By embedding a strong security culture into everything we do, we’re not just protecting the business today, we’re setting ourselves up for long-term success.
Security is a team effort. Let’s make sure we’re all ready to play our part.
At Signable, we’ve made security and efficiency our top priorities. With ISO 27001-certified processes and a commitment to empowering businesses, our platform ensures that your documents are handled securely and seamlessly. Ready to see how Signable can support your business? Start your 14-day free trial today.
References: IBM. (2024). Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024. IBM Security. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach
David de la Peña
Get started in under 60 seconds
Check out our free 14 day trial and start sending documents now.