Gathering Support Across the Enterprise
The Importance of Collaboration
CISOs should not tackle security culture in isolation. It is essential to collaborate with human resources, employee engagement, and create a cross-functional team to ensure a comprehensive approach. This collaborative effort works best when it is positioned within and aligned with the broader organizational culture.
Aligning Cybersecurity with Organizational Culture
In healthcare, for example, tying cybersecurity to patient health and safety can lead to both stronger security and secondary benefits. Similarly, combining cybersecurity with manufacturing’s safety culture can also yield positive results. By aligning cybersecurity with the organization’s overall culture, CISOs can create a more cohesive and effective security strategy.
The Role of C-Level Executives
Every C-level executive has a crucial role to play in supporting a strong cybersecurity culture. When they make cybersecurity their personal priority by:
- Talking about it
- Doing what they can to reward team members who do the right things
- Taking a personal interest in learning more about what team members can do
They send a message that reinforces the importance of a healthy cybersecurity culture. This sends a strong signal to the organization that cybersecurity is a priority and encourages employees to take it seriously.
Senior Leadership’s Role in Promoting Cybersecurity Culture
The entire enterprise’s senior leadership should actively participate in promoting a robust cybersecurity culture. This can be achieved by:
- Collaborative messages from the CISO and other senior leaders
- Utilizing all available internal communication channels
- Reaching key decision-makers within the organization
By using these strategies, senior leadership can transform an otherwise disregarded message into an organizational priority that demands attention from everyone.
Conclusion
Gathering support across the enterprise is crucial for building a strong cybersecurity culture. By collaborating with human resources, employee engagement, and creating a cross-functional team, CISOs can create a comprehensive approach to security. C-level executives and senior leadership must also play a vital role in promoting cybersecurity culture by making it a personal priority and actively participating in internal communication channels.
FAQs
Q: Why is it essential to collaborate with human resources and employee engagement?
A: Collaboration with human resources and employee engagement is crucial because it allows CISOs to create a comprehensive approach to security that is aligned with the organization’s overall culture.
Q: How can C-level executives support a strong cybersecurity culture?
A: C-level executives can support a strong cybersecurity culture by making cybersecurity their personal priority, talking about it, rewarding team members who do the right things, and taking a personal interest in learning more about what team members can do.
Q: What role do senior leadership play in promoting cybersecurity culture?
A: Senior leadership plays a vital role in promoting cybersecurity culture by providing collaborative messages, utilizing internal communication channels, and reaching key decision-makers within the organization.
Q: Why is it important to align cybersecurity with the organization’s overall culture?
A: Aligning cybersecurity with the organization’s overall culture is important because it creates a more cohesive and effective security strategy. It also helps to create a sense of ownership and responsibility among employees.
