Firewalls? Check.
Encryption? Check.
Anti-virus software? Check.
Totally secure company? Hmmmm
Many organizations think that security is all about the technology. If it were, things would be far simpler.
Did you know that everyday there are more than 2,000 cyberattacks occurring and that more than 95% of the attacks that devastate organizations like yours are the result of human error? But before you blame Nancy in accounting, you need to think about the bigger picture, i.e. the real reason this is happening: organizational culture.
Here's the harsh reality: no amount of technology can save you. It’s not about the firewalls, encryption or anti-virus software. It’s all about culture and whether employees buy into security. You see, a bad culture isn’t just a business problem. It’s a security risk.
Let me give you a real-world example. We were recently called in to clean up a mess caused by an employee on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). This person wasn’t engaged in their job, and everyone knew it. They clicked on a malicious link, and the damage was done. Their lack of care and attention put the entire organization at risk. Sadly, this wasn’t just a random mistake. It was a direct result of a bad culture. When your people don’t care, they don’t perform. And when they don’t perform, your business is wide open to threats.
Why Culture Equals Security
Culture drives behavior, and behavior drives security. When employees are checked out, unhappy, or don’t believe in the mission, they’re going to make mistakes or worse, intentionally ignore security protocols. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. And when that disaster happens, it’s not because your anti-virus failed. It’s because your culture did.
Your employees are your frontline defenders. If they aren’t on board with protecting your business, they’ll become your weakest link. The disengaged employee who clicked that malicious link didn’t care about the consequences. They weren’t thinking about how their actions could put sensitive data at risk or damage the company’s reputation. They just wanted to get through the day.
So, the question becomes: Is your culture strong enough to support the security measures you’ve put in place?
The Insider Threat You Can’t Ignore
You might think insider threats come from bad actors—someone intentionally sabotaging your business. But here’s the truth: most insider threats come from people who just don’t care. They’re not criminals. They’re the employees who are making mistakes because they’re disengaged, disconnected, or simply don’t fit within your culture.
This is why it’s critical to recognize when an employee isn’t on board. Maybe they’re not happy with the role, maybe they’re checked out, or maybe they’re frustrated. Whatever the reason, their disconnection from the company’s goals becomes a security risk. It’s not always malicious, but the damage can be just as bad.
Consider this: If someone isn’t doing their job well, they’re not paying attention. If they’re not paying attention, they’re more likely to make careless mistakes, such as clicking on a phishing email or skipping security protocols. And these mistakes can lead to breaches, data loss, and financial damage. In today’s environment, that’s the kind of risk no business can afford.
How Culture Impacts Decision-Making
You might be thinking, “Is this really something I need to worry about? Isn’t this what IT is for?” But here’s the thing: IT can’t fix culture. Your company’s culture is shaped by leadership, strategy, and the tone set at the top. If your people don’t feel empowered, valued, or accountable, no technology is going to stop a breach from happening.
When culture fails, security fails. And as a decision-maker, you need to see culture as a critical part of your security strategy. Your people need to understand that security isn’t just an IT issue—it’s part of their job. It’s woven into every email they open, every file they access, and every task they complete.
What You Can Do Today to Strengthen Culture and Security
You might have the best security tools in place, but if your culture is weak, your defenses are weak. Here are a few steps you can take today to ensure that your culture supports your security goals:
- Prioritize Engagement: Employees who are engaged and connected to the company’s mission are far less likely to make careless mistakes. Foster a culture where people feel valued, heard, and accountable.
- Communicate Security as Everyone’s Responsibility: Make it clear that security isn’t just the IT department’s problem. Everyone—from entry-level employees to leadership—needs to understand that security is part of their job. Regular training and open discussions about the latest threats help reinforce this.
- Address Disengagement Early: If someone isn’t a fit or is visibly checked out, don’t wait for a mistake to happen. Deal with the problem proactively. Have tough conversations, find out what’s going on, and make changes if necessary. Sometimes that means helping someone get back on track. Other times, it means parting ways.
- Lead by Example: Leadership sets the tone for culture. If security isn’t important to you, it won’t be important to your team. Model the behaviors you want to see. If you’re diligent about security, they will be too.
- Assess Your Insider Threats Regularly: It’s not enough to focus on external threats like hackers and viruses. Take the time to assess the internal risks your business faces. Who’s disengaged? Who’s frustrated? These are the people who could unintentionally become your next security breach.
The Bottom Line
Culture is a security issue. Period. If your people aren’t doing what they should be, you’re already facing a serious threat. A healthy, engaged workforce is the first line of defense against cyberattacks, data breaches, and insider threats. If your company culture is strong, your security will be too. But if culture is weak, you’re leaving the door wide open for risks that no technology can close.
The decision to prioritize culture as part of your security strategy is one of the smartest moves you can make. After all, a team that cares about their work is a team that cares about protecting your business.
