Building a strong cybersecurity culture in your organisation is more essential than ever in 2024–2025. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and cybersecurity culture in organisations has become a critical defence line. An estimated 95% of data breaches result from human error – meaning the attitudes and habits of your people can make or break your security. A cybersecurity-focused culture ensures that every employee understands their role in protecting data and systems.
Who is responsible for developing a cybersecurity culture?
According to the World Economic Forum, 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error. Whether by accident, negligence or malicious intent, people are still the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain.
When it comes to managing cybersecurity, most organisations are comfortable dealing with the technology side of things. Buy a new security software, install a more advanced firewall, invest in machine learning techniques to improve threat detection – these solutions are relatively straightforward.
Dealing with human beings, on the other hand, can be more complicated. Building a strong cybersecurity culture – one that embeds safe behaviour and digital vigilance in the company’s values, beliefs and attitude – is supremely powerful in ensuring cybersecurity readiness, responsibility and responsiveness.
Ultimately, everyone in the organisation is responsible for developing a cybersecurity culture, with leadership setting the tone and guiding the effort. Top executives and managers must champion security values, but every employee has a role in keeping the company safe. A culture of security can only thrive when it’s embraced from the boardroom to the breakroom. Leadership should visibly prioritise cybersecurity (through policies, communication, and actions) while each team member practices safe behaviours daily. In short, building a cybersecurity culture is a shared responsibility across all levels of the organisation.
Best Practices for Cultivating Cybersecurity Culture in 2025
Engage Leadership and Set the Tone
A thriving cybersecurity culture starts at the top. Company leaders – from the CEO and board to department heads – must visibly prioritise security and lead by example. Cultures are created by leadership through the example they set. When leaders talk about cybersecurity regularly, enforce policies consistently, and even participate in training, it sends a strong message that security is everyone’s business. This top-down commitment creates accountability and empowers employees to take cybersecurity seriously.
Make Cybersecurity Training Human-Centric
Traditional checkbox pieces of training are not enough – security education should be relatable, engaging, and ongoing. Instead of dry lectures, use real-world scenarios and simple language that employees can relate to. For example, demonstrate how phishing scams could appear in everyday emails or how poor password practices affect them personally. Give actionable advice and nudge employees at high-risk moments (such as reminding them about safe USB use during a project handover) to reinforce good habits. Human-centric training that speaks to people’s daily work and values will stick better than jargon-heavy policies.
Integrate Security into Everyday Processes
Build cybersecurity into the fabric of daily operations so it becomes second nature. This means embedding security checkpoints in workflows – from requiring strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to regular software updates and secure data handling practices. Update your policies and procedures to reflect current threats (for instance, guidelines on using personal devices or remote access securely) and make following them easy. When cybersecurity measures are seamlessly integrated into how teams work (rather than seen as obstacles), employees are more likely to adopt and uphold them as part of the culture.
Encourage Open Communication and Reporting
A positive cybersecurity culture is one where employees feel comfortable reporting mistakes or potential threats without fear. Encourage staff to speak up if they click on a suspicious link or notice strange computer behaviour – these early warnings can prevent incidents. Promote a “no blame” culture around security reporting and treat every report as an opportunity to improve. Likewise, share news about current phishing trends or scam tactics and invite discussion. When communication channels are open, employees become active sensors for security issues, strengthening the organisation’s overall vigilance.
Start at Hiring: Screen and Educate New Employees
Cybersecurity culture isn’t built overnight – it begins even before someone joins your team. During hiring and onboarding, emphasise your company’s commitment to security. Conduct thorough background screenings to hire trustworthy candidates (for example, through compliant MAS background checks for roles in regulated industries) and verify their credentials via MOM employment verification to ensure integrity. Once onboard, train new hires on security policies from day one. Setting these expectations early helps newcomers internalise cybersecurity as a core part of the organisation’s values.
Reinforce and Evolve the Culture Continuously
Building a cybersecurity culture is an ongoing process, not a one-time project. Keep security on the agenda year-round with regular refresher pieces of training, phishing email simulations, and updates on emerging threats. Celebrate and reward good security practices – for instance, highlight an employee who successfully prevented a phishing incident or consistently follows protocols. Measure your progress, too: use surveys or quizzes to gauge awareness and track incidents or reporting rates as indicators of cultural change. By continually reinforcing key behaviours and updating your approach to address new challenges (such as risks from AI-generated attacks or increased remote work), you maintain a resilient, up-to-date security culture.
Conclusion
A strong, healthy and positive cybersecurity culture means employees are more knowledgeable about cyber threats, are personally committed to behaving safely, and feel motivated to change their habits in order to protect themselves, their colleagues and the organisation.
But making cybersecurity a part of your organisation’s fabric is not a one-and-done deal. As with all things related to organisational culture, consistency, leadership and follow-through are key.
With people as your first and final line of defence against cyberattacks, your organisation will be significantly better prepared to manage one of today’s biggest security risks.
