Customizing Nudges for Specific Roles in Security Behavior and Culture Programs

Security nudges are small, timely reminders designed to reinforce cyber-safe behaviors. However, generic nudges often fail to address the unique risks different roles face. Customizing them ensures they are relevant, actionable, and effective, leading to stronger adoption of secure practices.

With remote work increasing data breach costs by an average of $173,074 per incident (IBM), organizations must take a targeted approach to security awareness. By tailoring nudges to specific job functions, businesses can reduce human error, strengthen security culture, and lower cyber risks.

This blog post explores how role-specific security nudges can drive better adoption of secure practices across different teams.

1. Executives and Leadership Teams

Executives are prime targets for spear phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and CEO fraud due to their access to sensitive data and critical decision-making authority. A single mistake can lead to major financial and reputational damage.

Customized Nudges

To help executives stay vigilant against targeted cyber threats, security nudges should be concise, relevant, and seamlessly integrated into their daily routines.

• Email Verification Prompts – Reminders to double-check high-value requests like wire transfers or access approvals.
• Real-Time Threat Briefs – Short, actionable updates on emerging cyber threats targeting executives.
• Secure Communication Reminders – Prompts to use encrypted channels for confidential discussions.

Implementation Tip

Deliver nudges via calendar alerts or executive dashboards to ensure minimal disruption while keeping security top of mind.

For more insights on executive security awareness, read Keepnet article on Nudges in Security Awareness for Executives and Leadership Teams.

2. IT and Security Teams

IT and security teams manage system integrity, enforce policies, and respond to cyber threats. Given their access to critical infrastructure, even small oversights can create vulnerabilities.

Customized Nudges

Nudges should be timely and embedded into daily operations to reinforce best practices without disrupting workflows.

• Patch Management Alerts – Reminders about pending security updates for managed systems.
• Incident Response Guidance – Prompts during security events to ensure adherence to established response protocols.
• Privilege Access Reminders – Alerts to review and remove unnecessary admin privileges to minimize risks.

Implementation Tip

Integrate nudges into ticketing systems and security dashboards to align with real-time tasks.

For more security insights tailored to IT teams, read: Nudges in Security Awareness for IT and Security Teams.

3. Finance and HR Teams

Finance and HR teams handle sensitive financial and employee data, making them prime targets for phishing, payroll fraud, and social engineering attacks. A single mistake—such as processing a fraudulent invoice or sharing confidential information—can result in financial losses and compliance risks.

Customized Nudges

Nudges should be proactive and seamlessly integrated into their daily tools to reinforce security awareness.

• Invoice Verification Prompts – Alerts to double-check payment details before approving large transactions.
• Sensitive Data Protection Tips – Reminders to encrypt and securely store employee records.
• Social Engineering Awareness – Scenario-based prompts to help employees recognize and avoid manipulation over email or phone

Implementation Tip

Deliver nudges via email notifications or embed them into payroll and accounting software to ensure they appear at critical decision points.

Explore more tailored security strategies for these teams in Keepnet guide on Nudges in Security Awareness for Finance and HR Teams.

4. Sales and Marketing Teams

Sales and marketing teams frequently work externally, engaging with prospects, clients, and third parties. Their reliance on public Wi-Fi, cloud-based tools, and customer data increases the risk of phishing attacks, credential theft, and data mishandling. Without proper security awareness, they may unknowingly expose sensitive business information.

Customized Nudges

To keep security top of mind, nudges should be accessible and integrated into their everyday tools.

• Public Wi-Fi Alerts – Reminders to use a VPN when connecting to company systems while traveling or at events.
• Credential Sharing Warnings – Prompts discouraging the use of personal accounts for business operations.
• Customer Data Protection Tips – Alerts on securely handling customer information, especially during presentations or demos.

Implementation Tip

Deliver nudges through mobile notifications or within CRM platforms to ensure they are seen while on the go.

For more security strategies tailored to sales and marketing teams, read Keepnet's guide on Nudges in Security Awareness for Sales and Marketing Teams.

5. Engineering and Development Teams

Developers and engineers have direct access to source code, databases, and production systems, making them key defenders against cyber threats. However, poor coding practices, weak access controls, or skipped security reviews can introduce critical vulnerabilities, exposing the organization to supply chain attacks and data breaches.

Customized Nudges

To reinforce secure development habits, nudges should be integrated into coding environments and daily workflows.

• Secure Coding Practices – Reminders to follow secure coding frameworks and avoid hardcoding credentials.
• Code Review Prompts – Alerts encouraging peer reviews before deploying changes to production.
• Access Management Tips – Nudges reminding engineers to rotate API keys and manage system access properly.

Implementation Tip

Embed nudges into development environments and project management tools like Git, JIRA, or VS Code to provide real-time security reinforcement.

Discover more ways to strengthen security habits in technical teams by reading Keepnet's article on Nudges in Security Awareness for Engineering and Development Teams.

6. Customer Support Teams

Customer support teams regularly interact with external users, making them prime targets for vishing (voice phishing) and social engineering attacks. Attackers often exploit their helpful nature to extract sensitive customer or company information, posing a serious security risk.

Customized Nudges

To enhance awareness and prevent manipulation, nudges should be contextual and embedded into their daily communication tools.

• Identity Verification Prompts – Reminders to verify customer identities before sharing confidential information.
• Phishing Awareness Tips – Alerts to help agents recognize and avoid manipulative tactics used by scammers.
• Incident Reporting Prompts – Encouragement to report unusual or suspicious interactions immediately.

Implementation Tip

Integrate nudges into CRM or helpdesk platforms to ensure security reminders appear in real time during customer interactions.

Learn more about security nudges for customer service teams in Keepnet article on Nudges in Security Awareness for Customer Support Teams ( this blog post is ready, we will puvlish it soon and then add a link here)

7. All Employees

Every employee, regardless of role, can be a potential entry point for cyberattacks. A single phishing click, weak password, or accidental data leak can compromise the entire organization. Building organization-wide security awareness is essential to reducing human risk.

Customized Nudges

Nudges should be frequent, engaging, and accessible to encourage continuous security awareness.

• Phishing Simulation Feedback – Instant feedback after phishing simulations to reinforce learning.
• Password Hygiene Prompts – Regular reminders to update passwords and use password managers.
• Security Awareness Challenges – Nudges promoting participation in company-wide cybersecurity challenges or training events.

Implementation Tip

Use email, intranet, or collaboration tools like Slack or Teams to deliver nudges effectively across the organization.

For more cybersecurity nudge strategies, check out Keepnet's article on Top Nudge Examples in Cybersecurity Awareness.

Enhancing Security Culture with Role-Specific Nudges

Customizing security nudges for different roles makes interventions more relevant, practical, and effective. By addressing the specific risks and responsibilities of each team, organizations can strengthen security behavior, reduce human error, and build a resilient cybersecurity culture.

Ready to see how tailored nudges can transform your security posture? Explore the Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform for behavior-driven security awareness solutions.