Where Does Security Culture Stand for Executives?

With 68% of breaches caused by human error or social engineering (Verizon DBIR 2024), cyber threats are no longer just an IT issue—they’re a serious business risk. A single phishing email can lead to massive financial losses, legal fines, and reputational damage. Yet, many companies still see security as just a technical problem.

For executives, security culture is the backbone of a resilient organization. Without it, even the best cybersecurity tools won’t be enough. Employees who understand security risks can significantly reduce threats, protect sensitive data, and build customer trust.

In this blog, we’ll explore why security culture should be a top priority for executives, how it impacts key business areas, and the steps you can take to strengthen it.

What Is Security Culture?

Security culture is the mindset and behaviors that define how employees and leaders approach cybersecurity within an organization. It goes beyond policies and tools—it’s about creating a workplace where security is second nature.

A strong security culture empowers employees to be the first line of defense, reducing mistakes, strengthening risk management, and supporting long-term business success.

Read our guide to learn more about whether security culture exists or not.

Why Should Executives Care About Security Culture?

Executives should care about security culture because it directly impacts business resilience, financial stability, and regulatory compliance. A weak security culture increases the risk of breaches, operational disruptions, and loss of stakeholder trust.

Below, we’ll explore the key reasons why fostering a strong security culture is essential for sustained growth and risk management.

1. It’s a Business Enabler, Not Just a Compliance Measure

Many organizations view cybersecurity as a box to check for regulatory compliance, but a strong security culture goes beyond that—it drives business growth, protects critical assets, and fosters innovation. When employees understand their role in safeguarding the organization, they become a proactive defense rather than a weak link.

Business Impact:

• Ensures operational continuity by reducing security disruptions.
• Protects critical assets from breaches and cyber threats.
• Encourages innovation by minimizing security risks in new initiatives.

Key Questions for Executives:

• Does our security culture actively support business growth and innovation?
• Are our cybersecurity efforts preventing risks or just meeting compliance standards?

2. It Reduces Risks and Costs

A weak security culture increases the risk of data breaches, phishing attacks, and operational disruptions, leading to significant financial losses. Strengthening security awareness helps organizations minimize risks, prevent costly mistakes, and improve overall resilience.

Business Impact:

• Lowers remediation costs by reducing security incidents.
• Prevents breaches caused by human mistakes.
• Strengthens the organization's ability to handle cyber threats effectively.

Key Questions for Executives:

• Are employees actively identifying and preventing security risks?
• How much are we saving by reducing human-error-related incidents?

3. It Builds Trust with Stakeholders

Customers, partners, and investors expect organizations to prioritize security and protect sensitive data. A strong security culture demonstrates commitment to cybersecurity, strengthens brand reputation, and fosters long-term trust.

Business Impact:

• Enhances credibility with customers, partners, and investors.
• Reduces reputational damage from security incidents.
• Strengthens stakeholder relationships by demonstrating a proactive approach to cybersecurity.

Key Questions for Executives:

• Can we confidently assure stakeholders that cybersecurity is a priority?
• How does our security culture enhance customer and investor trust?

4. It Drives Operational Resilience

A strong security culture ensures that employees can quickly identify and respond to threats, minimizing disruptions and protecting business continuity. By embedding security into daily operations, organizations reduce downtime, improve incident response, and recover faster from cyber incidents.

Business Impact:

• Minimizes disruptions by enabling faster threat detection and response.
• Reduces downtime and operational losses during security incidents.
• Strengthens overall resilience by integrating security into daily workflows.

Key Questions for Executives:

• Are we empowering employees to act as a proactive defense layer?
• Are we reducing the time and resources needed to manage incidents?

5. It Aligns with Organizational Values

A strong security culture reflects core values like responsibility, collaboration, and transparency. When cybersecurity is a shared priority, it fosters a unified, security-conscious workforce that actively protects the organization.

Business Impact:

• Reinforces a culture of responsibility and trust.
• Encourages collaboration across teams to strengthen security.
• Ensures security remains a core part of the organization's mission and values.

Key Questions for Executives:

• Does our security culture reflect our core values?
• Are employees at all levels engaged in cybersecurity efforts?

The Cost of Ignoring Security Culture

Ignoring security culture puts organizations at risk of financial loss, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. Without security awareness, cyber incidents become more frequent and expensive.

• Financial Losses: Cyberattacks caused by human error are costly. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 states that the average breach costs $4.88 million, creating a major financial burden.
• Reputational Damage: Data breaches weaken customer trust, damage brand reputation, and lead to lost business. Companies that fail to protect data risk losing credibility.
• Regulatory Penalties: Not following security regulations can result in heavy fines and legal trouble, especially in industries like finance and healthcare.
• Operational Disruptions: Cyber incidents slow down operations, cause delays, and reduce productivity. Recovery efforts take time and drain valuable resources.

Building a strong security culture is not just about protection—it helps prevent financial losses, builds trust, and keeps the business running smoothly.

To dive deeper into the financial impact of data breaches, read Keepnet’s detailed guide: The Truth About the Cost of Data Breaches.

How to Strengthen Security Culture as an Executive

Security culture starts at the top—without executive support, even the best security initiatives can fail. Leaders who actively integrate cybersecurity into business strategy create a workplace where security is a shared responsibility.

Below are key steps executives can take to build a stronger, security-aware organization.

1. Champion Security from the Top

Executives set the tone for security culture. If leaders treat cybersecurity as an afterthought, employees will do the same. Make security a visible priority by discussing it in leadership meetings, reinforcing policies, and actively participating in security initiatives. When executives follow best practices—such as using multi-factor authentication (MFA) and avoiding phishing traps—employees are more likely to adopt secure behaviors.

2. Align Cybersecurity with Business Goals

Cybersecurity should not slow down business—it should help drive growth, efficiency, and innovation. Instead of seeing security as just a technical requirement, integrate it into your company’s overall strategy.

Work closely with security teams to ensure protection measures support business operations rather than create obstacles. For example:

• Secure cloud adoption enables flexible and scalable operations while keeping data protected.
• Fraud prevention measures safeguard revenue and customer trust.
• Automated compliance tools reduce the burden of regulatory requirements while improving security.

By aligning cybersecurity with business goals, organizations can stay competitive, reduce risk, and operate more efficiently.

3. Demand Actionable and Outcome-driven Metrics

Cybersecurity effectiveness must be measured. Tracking the right metrics helps executives understand whether security initiatives are working and where improvements are needed. Work with your CISO to monitor key indicators that reflect the strength of your security culture:

• Reduction in phishing success rates – How many employees fall for simulated phishing attacks over time?
• Cost savings from improved employee behavior – Fewer breaches mean lower remediation costs and less downtime.
• Engagement in security training programs – Are employees completing training, and is their security awareness improving?

By focusing on these metrics, executives can make data-driven decisions to strengthen security culture and reduce risk.

4. Focus on Behavior Change

Technology alone won’t stop cyber threats—human behavior is the critical factor. Employees must know how to recognize phishing attempts, secure their devices, and follow safe online practices. Security awareness training helps build these essential skills, but it must go beyond a one-time session.

To create lasting behavior change, organizations should use real-world phishing simulations, interactive learning, and continuous reinforcement instead of relying solely on annual training. When employees practice responding to threats in realistic scenarios, they develop the habits needed to prevent cyber incidents.

To equip your employees with the right skills, check out Keepnet’s Security Awareness Training.

5. Communicate Security’s Value

Executives must ensure that security is seen as a business enabler, not just a cost center. Use clear, outcome-driven reports to demonstrate how security efforts protect revenue, prevent financial losses, and maintain customer trust. Tailor messaging to different stakeholders:

• For CFOs: Emphasize the cost savings from preventing breaches.
• For CEOs: Highlight how security strengthens business resilience and competitive advantage

By making cybersecurity an integral part of company strategy, executives can drive long-term security success and protect the organization from evolving threats.

For a deeper look into how security supports business growth, check out Keepnet’s blog on Security as a Business Enabler: How CISOs Can Secure the Budget They Need.

Real-World Success Stories

Organizations that prioritize security culture achieve measurable results in reducing risks, improving compliance, and strengthening employee awareness. Here are examples from companies that have benefited from prioritizing security culture with Keepnet:

• Tiryaki Agro Foods: By implementing behavior-based security awareness training, Tiryaki reduced phishing click rates by 82% and increased employee reporting by 93%, creating a proactive security culture to fight phishing threats.

Read the full story here

• Nautilus International: This organization successfully built a security-conscious workforce by improving employee reporting speed by 97% and decreasing malicious link clicks by 75%, enabling them to fight ransomware effectively.

Read the full story here

• Aveks: By aligning security awareness with ISO 27001 standards, Aveks boosted employee awareness in handling emails, SMS, and calls. This comprehensive approach to security culture strengthened their defenses against cyber threats.

Read the full story here

These success stories demonstrate how prioritizing security culture can help organizations reduce risks, foster accountability, and achieve long-term resilience.

Metrics That Matter to Executives

To assess your organization’s security culture, track metrics that demonstrate tangible outcomes:

• Reduction in Human-Error Incidents: Fewer mistakes, such as clicking phishing links, show improved employee awareness.
• Phishing Reporting Rates: Higher reporting rates indicate increased vigilance and proactive threat identification.
• Cost Savings: Reduced breaches and faster response times lower remediation costs and minimize downtime.
• Training Participation: Increased voluntary engagement reflects a positive and accountable security culture.

These metrics help executives measure progress, reduce risks, and align security culture with business objectives.

If you want to learn more about tracking and improving security culture through actionable metrics, discover Keepnet’s blog on Security Behavior and Culture Metrics: Elevating Awareness and Action.

Final Thoughts: Security Culture as a Business Imperative

Security culture is more than a cybersecurity initiative—it’s a critical part of your organization’s DNA. It protects your reputation, reduces costs, and drives operational resilience. As an executive, your leadership is key to fostering a security-conscious workforce.