What Does It Mean to Build a Security Culture?
Building a security culture means embedding values, behaviors, and practices that prioritize security across an organization.
In this webinar, experts from Reddit, Cyber Electra, and Security Compass unpack the complex layers of building a security-first culture. They emphasize that while technology plays a role, the core drivers are people, behavior, and shared values.
Why Culture Matters in Security
Security culture impacts how employees perceive, respond to, and prioritize cybersecurity in their daily workflows.
- Culture is shaped by core values, not just policies.
- Values drive behaviors; behaviors shape organizational habits.
- Without an intentional culture, a default one will emerge, often misaligned with security goals.
Who Owns Security Culture?
Everyone shares responsibility for security culture, but leadership sets the tone and structure.
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Executives | Set tone, allocate resources, align values |
| Security Teams | Educate, support, and integrate into workflows |
| Developers/Staff | Follow secure practices, give feedback |
| HR & Managers | Include security in performance management |
Observable Traits of a Strong Security Culture
In organizations with healthy security cultures, security is embedded into routine behavior and decision-making.
- Open communication about risks
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Clear and enforced policies
- Support for secure innovation
- Continuous education and feedback loops
Common Barriers to Security Culture
Security efforts fail when treated as isolated, compliance-only functions.
- Lack of integration into business goals
- Minimal executive buy-in
- Reactive instead of proactive security
- Burnout among security personnel
- Perception of security as a blocker
Practical Steps to Build (and Sustain) Security Culture
Effective security culture emerges through inclusive, iterative, and metrics-driven efforts.
1. Start With a Shared Problem Statement
- Use metrics to define security pain points (e.g., too many security incidents).
2. Identify Security Champions
- Empower team members in various functions to advocate and guide secure practices.
3. Realign Organizational Structure
- Ensure security leadership has visibility and influence (e.g., report to the CEO).
4. Educate and Empower
- Move beyond check-the-box training.
- Demonstrate how security connects to each role’s impact.
- Encourage on-the-job learning and microtraining.
5. Embed Security Into Workflows
- Integrate guardrails, not gates.
- Adjust processes to minimize friction and increase adoption.
6. Communicate Continuously
- Share metrics, threats, and wins.
- Celebrate positive behavior.
7. Align Performance Management
- Make secure practices part of performance reviews.
- Reward accountability and improvement.
Risks to Cultural Deterioration
Security culture can unravel due to change fatigue, staff turnover, and poor leadership follow-through.
- Burnout among security teams
- Organizational restructuring
- Misalignment of rewards and behaviors
- Lack of reinforcement or recognition
Security as a Business Enabler
When done right, a strong security culture supports innovation, not just compliance.
- Reduces long-term technical debt
- Speeds up development by reducing rework
- Builds customer and stakeholder trust
Final Thoughts
Security culture is not a one-time project — it’s a continuous, strategic investment in people, processes, and purpose.
To truly embed security into an organization, it must be woven into the daily decisions, incentives, and identity of the business.