What Is an Example of a Positive Cybersecurity Culture?

Building a cybersecurity culture is one of the biggest challenges organizations face today. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025, 39% of organizations lack cybersecurity skills, and only 14% have enough talent to meet their security goals. This skills gap leaves businesses exposed to cyber risks, making it essential to create a workplace where security is a shared responsibility.

But what if a company took all the right steps to strengthen its cybersecurity culture?

In this blog post, we’ll imagine Acme LLC, a software company with 500 employees across multiple offices. Acme has successfully embedded cybersecurity into its daily operations, ensuring that every employee plays a role in protecting the organization. Here’s how a security-first mindset is integrated into Acme’s workplace.

1. Leadership Commitment Sets the Tone

At Acme, security starts at the top. The CEO, John, actively champions cybersecurity by:

• Speaking about security in company-wide meetings.
• Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) and following strong password policies.
• Participating in security awareness training alongside employees.

When leaders demonstrate good security habits, employees are more likely to take cybersecurity seriously. A culture of security starts with example-driven leadership.

For a deeper look at the role of executives in shaping security culture, check out the Keepnet’s blog on Where Does Security Culture Stand for Executives?

2. Employee Engagement and Empowerment

At Acme, employees are not just passive learners—they are active participants in security. The company:

• Runs regular phishing simulations to help employees recognize cyber threats.
• Provides instant feedback when employees report suspicious emails.
• Implements a recognition program to reward employees who follow best practices.

By making security interactive and rewarding, Acme keeps employees engaged, ensuring they see cybersecurity as part of their job, not just IT’s responsibility.

Find out how top phishing simulators strengthen employees’ ability to detect scams.

3. Continuous Learning Through Interactive Training

Cyber threats evolve constantly, and so does Acme’s approach to training. Instead of one-time sessions, employees participate in ongoing cybersecurity training featuring:

• Real-world phishing attack simulations – Mock phishing, ransomware, and social engineering exercises.
• Gamified learning – Engaging quizzes and interactive content to boost retention.
• Nudges – Short, timely reminders designed to reinforce security best practices and reduce risky behaviors.

Training that is practical and engaging ensures that employees remain security-conscious in their daily work.

Discover the benefits of interactive security training for employees.

4. Collaboration Across Departments

At Acme, security is a shared responsibility across all teams:

• HR & IT work together to protect sensitive employee data.
• Marketing & Security teams review email campaigns to prevent business email compromise (BEC) attacks.
• Finance & IT monitor financial transactions to detect fraud.

By embedding cybersecurity into every department, Acme ensures security isn’t just an afterthought but a fundamental part of business operations.

For more insights, discover how adaptive phishing simulations help reinforce security culture across different departments.

5. User-Friendly Security Tools and Support

Acme understands that security must be accessible for employees to adopt it effectively. That’s why they provide:

• A phishing reporting button – Allowing employees to quickly flag suspicious emails.
• Password managers – Encouraging strong credential management.
• A supportive security team – Offering guidance without blame when incidents occur.

By making security tools simple and effective, Acme removes barriers to adoption and fosters a culture where employees actively contribute to security efforts.

Even with the right tools, some employees hesitate to report phishing threats. Explore Keepnet's blog on Why Do Employees Fail to Report Phishing Emails Despite Recognizing the Threat? to understand the psychological reasons behind inaction and how organizations can encourage better reporting habits.

6. Open Communication and Feedback Loop

At Acme, cybersecurity is a two-way conversation where employees are encouraged to share feedback and concerns. The company maintains:

• Regular security surveys to gauge awareness and identify gaps.
• Employee forums for discussions on security challenges.
• Feedback-driven improvements, such as simplifying MFA setup based on employee suggestions.

By fostering open communication, Acme ensures that employees feel heard and engaged, reinforcing a positive cybersecurity culture.

Creating a Positive Cybersecurity Culture

Acme LLC is an imaginary company, but the principles behind its cybersecurity culture are real and achievable. To create a security-first workplace, organizations should:

• Demonstrate leadership commitment.
• Engage employees with interactive learning and recognition programs.
• Encourage collaboration across departments.
• Provide user-friendly security tools.
• Maintain an open feedback loop.

By adopting these strategies, companies can reduce security risks and build a workforce that actively contributes to cybersecurity resilience.

Start building your cybersecurity culture today! Check out our Human Risk Management Platform to empower employees and minimize security threats with AI-driven phishing simulations, adaptive security awareness training, and automated phishing response.