Information security is no longer just the concern of an IT department. It’s a critical issue that touches every individual within an organization. As well, the decisions made by every individual, from the CEO to an entry-level employee, can have a wide-reaching impact.
Consider a phishing email that targets an employee without proper phishing education. Or, consider a salesperson traveling for work who inadvertently logs onto a malicious public network called “Airport Free WiFi,” exposing a client’s confidential information to attackers.
A single uninformed mistake can escalate into a breach that affects the entire organization and customers’ Personally Identifiable Information. The risks are increasing every year, and security education is becoming more critical.
The cost of security incidents
The average cost of a data breach worldwide in February 2024 was $4.88 million, with the cost varying by industry. Healthcare and financial services experiences the greatest cost. For healthcare organizations, the highest average cost at $9.77 million between March 2022 and February 2024. For financial services, the second highest average cost at $6.08 million between March 2022 and February 2024.
For small business, the costs are just as dire and the risks are even higher. Malicious actors target smaller businesses more frequently, expecting them to have fewer defenses. Small businesses receive the highest rate of targeted malicious emails. Approximately 60% of small businesses that fall victim to a data breach or cyberattack go out of business within six months.
Communication is critical for effective defenses
While robust technical defenses are essential, the human element remains the greatest vulnerability.
Effective communication and education become paramount. However, not all employees respond to cybersecurity training in the same way. Understanding and leveraging individual motivational drivers can dramatically enhance the effectiveness of information security initiatives.
As well, understanding how to effectively communicate during incident response, that delicate timeframe when an attack is occurring, is critical. Stakeholders require clear and consistent updates on both defenses and forensic investigation. Often in large breaches, the media requires intentional and delicate communication.
But more than anything, ensuring that everyone in your organization understands that they are the key to keeping everyone safe is critical. Motivating your people to prioritize security in every decision they make can make the difference between safety and a crisis event.
A new lens for cyber security communication
The Motivation Code framework, which identifies 8 primary Motivational Dimensions, offers a powerful tool for tailoring information security communication and education. By understanding what drives each team member, leaders can craft messages and training programs that resonate on a deeper level. When your message resonates, it increases employee engagement and, ultimately, improves security decision making that protects the entire organization.
Achievers
Frame cybersecurity as a challenge to excel at. Highlight how strong security practices can set Achievers apart and contribute to organizational success. Implement leaderboards or recognition programs for those who consistently follow best practices.
Drivers
Present cybersecurity as a critical goal to be achieved. Emphasize how a Driver‘s actions directly impact the organization’s security posture. Provide clear, measurable objectives for security improvement.
Influencers
Empower them to become security champions. Encourage Influencers to persuade and inspire their colleagues to adopt better security habits. Highlight how their influence can shape the organization’s security culture as well as protect their colleagues.
Learners
Feed their curiosity with in-depth information about emerging threats and cutting-edge security technologies. Offer opportunities for continuous learning and skill development in cybersecurity. Give your Learners the opportunity to dive deeper into security concepts and share what they learn with others.
Optimizers
Focus on how good security practices streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Involve Optimizers in identifying and refining security processes to make them more effective and user-friendly.
Orchestrators
Give Orchestrators a role in coordinating security initiatives across teams. Emphasize how their strategic thinking can bring cohesion to the organization’s overall security approach.
Relators
Emphasize the collaborative nature of cybersecurity. Highlight how their actions protect not just themselves, but their colleagues and the entire organization. Encourage Relators to build a supportive security-conscious community.
Visionaries
Paint a picture of a secure digital future. Engage Visionaries in brainstorming innovative approaches to cybersecurity challenges. Encourage them to envision and work towards an ideal security culture.
Implementing Motivation-Driven information security communication
Assess Your Team. Encourage team members to take the MCode assessment to identify their primary Motivational Dimensions. When you know how your people are motivated, you can shape your information security education programs and initiatives around your people’s core Motivations.
Tailor Your Messaging. Craft information security communications that speak to each Dimension’s drivers. For example, when announcing a new security policy, frame it differently for Achievers (as a way to excel) versus Relators (as a way to protect the team).
Personalize Training. Design information security training programs with different tracks that cater to various Motivational Dimensions. Allow employees to choose approaches that resonate with them.
Create Diverse Security Teams. When forming information security committees or working groups, include representatives from different Motivational Dimensions to ensure a well-rounded approach.
Leverage Strengths. Assign security-related tasks and responsibilities based on Motivational Dimensions. For instance, task Influencers with promoting security awareness campaigns.
Why Motivation helps your organization become more secure
By aligning information security initiatives with individual motivations, organizations can:
- Increase engagement with security policies and practices
- Improve retention of security knowledge
- Encourage proactive security behaviors
- Foster a stronger, more resilient security culture
Remember, information security is not just about implementing the right technologies. It’s about inspiring and motivating people to make security-conscious decisions every day. By speaking to each individual’s core motivations, you can transform information security from a tedious obligation into a meaningful, engaging aspect of everyone’s role.
Threats are constantly evolving
Security is constantly changing, as such our approach to information security education and communication must evolve, too. By harnessing the power of Motivation Code, you can create a workforce that’s not just aware of information security risks, but genuinely motivated to be the first line of defense against them.
