Empowering Your Team: 5 Ways Internally Marketing Security Policies can Benefit Your Organization

The History: Why the frustration

User frustration with company security policies is a tale as old as the policies themselves. Initially, security measures were rudimentary, often involving simple password protection and basic access controls. However, as technology advanced and cyber threats became more sophisticated, companies ramped up their security protocols. This escalation often led to more complex and stringent policies, which, while necessary for protection, also became sources of frustration for users. The introduction of multi-factor authentication, frequent password changes, and restricted access to certain websites or tools in the name of security began to be seen as impediments to productivity and efficiency.

Over time, the gap between security measures and user convenience widened, leading to significant pushback. Employees found themselves spending more time navigating security hurdles than on their actual work. The frustration was compounded by a lack of understanding of the reasons behind these policies, which were often poorly communicated by IT departments. As a result, rather than being viewed as a safeguard, security policies were often perceived as a nuisance, leading to a culture of non-compliance and, ironically, increased vulnerability to security breaches. This history underscores the ongoing challenge for companies to balance the need for robust security with the end-user experience, ensuring that employees are not only compliant but also understand and support the rationale behind the security measures in place.

The Solution: Internal Marketing

A good marketing strategy is crucial for any business looking to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. It serves as a roadmap, guiding the company towards its goals by effectively targeting the right audience with the right message. The same can be said for a good “internal marketing” strategy. By marketing good security practices internally, we empower our employees to become active participants in our security framework.

Here are 5 ways internal marketing can benefit organizations:

Creates a Security Conscious Workforce: Regularly communicating about security best practices educates and reminds our team of their critical role in safeguarding company assets.

Encourages Vigilance: A well-informed employee is more likely to recognize potential threats and act promptly, reducing the risk of breaches.

Cultivates a Collaborative Environment: Sharing knowledge and responsibilities around security strengthens teamwork and creates a united front against threats.

Drives Compliance: Understanding the ‘why’ behind security policies encourages adherence, making compliance a shared goal rather than a top-down mandate.

Cultural Shift: A focus on security can shift the company culture to one where security is seen as everyone’s responsibility, not just the IT department.

In Conclusion
By championing security best practices within your walls, you not only protect your company but also contribute to the broader fight against cyber threats. So, try utilizing marketing strategies internally and make security a part of your corporate identity.