Let’s get one thing straight: cyber threats don’t just target systems. They target people.

You can invest in top-tier software, build a powerhouse IT team, and stack your defenses sky-high. But if your employees aren’t dialed in, even the best tech stack won’t save you. 74% of data breaches involve a human element, according to Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report. 

That’s where your company culture takes the spotlight. And culture starts with leadership.

So, how do you build a culture where cybersecurity is a shared mindset? It starts with presence, clear communication, and a shift in how leadership shows up. Let’s break it down.

Your Team Watches You. Always.

Whether you realize it or not, your team takes cues from how you show up. If leaders treat cybersecurity like a background task or someone else’s job, that mindset ripples across the organization.

Do you tune out during security training? Reuse the same password across accounts? Delay important software updates on your laptop because they’re “inconvenient”? Your team sees it.

If the people at the top aren’t taking security seriously, why would anyone else? Leadership sets the baseline. If the tone at the top is casual, careless, or inconsistent, that attitude becomes part of the culture.

On the flip side, when leaders show respect for cybersecurity by speaking about it openly and asking thoughtful questions, it sets a clear tone. Holding yourself accountable matters.

Cyber-Literacy Isn’t Optional Anymore

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity guru. But if you’re leading a company and have zero awareness of the risks you’re facing or the tools protecting you? That’s a problem.

Cyber threats are real business threats. If you understand P&L, you can understand common phishing tactics. If you make decisions about hiring, marketing, and scaling, you can make space to learn where your risks live.

Leveling up your cyber-literacy shows your team that this stuff matters. And when you lead with curiosity instead of brushing it off, you invite others to do the same.

Crisis Mode? Your Reaction Sets the Vibe

Let’s be honest. Cyber incidents happen. A phishing email gets through. Someone clicks the wrong link. Maybe there’s a breach.

The stakes are high, but your response? That’s what your team remembers.

Freak out or start pointing fingers, and people go silent. But if you handle it with clarity, empathy, and focus, you create space for solutions instead of panic.

The goal isn’t to avoid every mistake. It’s to build a team that feels safe enough to speak up and move fast when something’s off.

You want a culture where someone can say, “Hey, I think I messed up,” without fear. Be the leader who makes accountability a strength, not a weapon.

Practical Ways to Lead Better on Security

Ready to raise the bar? Here are a few strategies to help get you started:

Strategy #1: Own The Narrative

Don’t wait until there’s a crisis to talk about cybersecurity. Set the tone early and often. Celebrate security wins. Talk about what’s working and what needs attention. Keep it in the mix, not in the margins.

Strategy #2: Ask Better Questions

When your team presents a new tool, ask how it handles user permissions. When a vendor gets onboarded, ask about their breach history. Curiosity signals to your team that you care about more than just cost and speed.

Strategy #3: Participate in Training

Don’t just approve the budget; show up. Join the training, engage with the content, and ask for more if it feels outdated. If you treat security education like a priority, so will your team.

Strategy #4: Make Accountability Clear

Cybersecurity shouldn’t be vague. Everyone should know their part, from frontline staff to the executive team. Define roles, revisit them often, and make sure there are feedback loops when issues arise.

Strategy #5: Model Transparency

If there’s an incident or a near miss, talk about it. Not in a fear-based way, but in a way that says, “We’re learning and adapting.” That kind of openness builds trust and makes your organization more resilient in the long run.

Lead the Way, Every Day

Cybersecurity is no longer a back-office function. It’s a leadership issue. From boardrooms to break rooms, security culture is shaped by what leaders say, do, and prioritize.

So, set the tone. Ask the questions. Make the investments. And keep showing up. Because when leadership leads with intention, security becomes everyone’s business.