People-centric cybersecurity – more than just technology
Digital threats are constantly growing, that’s nothing new. However, all too often it is overlooked that the strongest line of defense lies not in technologies, but in the people who operate them. My journey through cyber security began many years ago as a SIEM admin and led me through various analyst positions to Incident Responder to Team Lead of a Cyber Defense Center. During these stages, I learned one thing: no tool or process is as effective as a motivated, well-equipped team.
Cybersecurity is not an individual achievement. It is teamwork, and everyone – regardless of their position – can make a contribution. Security does not start at management level or in the technical team. It is something that must be supported by everyone in the company. From the developer who writes clean code to the support team that helps with password resets. Everyone has a part to play in a secure digital environment. The interaction of all these people is crucial for the success and future viability of digital business models.
However, security measures must not remain on paper. For me, it is essential that they are effective: This means they must be applicable, transparent and, above all, tried and tested in practice. No company benefits if processes are only developed for audits or compliance requirements but do not work in practice.
Even more importantly, cybersecurity must not be perceived as a blocker or a cumbersome burden. On the contrary, good security measures integrate seamlessly into the value chain and contribute to quality. They not only ensure that threats are averted, but can even create a positive experience. A well-designed security concept can make day-to-day work more efficient – and yes, it can even be fun when you know you are really making a difference.
After all, no tool or process is secure without empowered and motivated people. Tools may uncover weaknesses, but it is the people who close them. They must be able to make the right decisions and actively implement measures. That’s why I advocate people-centric cybersecurity, where the focus is on people.
If we focus on the essentials – people and the way they interact with technology and processes – we create sustainable security. Cybersecurity must be part of the corporate culture, and if this is successful, security and value creation will go hand in hand.
People-centric cybersecurity means: people make the difference.
