Building an Information Security Culture

The impact of cyberattacks has escalated significantly in recent years. According to IBM's IBM's Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024the average cost of a security breach reaches $4.45 million, with 82% of these incidents attributed to human error. In Mexico and Latin America, digitization has increased exposure to risk. Kaspersky data reveals that ransomware attacks in the region grew 32% between 2022 and 2023. This scenario makes cybersecurity a strategic priority to protect both business continuity and organizational reputation.

In this context, it is essential that CEOs, HR and senior management work together to foster a collective mindset of prevention and action.

The Pillars of an Information Security Culture

Building an information security culture requires the commitment of all organizational levels. These are the key pillars to achieve it:

1. Committed Leadership: The commitment of senior management, especially CEO's, is crucial. According to PwC, organizations with active cybersecurity leadership experience 70% fewer serious incidents. This commitment must be reflected in the allocation of resources, promotion of clear policies and investment in ongoing training.
2. Continuous Training: Human Resources plays a vital role in integrating cybersecurity into organizational training programs. Companies that invest in this area can reduce incidents by 45%, according to Cybersecurity Ventures. Training must be accessible, relevant and regular for all employees.
3. Clear and Consistent Communication: IT and HR managers must ensure that security policies are understandable and enforceable. In addition, the adoption of secure practices should be encouraged both inside and outside the workplace, involving suppliers and customers as well.
4. Accessible and Enforceable Policies: Policies should be easy to understand and aligned with the daily activities of each team. Tools such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) can significantly strengthen organizational security.
5. Rewards and Recognition: Recognizing employees who report incidents or follow good practices reinforces participation and engagement in the safety culture.

Adopting a culture of information security generates tangible benefits for organizations: it reduces costs associated with cyber-attacks by up to 40%, ensures compliance with regulations such as the LFPDPPP and international standards such as ISO 27001, strengthens the trust of customers and strategic partners, improves operational continuity, and contributes to the retention of talent by offering a protected work environment committed to security. These advantages not only increase competitiveness, but also ensure business sustainability and resilience in an increasingly challenging digital environment.

At Centro Cibernético 360 we design customized programs to support Human Resources, CEO's and IT Directors, strengthening teams and transforming security into a competitive advantage. Tailored to the needs of Mexico and Latin America, our courses drive a sustainable transformation that protects the infrastructure and the future of organizations.

Contact us today and take the first step towards a strong and effective safety culture!

Written by Velia Miranda, Academic Director of CC360