Embedding a Strong Security Culture: Key Insights from SANS 2024 Security Awareness Report

As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations are recognizing that people, not just technology, are at the forefront of cybersecurity. The recently published SANS 2024 Security Awareness Report provides valuable insights into how companies can better manage human risk and build a robust security culture. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Team Size Matters: The report found a strong correlation between the size of security awareness teams and program maturity. On average, organizations need at least 1.8 full-time employees (FTEs) to effectively change behavior, and 4.2 FTEs to embed a strong security culture with a strategic metrics framework.
2. Top Human Risks: Social engineering (phishing/vishing/smishing) remains the primary concern for organizations, followed by password/authentication issues and incident detection/reporting.
3. Challenges in Program Management: The most common challenges cited were lack of time and staff, highlighting the need for increased resources in security awareness programs.
4. Reporting Structure: The majority of security awareness teams report to cybersecurity or IT departments, which is crucial for effective risk management and collaboration.
5. Strong Partnerships: Most security awareness professionals reported very strong relationships with their cybersecurity teams, indicating positive collaboration within organizations.
6. Compensation Trends: The average global salary for security awareness professionals is $108,483, with significant variations based on region, industry, and background.
7. Career Satisfaction: Nearly 90% of security awareness practitioners want to stay in the field, demonstrating high job satisfaction.
8. Action Items for Growth: The report provides specific recommendations for both technical and non-technical professionals to grow their careers and increase their impact.

As cyber threats continue to target human vulnerabilities, investing in robust security awareness programs and teams is more critical than ever. Organizations that prioritize human-focused security and cultivate a strong security culture will be better positioned to defend against evolving cyber risks.

For more detailed insights and actionable strategies, I encourage you to read the full SANS 2024 Security Awareness Report, available here: 2024 Security Awareness Report | SANS Institute

In my opinion, the insights provided by this report are invaluable for any organization serious about cybersecurity. The emphasis on human risk management is not just a trend, but a crucial shift in how we approach security. Every organization, regardless of size or industry, should take these findings to heart. The correlation between team size and program maturity is particularly eye-opening, highlighting the need for dedicated resources in this area.

As someone passionate about cybersecurity, I believe that investing in security awareness and culture is no longer optional – it's a critical business imperative. The organizations that act on these insights will be the ones leading the way in cybersecurity resilience. I urge all leaders to consider how they can strengthen their human-focused security efforts based on this report's findings.

#Cybersecurity #SecurityAwareness #HumanRisk #SecurityCulture