How can you develop a strong sense of ownership in Cybersecurity?
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Cybersecurity is a dynamic and challenging field that requires constant learning, adaptation, and collaboration. As a cybersecurity professional, you need to have a strong sense of ownership over your work, your team, and your organization. Ownership means taking responsibility, initiative, and pride in what you do, as well as being accountable for the outcomes and impacts of your actions. In this article, we will explore how you can develop a strong sense of ownership in cybersecurity and why it matters for your career and your industry.
Ownership is not only a personal trait, but also a cultural value that shapes how you and your colleagues approach cybersecurity challenges and opportunities. A culture of ownership fosters trust, empowerment, and innovation, which are essential for effective cybersecurity. When you have a strong sense of ownership, you are more likely to stay motivated and engaged in your work even when faced with difficulties or uncertainties. You will seek feedback and improvement rather than avoiding criticism or blame, share your knowledge and skills rather than hoarding or competing, embrace change and learning rather than resisting or fearing it, and contribute to the common goals and vision instead of focusing on your own agenda or interests.
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Shishir Kumar Singh
Group Head of Information Security | CSO30
Ownership in cybersecurity goes beyond just following security protocols & procedures. It signifies a personal commitment to the security of an org's digital assets. When individuals truly internalise this responsibility, they are more likely to proactively seek out vulnerabilities, implement security best practices, & remain vigilant against emerging threats. This deep sense of responsibility creates a culture where every team member understands the potential consequences of a security breach & is motivated to prevent it. In essence, ownership acts as a driving force that encourages individuals to go the extra mile in ensuring the org's digital well-being, ultimately reducing the overall risk & enhancing the cybersecurity posture.
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Chahak M.
CISSP| Cybersecurity Leader| Risk Advisor| Microsoft TEALS| Hackathon Judge | IEEE Access| Oxford University Press |Featured on PBS
Taking responsibility matters in cybersecurity! It builds trust and encourages new ideas. When we own our actions, we work better together and face challenges with confidence.
Developing a strong sense of ownership in cybersecurity is not something that happens overnight. To build ownership in your work, it is important to set clear and achievable goals for yourself and your team, track progress, and seek opportunities to learn new skills. Additionally, offering and receiving feedback can help improve performance and relationships. Communication with team members, managers, and stakeholders is also key to success. Celebrate successes and learn from mistakes, identify root causes of problems rather than symptoms, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. With these tips in mind, you can develop a sense of ownership in your cybersecurity work.
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Chahak M.
CISSP| Cybersecurity Leader| Risk Advisor| Microsoft TEALS| Hackathon Judge | IEEE Access| Oxford University Press |Featured on PBS
To develop ownership in cybersecurity, start with clear goals and learning new skills! You need to track your progress, talk openly with your team, and learn from mistakes! Also, never hesitate to seek help when needed. These steps help you take charge and excel in your cybersecurity efforts.
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Antoine Carossio
Cofounder CTO @Escape | Speaker | x-Apple | UC Berkeley • Y Combinator • Polytechnique • HEC Alumn
In a field where trust and confidence that the systems you are securing are properly handled, ownership is crucial to ensure that everything you do and give to your client is clean, more so than any other industry where you can write non-idiomatic code with convoluted logic and limited readability.
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As a cybersecurity leader, you have a key role in creating and maintaining a culture of ownership in your team and organization. To foster ownership in others, it is important to provide clear expectations and guidance, but also autonomy and flexibility. Constructive and timely feedback should be given, as well as recognition and rewards for positive behavior. Learning and development opportunities should be provided to support career growth, while ideas and opinions should be solicited and listened to. Furthermore, modeling ownership behavior is essential to leading by example.
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Shishir Kumar Singh
Group Head of Information Security | CSO30
Create a security-conscious culture-Encourage employees to see cybersec as an integral part of their daily work, not an isolated task. Promote mentorship & role modelling-Pair experienced & less experienced team members to facilitate KT & inspire ownership. Provide leadership opportunities-Assign responsibility for specific cybersec projects to build accountability & pride. Recognise individual strengths-Tailor training & responsibilities to align with team members' preferences & aptitudes. Encourage cross-functional collaboration-Involving individuals from various dept enhances their collective ownership of cybersec. Emphasise shared responsibility-Make cybersec a collective effort involving everyone in the org to nurture ownership.
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Taimur Ijlal
☁️ AWS Security Consultant | 🚀 Cybersecurity Mentor | ✍️ Best-Selling Writer on Cloud and AI Security | 🎓 18K Students @ Udemy
Ownership of cybersecurity is a direct outcome of a company's culture If the company feels that cybersecurity belongs to the cybersecurity team then there will be a sense of "it is their responsibility" Many things can be done to counter this Within the IT team , CISOs can create cybersecurity champions that are from within the application teams so a shared ownership is created For business units, managers can be encouraged to reward good security behavior and vigilance The more such activities are shared .. the more ownership is created
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Ownership is not only a mindset, but also a measurable outcome. You can assess ownership in your cybersecurity work by evaluating indicators such as the quality and quantity of your work output, the satisfaction and engagement in your work, the level of collaboration and cooperation with your team, the innovation and creativity in your work, and the growth and development in your skills, knowledge, and competencies. These indicators can help you gauge the value and impact of your work, the feedback you receive, the trust and respect you build, and the new solutions and approaches you generate.
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Magdalena Stasiak
🚀 Passionate UX/UI Designer 🚀 Elevating Patient Experience 🚀 Security UX & AI Researcher 🚀 I craft secure digital solutions, driven by a fervor for innovation and user-centric design
In my opinion, owning cybersecurity is both a mindset and a journey. It's not just about feeling it; it's about showing it. Measure your ownership through tangible outcomes: the quality and quantity of your work, satisfaction, collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. It's like crafting a masterpiece – the more heart you put in, the greater the impact!
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Developing and maintaining a strong sense of ownership in cybersecurity is not always easy, and you may face various challenges such as lack of clarity or alignment on goals, roles, or expectations; lack of resources, support, or recognition; lack of feedback, communication, or collaboration; and lack of trust, empowerment, or accountability. To overcome these challenges, you should seek clarification and alignment on your work objectives, scope, and deliverables. Negotiate and advocate for the resources you need and deserve. Additionally, seek and provide feedback regularly and effectively. Build trust with your team, manager, and stakeholders. Finally, find motivation in your work that connects to your values and purpose.
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Shishir Kumar Singh
Group Head of Information Security | CSO30
Blame-Free Culture: Foster an environment where reporting issues is encouraged, & individuals aren't afraid of blame, focusing on collaborative problem-solving. Continuous Learning: Address challenges by emphasising ongoing education & adaptation to the ever-evolving cybersec landscape. Effective Comm: Establish open feedback channels for collective responsibility. RCA: Identify root causes, not just symptoms, to tackle security challenges effectively. Support Networks: Provide access to support n/w & resources, enabling employees to collaborate & share experiences when tackling complex issues. Celebrate Progress: Recognise & celebrate even small successes in cybersec efforts to boost motivation & morale when overcoming challenges.
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Jayan Gopinad
Information Security | Cyber Security - GRC Professional | CISM | CISA | CMSC | ISO 27001 LI-LA | SANS | GIAC-GCED | CEH | ISO 22301-BCMS |
Furthermore, fostering a strong sense of ownership in cybersecurity is not just a professional endeavour but a personal one, too. It starts with a commitment to lifelong learning and staying updated on the latest trends, threats, and technologies. Building a strong network within the cybersecurity community can be invaluable. Join relevant professional organizations, attend conferences, and engage with online forums and communities. Share your knowledge and experiences with others, and don't hesitate to seek their insights. In doing so, you not only contribute to the collective growth of the cybersecurity field but also enhance your sense of ownership by actively participating in the broader industry conversation.
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Shishir Kumar Singh
Group Head of Information Security | CSO30
Embrace Evolution: Stay proactive in adapting cybersecurity strategies to counter emerging threats effectively, recognising the dynamic nature of the field. Cultivate Resilience: Encourage a resilient mindset that views setbacks as opportunities for growth, making the team more robust in facing challenges. Involve Leadership: Active participation of leaders in cybersecurity efforts is crucial to set the tone for the entire org. Holistic Security: Go beyond tech to address the human element by educating & empowering individuals to make security-conscious decisions. Reward Innovation: Recognise & incentivise innovative approaches to cybersecurity challenges, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and creative problem-solving.
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