The Illusion of Cybersecurity: A Personal Reflection on Industry Practices
In the realm of cybersecurity, a troubling reality often emerges in many organizations. Despite assertions of prioritizing security, the underlying commitment frequently falls short. As someone who has spent nearly ten years working in IT for various companies—none of which are part of the Fortune 500—I have witnessed firsthand the disconnect between rhetoric and reality regarding cybersecurity measures.
Throughout my career, I have accumulated numerous anecdotes illustrating how security is often treated as an afterthought rather than a core priority. My current role exemplifies this trend. Although I am tasked with overseeing important security initiatives, it often feels as though my presence serves more as a formality—a mere checkbox for compliance rather than an integral component of our strategic operations.
While I appreciate the flexibility of remote work and recognize that my compensation is disproportionately high given my workload, there remains an underlying frustration. I find myself striving to enhance our organization’s security posture by proposing proactive strategies to strengthen our defenses. Unfortunately, these suggestions often fall on deaf ears, highlighting a lack of genuine engagement from leadership. My direct supervisor, an IT director lacking traditional security expertise, ultimately has the final say—or rather, the final indecision—when it comes to prioritizing security initiatives.
It’s a curious situation. Logically, I should relish the comfortable work-life balance this position affords me, yet there’s an unsettling sense of complacency. I can’t help but question the overall dedication to cybersecurity within my organization and, perhaps, across the industry as a whole.
I invite you to share your own experiences or observations in the field of cybersecurity. Is your experience similar? How does your organization approach security, and do you sense a genuine commitment to safeguarding vital information? Let’s engage in a conversation about the state of cybersecurity in our workplaces and explore how we can advocate for more serious consideration of security practices.
Share this content: