I feel like cybersecurity is a sham at a lot of companies. They’ll say they care but in reality don’t. Would anyone be able to share their personal experience?

The Illusion of Commitment: When Cybersecurity Becomes a Checkbox

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity should be a priority for every organization. However, many individuals working in IT have come to a disheartening realization: for numerous companies, cybersecurity is merely a facade. I invite you to join me as I explore this growing concern and encourage an exchange of personal experiences.

Having spent nearly a decade immersed in IT across various non-Fortune 500 companies, I’ve encountered numerous situations that starkly highlight the lack of genuine concern for security. In fact, my current role seems to exemplify this phenomenon perfectly. Despite being positioned as a security asset, I often feel like I’m just a box checked for compliance—and it’s a frustrating position to be in.

My reporting line goes to an IT director without traditional security expertise, which raises serious questions about the prioritization of cybersecurity at our organization. This disconnect is alarming and raises concerns about the effectiveness of the security measures implemented—or the lack thereof.

While my current workload is light and my remote work arrangement allows ample time for personal errands, I find my efforts to bolster our company’s security posture largely unacknowledged. I’ve proactively suggested expanding my responsibilities to cover more areas of cybersecurity, but these proposals have unfortunately fallen on deaf ears.

It’s a peculiar situation; part of me wants to revel in the comfort of a well-paying, stress-free job, yet I feel a nagging responsibility to advocate for better practices. I can’t help but wonder if others are experiencing similar challenges in their workplaces.

I’d love to hear from fellow IT professionals. Are you witnessing the same trends in your company regarding cybersecurity? How do you reconcile your desire to foster security improvements with the realities of your work environment? Let’s open this dialogue and gain insight into our collective experiences.