Is Cybersecurity Just for Show? A Personal Reflection

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, cybersecurity has become more crucial than ever. However, a growing number of professionals in the field are beginning to wonder whether companies genuinely prioritize security or merely treat it as a checkbox exercise for compliance. As someone with nearly ten years of experience in IT across various organizations—none of which are Fortune 500—I’ve witnessed firsthand instances that suggest cybersecurity may not be as valued as it should be.

Take my current role, for example. Although I’m tasked with enhancing our organization’s cybersecurity measures, it often feels like my position serves more as a protective measure for liability than a legitimate effort toward securing our digital assets. My supervisor, an IT director without a strong background in cybersecurity, is the one making pivotal decisions, which raises questions about the effectiveness of our security strategies.

While I appreciate the perks—an easy workload, competitive pay, and the flexibility of working from home—there’s an uneasy satisfaction knowing that I could contribute more meaningfully. I’ve attempted to take the initiative, proposing actionable steps to bolster our security framework, but these ideas have largely fallen on deaf ears.

It’s a peculiar dilemma. Part of me feels I should be grateful for the situation I’m in, yet another part yearns for a workplace that truly values proactive security efforts. I’m curious to hear from my fellow IT and cybersecurity professionals. Do you share similar experiences? Is your organization genuinely invested in protecting against cyber threats, or have you also felt that security is often sidelined for other concerns? Let’s dive into this important topic together.