The Illusion of Cybersecurity: A Personal Reflection

In today’s digital landscape, concerns about cybersecurity are more prevalent than ever. However, I can’t shake the feeling that many organizations, particularly those outside the Fortune 500, merely pay lip service to the topic. My experiences over the past decade in IT have led me to question the true priorities of numerous companies when it comes to protecting their digital assets.

Having worked for several non-F500 companies, I’ve witnessed firsthand how security often takes a backseat to other business objectives. In my current role, despite having a solid background in IT, it feels like I’m merely a checkbox on an insurance checklist rather than a vital contributor to our security strategy. My direct report is an IT director without much traditional security experience, yet he is the final decision-maker.

Strangely enough, my workload is relatively light, and while I appreciate the work-from-home flexibility and the ease of managing household chores, I still find myself motivated to enhance our company’s security posture. I’ve proposed several proactive measures to improve our defenses and even offered to take on additional responsibilities. However, my suggestions have been met with little enthusiasm.

Though I should be grateful for my comfortable situation, I can’t help but feel a sense of disconnect. It raises a thought-provoking question: Is this a common sentiment among IT professionals? How does your organization prioritize cybersecurity, and do you feel valued for your contributions? I invite you to share your experiences and insights in the comments—let’s explore together whether the pursuit of security is just a facade in today’s corporate culture.