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?

Title: Exploring the Reality of Cybersecurity in Companies: A Personal Reflection

In the world of corporate cybersecurity, there seems to be a growing disconnection between what companies say and what they actually do. As a professional with nearly a decade of experience in the IT sector — primarily within smaller organizations rather than Fortune 500 companies — I have come to realize that many companies often treat cybersecurity more as a mere formality than a genuine priority.

Throughout my career, I have encountered numerous situations that illustrate this troubling trend. Take my current role, for instance. Although I hold a position that ostensibly focuses on enhancing security protocols, my contributions often feel relegated to little more than fulfilling compliance requirements for insurance purposes. The irony is not lost on me: I report to an IT director who lacks traditional security training, yet he is the key decision-maker in matters that directly affect our security infrastructure.

Interestingly, my current workload is manageable, and I am compensated quite generously for my responsibilities. Working from home has its perks, including the flexibility to manage personal tasks alongside professional duties. Despite these comforts, I am compelled to seek ways to genuinely bolster our organization’s security framework. I’ve proposed increased initiatives to elevate our security measures, but unfortunately, these suggestions have gone unacknowledged.

I can’t help but feel a mix of dissatisfaction and bewilderment. While it would be easy to simply enjoy the relative ease of my role, I yearn for a more engaged approach to cybersecurity — one where the importance of safeguarding our systems is recognized and prioritized.

I invite readers, whether you work in cybersecurity, IT, or any related field, to share your own experiences and insights. Have you observed similar patterns within your organizations? How do you reconcile your role with the broader expectations of cybersecurity? Your thoughts and stories could spark an important conversation and perhaps shed light on how we can collectively advocate for a more proactive and authentic approach to security in the workplace.