Security Starts with You: Empower Through Awareness
CyberAlberta offers this leadership-focused cybersecurity resource to help Alberta organizations strengthen their security culture from the top down.
Organizations are encouraged to use and adapt this content to fit their internal communications. Add your logo, adjust the tone to suit your audience, and share it across leadership briefings, newsletters, onboarding materials, or awareness campaigns.
This article highlights how everyday leadership actions can influence secure behavior, promote accountability, and build long-term resilience across teams and operations.
Security Starts with You: Empower Through Awareness
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to recognize the critical role that leaders play in building a secure and resilient digital Alberta. This week’s theme, Security Starts with You, highlights how everyday actions and leadership behaviors can strengthen cybersecurity across Alberta organizations.
Whether you lead a technical team or manage business operations, your influence helps shape a culture where cybersecurity is part of how we work—every day.
Cybersecurity: A Leadership Priority
Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue. It is a shared responsibility that affects trust, business continuity, and reputation. Leaders across all areas of the organization are expected to help their teams understand risks, follow secure practices, and make cybersecurity part of daily routines.
How leaders can support cybersecurity:
- Include cybersecurity in team planning and goal setting.
- Promote cross-functional collaboration across IT, HR, legal and operations.
- Make cybersecurity part of everyday conversations, not just technical ones.
Model Everyday Cyber Hygiene
A strong security culture is shaped by consistent actions practiced by individuals in leadership roles. When leaders model secure habits, they set expectations and influence behavior across their teams.
Examples of leadership in action:
- Sharing a cybersecurity tip during team meetings.
- Recognizing employees who report suspicious emails or follow secure practices.
- Sponsoring internal campaigns that promote accountability and awareness.
Operational Technology Requires Focused Attention
Systems like building controls or manufacturing equipment are increasingly targeted by cyber threats —but they’re often overlooked in cybersecurity planning. Leaders can help close this gap by:
- Including OT systems in strategic discussions and risk assessments.
- Promoting collaboration between IT and operations teams.
- Ensuring these systems are monitored and segmented from broader networks.
Every Action Communicates Intent
Security is communicated through behavior. Locking screens, using multi-factor authentication, and reporting suspicious activity signal that security is valued and expected.
Ways to reinforce secure habits:
- Conduct phishing simulations and share lessons learned.
- Encourage peer accountability across departments.
- Celebrate small wins, like someone spotting a phishing attempt or completing training.
Cyber Hygiene Checklist for Managers
Here’s a simple checklist to help managers lead by example and promote secure habits across their teams:
√ Promote a culture of cyber awareness
√ Ensure your team completes cybersecurity training
√ Encourage reporting of suspicious activity
√ Share cybersecurity tips during meetings
√ Share practical tips for identifying phishing and other threats
√ Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate secure behavior
√ Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
√ Keep workspaces clean and devices locked.
√ Encourage peer accountability across departments.
Empower Through Awareness and Action
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an opportunity to turn awareness into meaningful action. Alberta’s leaders are encouraged to take steps that strengthen teams, influence behavior, and promote long-term resilience.
Together, we build a safer, more resilient Alberta—one decision at a time.
