Happy Monday!
Last month, we were excited to see our CTPO & cofounder, Dustin Lehr, engaged in a webinar discussion panel focused on security champion programs. Hosted by Semgrep and led by Tanya Janca (one of our advisors and a close friend to Katilyst), the panel explored the critical elements of creating and maintaining a successful Champions program. We invite you to watch the webinar to gain invaluable insights on making champion programs successful in your company. And, for those with a bias for gleaning their information in written form, we've included some key points and takeaways below!
The Importance of Communication and Executive Buy-In
Clear communication and obtaining executive buy-in are essential to the success of a security champion program. Ensure your senior leadership understands the goals of the program and the impact on the company's bottom-line. Consistently broadcasting the program's value across your organization can garner support and engagement from various stakeholders.
Setting Clear Expectations and Starting Small
Setting clear expectations for security Champions and their managers is crucial. Starting small with achievable goals can prevent the program from becoming overwhelming and ensure everyone is on the same page about responsibilities and objectives. Over time, your goals should be revisited and expanded as the program gains momentum.
Making the Program About the Champions
A successful security Champions program should focus on providing value to the champions themselves, not just getting them to do work for the security team. Investing in their development and recognizing their contributions can lead to higher engagement and long-term success.
Creating an Engaging and Fun Experience
Incorporating gamification, such as leveling systems, leaderboards, and rewards, can keep champions motivated and involved. Regularly updating the gamification elements and providing tangible incentives, such as certificates, exclusive training opportunities, or even small prizes, can keep the program fresh and exciting. The key is to create an environment where champions feel valued and motivated to contribute, turning security practices into a shared and enjoyable journey. The more enjoyable the experience, the more likely champions will stay engaged and active.
Integrating Security into Everyday Practices
Integrating security into everyday practices is crucial for fostering a culture of security within an organization. This involves training security champions to lead by example and encouraging them to think about security implications in their daily work. Also, encourage champions to share their knowledge and experiences with their peers, helping to spread security awareness throughout the organization.
Beyond the Development Teams
A well-rounded security Champions program should include non-technical teams, such as marketing and sales. Providing department-specific training can ensure that all areas of the business are covered and enhance the overall security posture of the organization.
Building Long-Term Engagement
Maintaining long-term engagement requires continuous effort. Providing ongoing training, career development opportunities, and regular recognition can help keep champions interested and committed. Creating a culture where security is a shared responsibility can lead to sustained engagement.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, the value of security champions lies not just in their ability to support security initiatives within an organization but also in the potential to foster a security culture and drive sustainable, long-term improvements in the organization's security posture.
Follow The Panelists:
Dustin Lehr: Security Champion Program Success Guide, Meetup, LinkedIn
Devin Rickey: LinkedIn
Chris Romeo: Digee, Newsletter, Podcasts