Most organisations wait for a security incident before taking cybersecurity seriously. By then, it’s often too late. Data has been lost, reputation has been damaged, money has probably been lost too.
For civil society groups, especially in regions where internet freedom is fragile and digital threats are common, cybersecurity can’t just be a box to tick. It has to be something everyone understands, values, and puts into practice. That’s what we mean by building a culture of cybersecurity.
At Resilience Technologies, we’ve worked with human rights defenders, journalists, and grassroots organisations across Africa. One thing we’ve seen consistently? When everyone in a team feels responsible for digital safety (not just the IT staff), it creates a stronger, more secure organisation.
So how do you create that kind of culture? Here’s where to start.
Leadership Has to Set the Tone
If team leaders don’t take digital security seriously, no one else will. Culture starts at the top, so leaders should lead by example. That means using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), updating devices, and being open about learning too. Make sure to keep the issue visible in decision-making.
Make It Everyone’s Job
Cybersecurity isn’t just for the person who sets up your emails, or handles your website. Everyone handles data, shares links, joins Zoom calls, and uses messaging apps. One small mistake by one person can open the door to a big problem. Train everyone, avoid using jargon and scare tactics, just clear, useful tips. Teach them how to spot phishing, create strong passwords, and protect sensitive information.
Build It into Everyday Work
You don’t need to stop everything to focus on cybersecurity. The best approach is to weave it into the way you already work. Start small: make secure habits part of onboarding, project planning, and daily routines. Create a simple “security checklist” for new hires or new projects. Include things like using a password manager or checking privacy settings.
Make It Easy to Report Mistakes
People get scared to speak up if they click a bad link or lose a device. But silence can make things worse. Encourage your team to report incidents early and without fear. Respond with support, not blame. Keep the reporting process simple and confidential. Let your team know mistakes are normal, but hiding them isn’t.
Keep Learning Light and Ongoing
You don’t have to run long training sessions every quarter. Short, regular reminders work better. Think of cybersecurity like brushing your teeth; something small you do often, not a big event you do once. You can share a “Tip of the Month” on WhatsApp or email, play quick quizzes during team meetings, or talk through real stories from other organisations.
Let Tools Do the Heavy Lifting
Secure behaviour is easier when the right systems are in place. Use tools that support good habits—like password managers, secure cloud storage, and regular backups. You can also get our AI powered threat detection and response tool, Zeroth Cloud to make sure devices across the organisation are protected, and threats are quickly detected and contained.
Celebrate Progress
Did someone spot a suspicious email and report it? Did the whole team finally start using 2FA? Celebrate it! Talk about it in team meetings. Small wins make people feel proud and keep the momentum going. Remember: Culture is built through consistency, not perfection.
A culture of cybersecurity doesn’t start with a fancy policy, it starts with people. When your team understands the why, the how becomes easier. The goal isn’t to turn everyone into a tech expert, but to create a shared sense of responsibility for keeping each other safe.
You don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to strengthen your digital resilience or want help getting started, we’re here. Reach out to Resilience Technologies or explore our services and tools to see how your organisation can be protected.