Building a Security-First Culture: The Role of Training, Awareness, and Leadership in Cyber Security
As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and scale, organisations across every sector face an urgent imperative: to move beyond mere technical controls and build a security-first culture. Often tools alone cannot safeguard against the most common, and costly security incidents: those caused by human error, lack of awareness, and gaps in organisational behaviour.
In today’s digital landscape, where the average cost of a data breach in Australia exceeds $4.2 million (IBM Security, 2023)[1], it is clear that cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. Technical controls aren’t enough, instead targeted training initiatives build true resilience. Explore how Leaders IT, in partnership with major Australian banks, lead the way in developing comprehensive information security programs.
Why Technical Controls Aren’t Enough
Organisations currently invest heavily in technical defences: firewalls, intrusion detection systems, endpoint protection, and multi-factor authentication. However, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) reports that over 90% of cyber incidents reported in 2023 involved human factors, such as phishing, poor password practices, and accidental data sharing[2]. The infamous 2020 Twitter breach, for example, was not a failure of software, but of staff training and awareness[3].
Moreover, compliance frameworks (such as APRA CPS 234 or ISO 27001) increasingly require not just technical safeguards, but demonstrable evidence of ongoing security training and cultural engagement. Regulators understand: a security-first culture is the strongest defence.
Leaders IT’s Role in Developing Information Security Programs for Banks
Major Australian banks face relentless and sophisticated cyber threats. In response, two leading banks enlisted Leaders IT, in partnership with Peoplebank, to fortify their cybersecurity posture and uplift their security culture.
Read our full case study: Leaders IT Cyber Security Banking
Leaders IT Approach
- Comprehensive Information Security Training:
Leaders IT consultants developed and delivered tailored security training programs for multiple roles and business units, ensuring relevance and engagement. - Phishing Simulations and Awareness Campaigns:
The team ran targeted phishing simulations, followed by personalised feedback sessions and ongoing awareness campaigns to reinforce good security habits. - Technical Leadership and Identity Management:
Leaders IT provided expert technical leads to assess certificate management, enhance identity management, and support agile delivery of security solutions. - Stakeholder Engagement:
By facilitating requirement-gathering sessions with business stakeholders, architecture teams, and partners, Leaders IT ensured that security programs aligned with operational realities and strategic goals.
Impact
- Enhanced Security Posture:
The banks achieved seamless project delivery, improved compliance with industry standards, and reinforced secure-by-design outcomes. - Operational Efficiency and Resilience:
The holistic approach not only addressed immediate technical gaps but fostered long-term organisational growth and sustainability. - Culture Shift
Through ongoing training, awareness initiatives, and leadership engagement, Leaders IT helped the banks move from a reactive security model to a proactive, resilient culture.
Actionable Takeaways for IT and Business Leaders
- Invest in Ongoing, Role-Based Security Training:
One-size-fits-all approaches are obsolete. Tailor your programs to user roles, business units, and current threat trends. - Embed Security Awareness into Daily Operations:
Make security a core part of onboarding, performance reviews, and team meetings, not just an annual check-the-box exercise. - Champion Security from the Top:
Leaders must set the tone, reward good security behaviour, and foster a culture of openness and continuous improvement. - Leverage Expert Partners:
Partnering with specialist consultancies like Leaders IT brings deep expertise, proven frameworks, and the agility needed to address complex challenges. - Measure and Iterate:
Use metrics to track improvements, adapt your strategy, and demonstrate value to stakeholders and regulators.
In an era of escalating cyber risk, building a security-first culture is the foundation for business resilience and trust. Technical controls are essential, but without empowered people, ongoing training, and engaged leadership, organisations will remain vulnerable to the weakest link in the chain.
Leaders IT stands at the forefront of this transformation, delivering holistic cybersecurity solutions that not only address immediate needs but foster long-term growth and sustainability. Our work with major Australian banks demonstrates the power of targeted training, expert consulting, and culture change to secure the future.
To learn how Leaders IT can help your organisation build a security-first culture, explore our services, visit our Cyber Security Banking case study, or contact us today.
References
- IBM Security. “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023.” IBM. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach.
- Australian Cyber Security Centre. “ACSC Annual Cyber Threat Report 2022-23.” Australian Government. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cyber.gov.au/about-us/view-all-content/reports-and-statistics/asd-cyber-threat-report-july-2022-june-2023.
- BBC. “The Twitter Hack: What Went Wrong and Why It Matters.” BBC News. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53428304.
- CCS Learning Academy. “Why Cybersecurity Awareness Training Matters.” CCS Learning Academy. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.ccslearningacademy.com/why-cybersecurity-awareness-training-matters-and-why-knowbe4-cybersecurity-awareness-training-is-a-gamechanger/.
- Gartner. “Gartner Identifies the Top Cybersecurity Trends for 2024.” Gartner. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-02-22-gartner-identifies-top-cybersecurity-trends-for-2024.
- Proofpoint. “2024 State of the Phish.” Proofpoint. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.proofpoint.com/au/resources/threat-reports/state-of-phish.
