Building a cyber champion network
An overlooked cyber security hack isn’t technical. It’s a cyber champion network
Firewalls, training, policies; they all matter. But the organisations that actually reduce breaches rely on something far simpler, human, and often overlooked: people.
Cyber Champion networks are that secret weapon. They turn security from a top-down lecture into local, trusted conversations. Instead of messages coming “from security”, they come from someone in the team people already know and trust.
1. Use champions to build the culture
You do not need a fully formed security culture before launching a Cyber Champion network. The network itself is one of the fastest ways to create one.
Early activities like short news stories, quizzes, or awareness moments give champions something practical to share. When messages come from trusted peers rather than “the security team”, security starts to feel normal, local, and human.
2. Let interest find your champions
Look for volunteers who already engage with your events, messages, or sessions. Enthusiasm beats job title every time. A small, motivated network will always outperform a large, uninterested one.
3. Set clear, realistic expectations
Champions are not technical experts or mini analysts. They signpost colleagues, promote events, and encourage reporting. Keep the role manageable. Overload, and they drop out.
4. Give them something back
Recognition matters. Ask for feedback, thank them publicly, give early access to events, or small prizes. Feeling valued keeps champions engaged and inspires others.
The most important rule: make cyber human
Cyber Champion networks succeed when security feels supportive, not shouty.
Mandatory training will always have its place, but real change happens through regular, positive, human conversations. Short messages. Real examples. A bit of humour. No finger-pointing.
If cybersecurity feels like something done with people rather than to them, you are on the right track.
Want to build a strong Cybersecurity Culture?
We help you deliver an always-on culture engine – Training, Phishing, Themed Campaigns, Onboarding, Champion networks, Exec reporting and more. Read more about Cybersecurity Culture as a Service.