How C-levels can contribute to gamified awareness programs

There’s no question that organizations have to maintain a continuous information security awareness program. And to ensure greater engagement and enjoyment by the entire body of employees, gamification is certainly the best way to go. One of the most common mistakes within companies, however, is to believe that the team responsible for creating and maintaining these training initiatives should act alone and remain 100% independent!

C-levels, that is, the executives who make decisions and who are at the top of the vertical hierarchy, also play a fundamental role in an awareness program's success. Not only do they benefit from the training to avoid threats specific to their respective positions, but their involvement in maintaining the program can also make all the difference to its maturation or stagnation, which is when it fails to satisfactorily increase defined KPIs.

Setting an example

Gone are the days when cybersecurity was the sole concern of IT and the other teams responsible for it. Today, C-levels should also demonstrate a clear commitment to cybersecurity, conveying its importance to the entire organization. They need to lead by example by participating in gamified programs and delivering consistent messages about the criticality of training.

In partnership with a Security Awareness Officer, or awareness team, it is also important to set clear and measurable goals. These include spreading knowledge about cyber threats, reducing the occurrence of security breaches, and improving safety habits among employees. Clear goals help steer the program and measure its success later.

Constant communication and rewards

Collaboration is also key. Senior management should work together with the professionals responsible for the awareness program to customize it according to the company’s needs. In Hacker Rangers, for example, managers can customize the game rules, medals, and many other elements, according to their own visual identity, to further attract users. 

Finally, we cannot forget recognition! Recognizing employees is essential for them to remain engaged in the topic of cybersecurity and to stay motivated to continue participating in the game.

C-levels should ensure that gamified programs offer adequate incentives and rewards for participants, which may include points, badges, benefits, or even tangible prizes, such as a special breakfast basket for the most engaged employees. 

It is important to note that rewards don’t have to be overly elaborate or exorbitant. They simply represent an incentive to motivate employees to actively engage in the program and adopt safe behaviors.

Creating an organizational culture of safety

Ultimately, the direct and constant involvement of senior executives plays a key role in ensuring that an awareness program is aligned with the organizational culture, which should always prioritize security and data protection. Training needs to be integrated into processes, policies, and work practices, and enjoy the engagement of all areas of the company. This way, cybersecurity becomes part of the organization's DNA and is naturally incorporated into the daily lives of employees inside and outside the office.