The Missing Piece in Cybersecurity Awareness in Leadership 

Cybersecurity awareness programs often focus on technology, policies, and employee training—but one crucial factor is frequently overlooked: leadership support. No matter how advanced an organization’s security measures are, without executive buy-in, these initiatives struggle to gain traction. Leaders set the tone for an organization’s security culture, influencing how seriously employees take cyber risks and compliance measures. 

Vietnam’s cybersecurity landscape provides a clear example. While cyber threats are growing more sophisticated, organizations that invest in leadership-driven awareness programs have seen a significant drop in security incidents. This shift isn’t coincidental executives who champion cybersecurity transform it from a technical concern into a business priority. 

Why Leadership Matters in Cybersecurity Awareness

Cybersecurity as a business imperative, not just an issue 

Many organizations still treat cybersecurity as a technical responsibility rather than a strategic priority. However, cyberattacks don’t just disrupt IT systems—they impact financial performance, operational continuity, and brand reputation. Lack of executive involvement in cybersecurity awareness contributes to poor employee vigilance—allowing attackers to infiltrate the network via a phishing email. 

Had leadership prioritized security awareness and enforced stronger employee training, the attack could have been prevented. That’s reason why cybersecurity must be a boardroom priority, not just an IT issue. 

Allocating resources where they matter 

Policy is only as strong as its execution. Many organizations allocate budgets for cybersecurity infrastructure—firewalls, endpoint protection, encryption—but neglect funding for continuous awareness training. Leaders need to ensure cybersecurity training is prioritized alongside technology investment. This oversight leaves a critical gap: the human element. Despite progress, a quarter of businesses still lack proper security awareness programs. 

According to a 2024 national cybersecurity survey, 

✔ 46.15% of Vietnamese organizations experienced cyberattacks 

✔ 6.77% faced frequent attacks 

✔ 24% still provided no cybersecurity awareness training for employees 

The Role of Leadership in Building a Cyber-Resilient Culture

Setting the right example 

Employees take cybersecurity seriously when they see leadership doing the same. A strong security culture starts at the top—executives must demonstrate good cyber hygiene, follow security protocols, and actively engage in awareness campaigns. 

In the first half of 2024, the Ministry of Information and Communications received over 4,000 reports from internet users regarding fraudulent activities, with more than 95% targeting the banking and financial sectors. 

Business leaders proactively participate in and support cybersecurity awareness programs to protect digital assets and maintain customer trust. In response, the CEO personally led an internal security campaign, requiring all executives to participate in: 

✔ Monthly cybersecurity training 

✔ Simulated phishing attack drills 

✔ Publicly endorsing a “zero-tolerance” policy for security negligence 

Making cybersecurity a shared responsibility 

Cybersecurity awareness shouldn’t be a once-a-year event—it should be a continuous effort. When leaders actively promote security practices, employees understand that safeguarding company data is everyone’s responsibility. 

✔ Employees should feel comfortable reporting suspicious activities without fear of punishment. 

✔ Positive reinforcement, such as incentives for passing security training, helps build engagement. 

✔ Every new hire should receive mandatory security training as part of the company culture. 

Staying Ahead of Regulations and Emerging Threats

Adapting to evolving compliance standards 

The Vietnamese government has introduced stricter cybersecurity regulations, requiring at least 10% of IT budgets to be allocated toward security measures. Non-compliance could lead to financial penalties, operational restrictions, and reputational damage. 

In October 2024, Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications has fined ShopeePay 25 million VND for failing to fully implement measures to assess the effectiveness of its management and technical systems for information security, the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported. So organizations that proactively complied with security laws gained a competitive advantage, reinforcing that leadership-driven compliance is crucial. 

Fighting more sophisticated cyber threats 

Hackers are no longer lone inpiduals working in isolation—cybercrime has become a billion-dollar industry, with threats evolving daily. AI-driven attacks, social engineering schemes, and ransomware have made traditional security measures insufficient. 

 Some companies could fall victim to an AI-generated voice phishing scam. Attackers used deepfake technology to mimic a senior executive’s voice, tricking an employee into authorizing a fraudulent money transfer. The company later admitted that employees were never trained to recognize AI-based threats. 

Conclusion: Leadership Shapes Security Outcomes

Cyber awareness fosters a mindset of vigilance. When leaders actively support cybersecurity awareness, it becomes ingrained in company culture. Employees see security as a shared responsibility, reducing risks before they escalate. 

Businesses that are well-prepared are the ones that endure. Taking action today not only ensures regulatory compliance and financial security but, more importantly, preserves customer trust in the digital age.  

Start today by building a strong cybersecurity culture from leadership together with Evvo Labs!