The Illusion of Security

It’s easy to believe that your cyber security is under control. Policies are written. Training runs on schedule. Systems are locked down.
On paper, it all looks strong. But the real world isn’t always that simple.
Every organization depends on a network of suppliers, clients, and partners, and regulators worldwide have made the shift impossible to ignore.
Israel’s Amendment 13, GDPR, NIST, CMMC, and DORA are sending a clear message, leaders are now responsible for every connection, every external interaction.
Too often, leaders focus only on internal teams. But external teams are the blind spot.
As these external teams interact with your systems, every interaction carries risk, and if they don’t understand their role, one wrong move can undo everything your internal team has built.
Security isn’t just what happens inside your company, it’s how everyone connected to it behaves every day.
Shared responsibility is the destination, but the first steps should be to focus on building a proactive, people-first culture.

 

Why It’s a Leadership Issue

Cyber security awareness used to be an IT problem. Now it’s a people problem.
One single careless click from a supplier can hit your reputation, your clients, and your bottom line.
The days of “that’s their problem” are over. We are now all in this together.
Leaders set the tone for this change in approach.
When they make awareness a part of how the organization works and how partners work with it, the culture shifts.
Security becomes shared, not isolated.
This isn’t about scaring people, it’s about clarity.
Everyone connected to the business should understand the same simple truth: protecting information protects people, relationships, and the company’s future.
And the only way we can do this is by working together and sharing responsibility.

 

How to Bring Clients and Suppliers into the Picture

Start with relevance. External stakeholders don’t need the same training your employees do. Clients and suppliers don’t need your policies, they need clear, practical advice that fits their individual situation. Short, targeted content works best, what to watch for, what to avoid, and why it matters.
Embed awareness into daily interactions. Add it to onboarding, include reminders in client portals and mention it in contract updates. It shouldn’t feel like another program, it should feel like business as usual.
Accountability keeps it real. Ask partners to confirm they meet security expectations each year. This isn’t about policing it’s about proving commitment. It also gives both sides something concrete to stand on if questions arise.
Awareness Certifications makes it tangible.By requiring clients and suppliers to complete security awareness certifications this turns shared responsibility from a principle into a measurable commitment
Finally, give them easy access to help.
A small, well-maintained knowledge hub with FAQs, best practices, and quick updates keeps awareness alive without constant reminders.
The easier you make it for people, the more likely they’ll stay engaged.

 

Regulation Is Catching Up

Laws around the world are pushing in the same direction, shared responsibility is no longer a choice.
This year regulators didn’t just update the rules, they turned up the pressure, and the clock is already ticking
In Israel, Amendment 13 to the Privacy Protection Law makes companies responsible for how their partners handle data. The rule is simple: if they touch your data, they share your duty to protect it.
Under the GDPR, the same principle applies. Transparency, consent, and partner compliance are no longer optional. Ignorance isn’t a defense, accountability travels down the chain.
Different regions, same message. Security is a shared obligation, and everyone in the chain is now going to be held responsible.
But strong leadership isn’t just about being compliant, it’s about building a cyber safe culture.

 

Leadership That Goes Beyond Compliance

Real leaders don’t wait for regulations to force change.
They see awareness as part of doing good business. Extending it beyond internal walls builds trust and shows integrity.
When clients and suppliers understand what’s expected, they stop being weak links. They become part of the defense. Risk drops. Relationships strengthen. Confidence grows.
Security awareness isn’t paperwork. It’s leadership in action. It’s what separates organizations that simply react from those that are trusted to lead.
True protection spreads across the entire network and works best when everyone is pulling in the same direction.
And as an additional benefit, stronger external awareness across the network significantly reduces supply-chain vulnerability.
With a safer and more escure network, partnerships become more reliable and trustworthy, helping to form long-term relationships.
These trusted relationships then become the bedrock for a cyber-safe culture.
Leaders can start this culture today, empower every team, every partner, and every connection to protect your organization before the risks reach you.
Not just for today, but tomorrow too.This article was written by Cywareness, a company specializing in cybersecurity awareness.

As part of its mission, Cywareness continues to monitor emerging trends, analyze real-world attacks, and share practical insights to help organizations stay ahead in today’s evolving threat landscape.