Gaining critical engagement in security risk management outcomes can sometime feel like pushing water uphill. Everyone agrees it matters, yet meaningful buy-in often proves elusive.
For many security leaders in large, multinational organisations, this familiar challenge persists. Despite increasingly sophisticated tools and proactive security teams, the reality is that many security leaders encounter limited buy-in from asset owners and business executives. ASIS International research has continually demonstrated this point. Only a 49% of executives perceive security as a strategic business enabler, and many continue to view security merely as a cost centre, a compliance obligation, or at best, a ‘nice-to-have’. The Guns, Gates & Guards problem.
This outdated viewpoint severely restricts the ability of security teams to secure necessary resources, demonstrate their value, and align closely with broader organisational objectives. So how do we move beyond this? The right tools, more effective processes and deeper, ongoing engagement with stakeholders. Clearly demonstrating how security actively supports business objectives, operational resilience, and strategic risk management.
Why Actively Involving Business Owners Matters
Effective stakeholder engagement is essential for driving a sustainable, resilient, and strategically aligned security programme. In short, when asset owners and business leaders are actively involved, the security function is able to focus more resource on strategic insights rather than tactical decision making.
The strategic benefits are well versed in risk leadership resources – the most important of which is shifting the perception of security risk management from a transactional compliance based approach (a handbrake) to a strategic business partner (an enabler):
Clear Shared Ownership and Accountability
Stakeholder involvement ensures clear lines of risk ownership. Security teams guide the assessment process, but asset owners take responsibility for accepting, mitigating, or transferring risks associated with their assets. This shared accountability fosters stronger alignment and clearer responsibilities across the organisation, enhancing the effectiveness of risk mitigation efforts.
Improved Risk Identification and Buy-In
Engaging stakeholders early and consistently brings crucial operational insights into the risk assessment process. Asset owners provide specific, relevant information about their assets and potential vulnerabilities, leading to more comprehensive risk profiles. And stakeholders who contribute directly to identifying and prioritising risks are naturally more invested in the outcomes, ensuring greater support and resources for implementing security measures.
Preventing Isolation and Misalignment
When security teams operate in isolation, significant risks and business priorities can be missed or misinterpreted. Consequences often emerge in post-incident reviews: I expressed my concerns, but nobody listened. Operating without regular stakeholder input typically results in reactive responses and missed opportunities for proactive risk mitigation. Conversely, active stakeholder participation helps proactively identify and address risks before incidents occur.
Practical Strategies to Drive Meaningful Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging business stakeholders in security doesn’t happen by chance – it takes intent, structure, and a shift in mindset. The strategies below draw from what’s already working in mature security programmes and offer practical ways to embed stakeholder engagement more effectively into your daily operations.
- Shift your approach from enforcement to consultation
Position your security team as trusted advisors rather than gatekeepers. Engage stakeholders early in your risk assessment processes, clearly defining roles: you advise on threats and vulnerabilities, while asset owners determine the risk tolerance and appropriate mitigations. When stakeholders are treated as partners, they naturally become more invested in outcomes.
- Embed Security into Existing Business Processes
Instead of creating standalone security processes, integrate security risk checks into established business workflows. For example, embed risk assessments into the project approval process or incorporate security updates into quarterly business reviews. This integration reinforces the message that security is a shared responsibility and directly relates to the success of business activities.
- Translate Technical Risks into Business Terms
Effective risk management relies heavily on communication. Yet too often, security teams present risks in jargon-heavy, technical terms. To resonate with stakeholders, communicate risks in the language of business impact—operational downtime, financial consequences, reputational damage. Instead of saying “we have X vulnerability,” say “this gap could stop our production for Y days, which would cost €Z.”
- Structure Regular Engagements
Frequent and purposeful engagement is key to maintaining stakeholder attention. Set up regular touchpoints and exercises that bring together security experts and asset owners – or via a security champion network if stakeholder time is limited. When stakeholders actively participate in identifying risks and responding to simulated incidents, they gain firsthand understanding of potential impacts and preparedness gaps. These practical exercises not only educate but also build collective ownership of security responsibilities across the business.
- Continuously Refine Your Approach
One of the clearest signs of a maturing security programme is moving beyond static, one-off risk assessments to a living risk assessment approach.
This doesn’t demand massive resources. It starts with having the right tools and building simple, repeatable feedback loops that keep stakeholders involved and assessments relevant. When security teams work with asset owners regularly and integrate business changes as they happen, risk management becomes a dynamic process – one that actively supports the organisation’s ability to adapt and respond.
This shift is more than operational – it’s strategic. It aligns security with the pace of the business and reinforces resilience in the face of uncertainty.
About Us: Human Risks
Human Risks is a comprehensive security risk management platform designed to help security teams drive effective engagement with asset owners from the ground up.
Across eight core modules, Human Risks helps organisations proactively embed security risk management into everyday business processes: providing clarity on risk accountability, streamlining collaboration, and supporting a dynamic, living risk assessment approach.
Interested in learning more? Connect with the team to see how we’re working with leading organisations to foster proactive security cultures and drive strategic engagement.
