Overview: Security Champion

Quick Definition

A Security Champion is a non-security employee who advocates for cybersecurity best practices within their team or department. These individuals serve as liaisons between dedicated security teams and business units, helping to embed security awareness and practices into day-to-day operations across an organization.

Security Champions are typically volunteers or appointed employees who receive additional security training and take on responsibilities such as promoting secure coding practices, identifying potential security risks in their area, participating in security reviews, and educating colleagues about emerging threats. They help bridge the gap between centralized security teams and distributed business functions.

This model allows organizations to scale their security efforts without dramatically expanding their dedicated security staff. Champions can provide security expertise closer to where work actually happens, making security guidance more relevant and timely. They also help foster a security-conscious culture by making cybersecurity everyone's responsibility rather than solely the domain of security specialists.

Effective Security Champion programs typically include regular training, clear communication channels with security teams, recognition for contributions, and defined roles and responsibilities to ensure champions can meaningfully contribute to their organization's security posture.