Make security feel good: hacking the brain's reward system
Did you know your brain is constantly on the hunt for rewards? It’s wired that way, thanks to your brain’s reward system – a natural mechanism that motivates us to repeat behaviors that feel good.
In the world of cybersecurity, this is a game-changer. When we understand how the brain’s reward system works, we can design security procedures that don’t just get followed but feel natural and even rewarding for employees.
The brain’s reward system – a quick intro
At its core, your brain’s reward system is powered by dopamine, a chemical released when you experience something positive – whether it’s a compliment, completing a task, or simply ticking off an item on your to-do list.
When dopamine flows, you feel good. And here’s the trick: your brain links that feel-good moment to the action that triggered it, encouraging you to do it again.
But here’s the challenge: security tasks don’t naturally trigger that dopamine rush. Locking your computer, creating a strong password, or reporting a phishing email often feels more like a chore than a reward.
So how do we flip the script?
Rewards create motivation
The solution lies in hacking the brain’s reward system by integrating small, positive experiences into security procedures. Here’s how:
- Recognition: Celebrate employees who take the right actions, like reporting phishing emails. A simple thank-you email – “Great catch! You’ve helped keep us secure” – goes a long way. If the email was truly malicious, let them know their vigilance helped prevent others from being fooled.
- Visible impact: Share metrics that show how employee actions are reducing risks. When people see how their efforts make a tangible difference, it reinforces their motivation.
- Small incentives: Gamify security initiatives with points, badges, or friendly competitions. These little rewards can create a dopamine boost that makes participation more enjoyable.
From stick to carrot
Traditional approaches to cybersecurity often rely on the “stick” – emphasizing consequences for mistakes. But research shows that positive reinforcement is far more effective for creating lasting behavioral change.
When people experience a positive outcome from their actions, they’re naturally more motivated to repeat them. Building a security culture is about finding small but meaningful ways to reward your colleagues’ efforts. The result? Security procedures become easier to follow and less of a mental burden.
Real-world example: phishing simulation success
In one organization I worked with, we shifted the focus of phishing simulations. Instead of solely training employees who failed, we also celebrated those who succeeded.
Employees who correctly flagged phishing emails received a simple but impactful email: “Great job spotting a phishing attempt today! Your vigilance is helping keep us safe.”
This small acknowledgment sparked a ripple effect, motivating more employees to engage with security training.
How to get started in 4 steps
Ready to integrate rewards into your cybersecurity strategy? Here’s a simple roadmap:
- Map the behaviors: Identify the security actions you want to reinforce.
- Choose meaningful rewards: What motivates your employees? Recognition, small prizes, or gamification?
- Embed rewards in workflows: Make sure the rewards are easy to access and directly tied to desired actions.
- Evaluate and adjust: Track what works, test different approaches, and tweak as needed.
Building a stronger security culture with small changes
Hacking the brain’s reward system doesn’t require massive budgets or complicated tools.
-It’s about being strategic and using small adjustments to make security procedures more engaging and rewarding.
And here’s the key: when security feels rewarding, it becomes a habit – not just another task!
