In the pharmaceutical industry, I understand that strict cybersecurity policies can feel restrictive, especially with sensitive data and regulatory compliance at stake. When employees raise concerns, I start by listening—hosting short sessions to explain the “why” behind policies and gathering feedback on real-world impact. If restrictions hinder productivity, we explore secure, compliant alternatives that support both efficiency and protection. Cybersecurity should be a shared responsibility, not a barrier. Involving staff in the conversation helps turn resistance into collaboration and builds a stronger, more security-conscious culture.

🗣️ Listen to employees’ concerns through surveys or open chats to understand what feels too restrictive. 🤝 Work with experts to review rules and see if they can be made more flexible without risking security. 💡 Clearly explain the reasons behind each policy in simple, relatable ways, showing how they protect everyone. ⚖️ Find solutions that balance strong security with employees’ daily needs. 🔄 Keep communication open so employees can always share their thoughts. 📝 Regularly update policies to make sure they stay fair and effective for all.

To adress their concerns, you need to first evaluate how restrictive the cybersecurity policies are. This is so that you would know if it is too restrictive or not. You need to then explain to them why these policies are necessary. This is so that they would be willing to accept it and adhere to it instead if treating it as a hastle. You must also give them training especially on how to familiarize themselves with the policies. This is so that they wouldn't have problems while adhering to it when doing their work.

When employees see cybersecurity policies as too restrictive, it’s time to listen and adapt. I start by understanding their concerns, then explain the why behind the rules to build awareness and trust. Involving users in shaping solutions helps balance security with usability. I also ensure secure, user-friendly alternatives are available, so protection doesn’t feel like punishment. Cybersecurity works best when it’s a shared goal, not just an IT mandate. #Cybersecurity #Leadership #SecurityCulture #Infosec #DigitalTrust

If employees are feeling restrictive by cybersecurity policies , I can suggest following points to address their concerns :- 1. Frame policies like not just a set of another set of overwhelming rules but as a collection of phrases like Better safe than sorry etc. 2. Train employees in an intuitive manner to make them aware of Cybersecurity. 3. Provide engaging sessions , not just another training session imposed on employees but that can welcome them to be a part of it willingly to get some break from their work. 4. By launching random drills of cyber security threat often for continuous awareness. 5. Putting rewards on desk for the vigilant ones although in a way to motivate can do better people not to make them feel out or inferior.

Restrictive security backfires—it frustrates users and drives risky behavior. The smarter path? Invisible security that works with humans, not against them. That’s why I built CyberSiARA—we replaced outdated CAPTCHAs and rigid rules with AI that understands human behavior and leverages a visual process only real people can pass. Frictionless for users, impossible for bots.

Many time when you explain the risk they understand it. I more about communication of the reason for the restriction more than anything else. People believe that restriction are just red tape without a reason.

When we rolled out MFA (multi-factor auth), many found it annoying. After feedback, we: 1 Switched to app-based MFA (faster than SMS), 2 Showed a quick demo on how it prevents real attacks, 3 Made it a team challenge—“Phish Me If You Can!” Result? Adoption went up, and resistance dropped. Use short, relatable examples to explain threats, try to build awareness not just campaigns.