In 2025, security is often viewed solely as a cost center - something companies must invest in to avoid problems. But according to security expert Ted Harrington, this mindset is holding organizations back from leveraging security as a powerful competitive advantage.
Security leaders face an uphill battle each year justifying their budgets, particularly when no recent security incidents have occurred. This phenomenon, known as "recency bias," leads companies to believe everything is fine simply because nothing bad has happened lately. As budgets shrink, security teams struggle to maintain, let alone increase, their defensive capabilities.
The key to breaking this cycle, Harrington argues, is to fundamentally reframe how we think about security investment. Instead of focusing exclusively on preventing negative outcomes, organizations should consider how security can drive positive business results. "We have to say, well, how can an investment in security either reduce expenses or increase revenue, either of which will lead to profit," he explains.
Progressive companies are already making this shift, using their security investments to express core values and create meaningful marketing differentiation. Rather than making hollow claims about "bank-level encryption," these organizations clearly articulate how their security investments translate into better protection for customer assets. This transparency builds authentic trust with buyers who increasingly want to know: "Can I trust you with my data?"
The approach is particularly powerful because it moves beyond theoretical discussions about potential losses from breaches. While risk mitigation remains important, Harrington emphasizes that security can be a tangible marketing benefit when companies are candid about their security investments in tools, products, processes, and people.
This transparent approach helps organizations stand out in a marketplace where most companies make vague, surface-level security claims. By clearly demonstrating how security investments manifest in better products and processes, businesses can build deeper trust with customers while creating genuine competitive advantage.
Want to learn more about transforming security into business value? Join Ted Harrington at e360's Executive Roundtable on March 13th in Los Angeles, where he'll dive deeper into security strategies that drive business growth. Get the details here.