{"id":17133,"date":"2025-12-15T11:51:46","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T11:51:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/?p=17133"},"modified":"2026-02-12T15:37:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T15:37:51","slug":"turn-your-employees-into-cyber-security-champions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/turn-your-employees-into-cyber-security-champions\/","title":{"rendered":"Turn your employees into cyber security champions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Cyber threats do not stop at large corporations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses of all sizes, especially smaller ones, are increasingly attractive to attackers because criminals assume they lack the same defences as a large corporation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A single phishing email or weak password can expose sensitive data, disrupt operations, and damage customer trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, protecting your business does not require expensive technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your people can be your greatest asset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By creating a security champion program, you can empower employees to act as ambassadors for cyber security, spreading awareness and strengthening resilience across your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article you\u2019ll learn what a security champion program is and why it matters for small organisations, plus how to set one up step by step, and the common pitfalls to avoid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s what we cover:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-why-start-a-security-champion-program\" data-level=\"2\">Why start a security champion program?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-a-step-by-step-playbook-for-creating-your-cyber-security-champion-program\" data-level=\"2\">A step-by-step playbook for creating your cyber security champion program<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-weeks-1-2-recruit-volunteers\" data-level=\"3\">Weeks 1&mdash;2: Recruit volunteers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-weeks-3-4-set-goals\" data-level=\"3\">Weeks 3&mdash;4: Set goals<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-weeks-5-6-incentivise-participation\" data-level=\"3\">Weeks 5&mdash;6: Incentivise participation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-weeks-7-8-provide-training-and-resources\" data-level=\"3\">Weeks 7&mdash;8: Provide training and resources<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-weeks-9-10-communicate\" data-level=\"3\">Weeks 9&mdash;10: Communicate<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-weeks-11-12-measure-progress\" data-level=\"3\">Weeks 11&mdash;12: Measure progress<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-month-3-onward-secure-leadership-support-scale-and-sustain\" data-level=\"3\">Month 3 onward: Secure leadership support, scale, and sustain<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-roles-within-your-security-champion-team\" data-level=\"2\">Roles within your security champion team<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-tools-and-resources\" data-level=\"2\">Tools and resources<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-common-pitfalls-and-how-to-avoid-them\" data-level=\"2\">Common pitfalls and how to avoid them<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-start-a-security-champion-program\">Why start a security champion program?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A security champion program is a simple way to spread cyber security knowledge and responsibility across your business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of relying only on IT or outside providers, you nominate and train employees from different teams to act as ambassadors for good practices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They help raise awareness, answer questions, and reinforce secure habits in everyday work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A security champion network gives you an extra layer of cyber security defence without significant costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of security being a one-off training session or one person\u2019s job, it becomes part of your culture. That shift helps your business stay safer day to day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The value and benefits are tangible in four key areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Return on investment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You already spend money on tools such as antivirus software, firewalls, or solutions recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Champions help you get more from those tools by ensuring people know how to use them and follow the right processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A small amount of time invested in training and coordination can save thousands in potential breach costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Risk management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When staff know how to spot phishing emails, weak passwords, or suspicious links, you cut the odds of a costly incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Champions become your early warning system, flagging problems before they escalate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brand reputation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Customers and partners want reassurance that their data is safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A visible culture of security shows you take their trust seriously, which can become a differentiator when winning new business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An always-on message<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Training once a year is not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Champions keep security at the forefront of their minds by reinforcing habits in daily work, from checking emails to using secure file sharing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-step-by-step-playbook-for-creating-your-cyber-security-champion-program\">A step-by-step playbook for creating your cyber security champion program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Launching a security champion program is easier if you break it into stages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can pace it to fit your business, but here is a simple three-month road map to get you moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-weeks-1-2-recruit-volunteers\"><strong>Weeks 1\u20142: Recruit volunteers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Invite employees from across the company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look for people who are curious, detail-oriented, or interested in professional growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aim for at least one champion per team so security messages reach everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-weeks-3-4-set-goals\"><strong>Weeks 3\u20144: Set goals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tie the program to your wider cyber security plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Goals might include reducing phishing clicks by half in six months, improving password hygiene, or ensuring all employees complete training on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-weeks-5-6-incentivise-participation\"><strong>Weeks 5\u20146: Incentivise participation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Position the role as a career opportunity, not just an extra task. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognise champions in team meetings, highlight their contribution in internal updates, or offer small rewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-weeks-7-8-provide-training-and-resources\"><strong>Weeks 7\u20148: Provide training and resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Give champions simple materials they can share. Use free resources from industry bodies, adapt existing training, or create short explainers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid jargon and focus on everyday behaviours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-weeks-9-10-communicate\"><strong>Weeks 9\u201410: Communicate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Set up regular channels to keep the program visible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A short monthly meeting, a group chat, or a weekly security tip email can all work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Champions should reinforce good habits without overwhelming colleagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-weeks-11-12-measure-progress\"><strong>Weeks 11\u201412: Measure progress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start tracking results such as phishing simulation scores, incident reports, or training completion rates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Share this data with leadership to demonstrate impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-month-3-onward-secure-leadership-support-scale-and-sustain\"><strong>Month 3 onward: Secure leadership support, scale, and sustain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask managers to back the program openly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rotate roles to prevent burn out, refresh training, and connect the initiative to broader business goals such as talent development or well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-roles-within-your-security-champion-team\">Roles within your security champion team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A successful security champion program relies on people who understand your business and your systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in a small team, defining roles keeps things organised and helps champions play to their strengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need formal titles or new job descriptions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just assign light responsibilities that build confidence and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Program lead<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Coordinates activities, tracks progress, and updates leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This might be your office manager, IT lead, or even a trusted senior team member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trainer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Explains new security practices in plain language and helps colleagues apply them daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Researcher<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stays informed about new threats and shares quick, practical summaries with the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Communicator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeps awareness high through short messages, posters, or quizzes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They might also share quick wins or lessons learned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Planner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Documents incident procedures, maintains checklists, and ensures follow-up actions are complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Small businesses often combine these duties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal is not formality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s engagement. When everyone has a clear role, security becomes everyone\u2019s job, not a side task that fades after training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tools-and-resources\">Tools and resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You do not need a large budget or advanced systems to launch your program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The right mix of tools and free resources can help your team stay informed and confident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can start with what you already use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Communication tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or email groups make it easy for champions to share updates and reminders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cloud storage and password managers can also add a layer of safety without extra complexity. Ensure any cloud solutions comply with Irish data protection laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many government and industry bodies in Ireland (e.g., National Cyber Security Centre, Cyber Skills, or ISACA Ireland Chapter) offer free content for training, including phishing simulations, posters, and short courses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Encourage champions to use these materials to run quick awareness sessions or share weekly security tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AI can also help your program run smoothly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Create awareness campaigns using AI-generated emails, posters, or quizzes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Translate technical security updates into everyday language your team can understand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Draft educational content or quick reference guides for employees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The key is to keep tools simple and accessible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your champions do not need complex systems\u2014just clear communication, reliable resources, and leadership support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-pitfalls-and-how-to-avoid-them\">Common pitfalls and how to avoid them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even well-intentioned security programs can lose momentum without the proper structure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few challenges small businesses often face\u2014and how to avoid them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Over-extension<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Champions are usually volunteers, so keep responsibilities light and realistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Focus on small, consistent actions that make a clear difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lack of visibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the program goes quiet, people forget it exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Share updates, celebrate wins, and make your champions visible during meetings or on internal channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Data overload<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tracking too many metrics can waste time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Focus on a few meaningful numbers, such as phishing simulation results or incident reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apathy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>People tune out when security feels like a chore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use short, relatable stories or real examples to show how small actions prevent real losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weak direction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Without leadership support, programs stall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Managers should remind teams that security is part of business success, not an IT afterthought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A security champion program is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to strengthen your defences, just committed people who understand that security is part of doing business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your program will depend on how well you keep it alive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Refresh goals regularly, rotate roles to keep people engaged, and keep communication open between champions and leadership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The moment a program goes quiet, habits start to fade, and risks grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep your approach light but consistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A short monthly meeting, a few friendly reminders, and visible leadership support can go a long way toward building a lasting culture of awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your employees are your first and strongest line of defence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When they understand how to recognise threats and respond confidently, they protect your data, reputation, and bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join 1.5 million subscribers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice 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2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">11 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/e-invoicing-vat-modernisation\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tE-invoicing in Ireland: How VAT modernisation will affect your business\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tIreland is moving towards mandatory e-invoicing and real-time VAT reporting. 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business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/three-way-matching-in-accounts-payable\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/Sage_Cantelowes1444_All-Uses-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/Sage_Cantelowes1444_All-Uses-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/Sage_Cantelowes1444_All-Uses-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/Sage_Cantelowes1444_All-Uses.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-13T11:11:45+01:00\">13 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">11 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThree-way matching in accounts payable: What it is and why it matters\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-17834 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-security-fraud business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/3-way-matching-in-accounts-payable\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-09T16:57:02+01:00\">9 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThree-way matching in accounts payable: What it is and why it is important\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-17795 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-security-fraud business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/accounts-payable-fraud-guide\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Working on financial tasks\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-09T14:56:36+01:00\">9 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tAccounts payable fraud: What is it and how to prevent it\u00a0\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-17773 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-technology-innovation tag-ai tag-artificial-intelligence tag-business-performance tag-business-planning tag-employee-engagement tag-security-fraud business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/ai-cyber-security\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607997-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607997-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607997-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607997-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-01T12:11:21+01:00\">1 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tAI Is accelerating familiar attacks: What\u2019s changing, and how leaders should respond\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to build a security champion program that boosts cyber security, reduces risk, and creates an always-on culture of protection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":281,"featured_media":14515,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[164,166],"tags":[258,259,151,152,160],"business_type":[5,4],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[247,211,232],"imagine_tag":[181,212,230],"coauthors":[392],"class_list":["post-17133","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-people-leadership","category-technology-innovation","tag-business-intelligence","tag-business-management","tag-security-fraud","tag-small-business-saturday","tag-workplace-technology","business_type-small-business","business_type-medium-sized-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-ie","author_name":"Ashley Thompson","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1451456915.jpg","imagine_tags":{"181":"Business management","212":"Mid-sized business","230":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice Ireland","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17133","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/281"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17133"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17133\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/14515"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17133"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17133"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17133"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=17133"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=17133"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=17133"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=17133"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=17133"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=17133"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=17133"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}