Disconnect Between C-Suite Execs and Cybersecurity Teams Threatens Business Survival, Reveals EY Study
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Business Vulnerability Due to Inconsistent Cybersecurity Leadership Threatens Company Sustainability and Expansion, Suggests EY Research
A recent EY study sheds light on a significant divide between top executives and their cybersecurity counterparts, posing potential risks to business sustainability. With cybersecurity playing a crucial role in business performance, this communication gap could have grave consequences.
Cybersecurity's Ascendancy as a Performance Driver
Cybersecurity has transitioned from a mere technical concern to a pivotal element of business performance. Given the reliance of modern organizations on digital transformation, they are exposed to increasing cyber threats. To withstand attacks, businesses must view cybersecurity as a critical aspect of their growth strategies.
Bridging the Chasm: Key Strategies
To bridge the divide between C-suite executives and cybersecurity leaders, consider the following strategies:
Enhance Communication Skills
- Tailored Reporting: Tailor reports to cater to different stakeholders, focusing on the strategic insights that the board requires or the operational updates the CEO seeks.
- Plain Language: Employ clear, non-technical terms to explain cybersecurity concepts and risks to non-technical executives.
Integrate into Strategic Planning
- Continuous Participation: CISOs should actively take part in quarterly risk assessments, incident simulations, and strategic planning sessions to guarantee the harmonization of cybersecurity and business goals.
- Valuable Impact: Focus on showcasing cybersecurity’s potential to add value to the business, rather than merely safeguarding it.
Forge a Strong Cybersecurity Culture
- Leadership Support: Ensure leadership's commitment to cybersecurity efforts, distributing training programs and awareness campaigns to foster a culture of security.
- Cooperative Collaboration: Strengthen collaboration between IT and cybersecurity teams to create a harmonious and secure digital environment.
Streamline Access and Reporting Structures
- Defined Reporting Lines: Establish clear reporting lines for CISOs, such as to the CEO or a board-level committee, to regard cyber risks as equivalent to financial or legal risks.
- Regular Access to Discussions: Provide CISOs with access to board meetings and strategic talks, not only after incidents.
Metrics and Insights
- Relevant Metrics: Share metrics that highlight the impact of cybersecurity efforts, rather than just technical data, to help executives comprehend the value of cybersecurity investments.
By employing these strategies, organizations can effectively minimize the gap between C-suite executives and cybersecurity leaders, thereby bolstering business stability and resilience in the face of escalating cyber threats.
- The disconnect between C-suite executives and cybersecurity teams, as revealed in the EY study, underscores the need for tailored reporting and clear, non-technical language to improve communication about cybersecurity.
- As cybersecurity ascends as a performance driver for businesses, the integration of cybersecurity leaders into strategic planning is crucial, ensuring continuous participation in risk assessments and showcasing cybersecurity's potential to add value to the organization.
- To strengthen business continuity and risk management, organizations need to foster a strong cybersecurity culture by securing leadership support, strengthening collaboration between IT and cybersecurity teams, and streamlining access and reporting structures, such as defining reporting lines and granting CISOs regular access to board meetings.
