Why Security Experts Must Connect Cybersecurity to Business Outcomes

Cybersecurity & Business Outcomes

Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue anymore. While digital businesses continue to evolve, the need for cybersecurity does too. Actions such as securing infrastructure and creating digital trust with customers are essential for the success of any business. The question of cybersecurity has been a priority for at least a decade. However, the coronavirus outbreak has made it an even more significant concern. It has pointed out the fact that most executives don’t understand the cybersecurity needs and capabilities of their organizations.

According to Paul Proctor, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner, even though executives put in the effort to promote compliance and keep hackers away, they ignored simple opportunities such as improving the use of secure remote access technologies. Some of the most straightforward opportunities may have the most significant business impact. The coronavirus pandemic has been a wakeup call for business executives.

How to Address Failing Approaches

Unfortunately, most organizations have unsuccessful cybersecurity approaches. The approaches are likely to cause poor investments. The following challenges may be affecting the impact of your business on cybersecurity.

1. Assuming that cybersecurity is a problem for the technical staff

Cybersecurity is widely perceived as a technical issue. It is, therefore, no surprise that most executives leave it to the technical staff. Lack of engagement is dangerous. It could lead to unrealistic expectations, pointless exchanges, and poor investments. Executives should always be involved in their organizations’ cybersecurity approaches. Knowing what happens makes it possible to make sound decisions.

2. Relying on unproductive approaches and investments

Executives should partner with the technical staff to determine approaches that work. Even though there are lots of new approaches, they may not always be appropriate for your needs. Since you will be spending a lot of your organization’s money on cybersecurity, it makes sense to invest in the right practices. Setting unrealistic expectations and continuing to use approaches that do not work is a waste of money.

3. Asking the wrong questions

While executives need to ask questions about cybersecurity, you should be aware of the questions that matter. While it is important to understand compliance and how much you should spend on cybersecurity, they aren’t the most important questions. The right questions should help you determine how much security you need and how much you currently have. If executives ask the right questions, they can direct attention to what matters.

Solutions to Common Cybersecurity Threats

1. Predictive Analysis

It may be impossible to counter cyberattacks if you can’t identify them. You should be able to detect attacks and their sources. Consider using predictive analysis software. They can help you access large amounts of data on common cyberattacks. The results could be useful for your existing protocol. Being proactive can help you avoid problems before they overwhelm you. If security breaches are undetected for long periods, the probability of data breaches is high.

2. Training and Awareness

Training is not only crucial for junior team members but executives as well. Most data breaches are from phishing scams, which are used to introduce malicious malware into your systems. Ensuring that all members of your team are aware of new tactics used by scammers could keep you safe. All members of the team should be able to ask for help where necessary.

Even though your company culture may portray cybersecurity as a task for the technical team, the coronavirus pandemic has revealed that it is everyone’s responsibility. Adopting a results-driven approach gives non-IT team leaders a new perspective. Every member of the team should realize that they have a part to play. Adjust your investments and priorities to find a balance.