The release of FTI Consulting, Inc.’s second installment in the “CISO Redefined” series shines a light on the persistent communications gap between CISOs and other C-suite executives, despite a shared commitment to enhance cybersecurity within organizations.
As businesses grapple with cybersecurity risks, new regulatory demands, and heightened scrutiny from stakeholders, the role of the CISO is becoming increasingly complex and critical.
A Growing Priority
In the past year, 94% of C-suite executives acknowledged the growing prominence of cybersecurity issues, with a significant majority recognizing it as a critical priority. This heightened awareness has translated into substantial increases in cybersecurity budgets, reflecting a strong commitment to addressing these challenges.
However, the study underscores a stark communications gap that hinders effective collaboration and understanding between CISOs and other top executives, potentially jeopardizing organizational security and resilience.
A Lack of Understanding
A key finding from the “CISO Redefined” series is the difficulty CISOs face in conveying the complexity of cybersecurity threats and strategies in terms that are accessible and meaningful to non-technical executives.
The study reveals that 66% of CISOs believe senior leadership struggles to fully grasp their role and the critical nature of cybersecurity efforts, leading to miscommunications and misaligned expectations. Conversely, a significant portion of C-suite executives find it challenging to comprehend the tangible returns on cybersecurity investments, highlighting a mutual need for improved dialogue and understanding.
Source: FTI Consulting’s CISO Redefined: Navigating C-Suite Perceptions and Expectations
The Impact of Miscommunication
The communication gap between CISOs and the C-suite has tangible implications for organizational security. With 82% of CISOs feeling pressured to present an overly optimistic view to the Board, and a similar percentage of executives perceiving their CISOs as hesitant to highlight potential vulnerabilities, the risk of under-preparedness and oversight increases. This scenario underscores the critical need for CISOs to develop skills that allow them to effectively translate technical risks into strategic business implications.
The Wrap
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve in complexity and scale, the ability of CISOs to convey the significance of these risks and the necessary strategic responses in clear, business-relevant terms has never been more important.
By bridging the communications gap, organizations can ensure that cybersecurity is integrated into strategic planning and decision-making processes, enhancing overall resilience and preparedness. The journey toward redefining the role of CISOs in the C-suite is ongoing, but with targeted training and a commitment to open, effective communication, the path to stronger cybersecurity leadership is clear.
