A majority (89 percent) of Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) are regularly summoned by the board of directors to provide recommendations for the business, according to a recent study.
This is a key finding from the latest global survey of information security heads commissioned by Kaspersky. The study also revealed that despite a ‘direct line’ with top bosses, it does not necessarily result in dedicated investments in security.
In fact, 54 percent of respondents admit having to share their organisation’s IT budget.
In Q3 of 2019, 451 Research conducted an independent study, commissioned by Kaspersky, to explore the various factors shaping information security from the perspectives of enterprise security leaders.
The study surveyed 305 respondents that have senior or executive responsibility for cybersecurity in enterprises worldwide, with the findings revealing how the nature of cybersecurity and security leadership has evolved.
According to the study, top management seek advice from IT security leaders regardless of the organisation’s reporting structure, with only 23 percent reporting to the board. Business leaders need input from their CISO most often when an internal cybersecurity incident happens – as recognised by 60 percent of respondents. However, it’s not all about breaches — executives also seem to be proactive and mindful about how to protect the company now and in the future. More than half (57 percent) of the surveyed IT security chiefs schedule meetings with the board on a regular basis, and 56 percent are requested to provide their expert opinions on future IT projects.
However, despite being visible and valuable to the board, CISOs still face difficulties when it comes to justifying necessary spending on IT security. Having to siphon their expenses from the broader IT budget, 43 percent of those surveyed feel that they are in direct competition with other business and IT initiatives, making it one of the top three challenges they face in order to make the case for essential information security investment.
“As the study shows, boards of directors now understand that cybersecurity is an important part of business success. Nevertheless, there’s still a challenge for CISOs to be able to convert this understanding into actual support. Speaking business language instead of using technical jargon, focusing on how to solve problems and bringing in third-party expertise to justify meaningful measures are all key components to win over directors,” said Veniamin Levtsov, VP of Corporate Business, Kaspersky.
To help CISOs communicate effectively with their board of directors, Kaspersky recommends:
- Shifting from ad hoc communications to regular sync-ups with the business leadership team. It will help to keep the board updated on the company’s security measures and remain aware of strategic priorities.
- Speaking in a language that top management understands. Executives rarely have a security or technical background, so try to avoid IT jargon and refer instead to specific business benefits and opportunities when speaking about security measures.
- Make sure board members receive security training. This will not only help towards building a corporate-wide cybersecurity culture, but will also highlight the practical value and impact of effective cybersecurity measures.
To find more about the changing role of the CISO in 2019, read the full report available here.
