How to Get Your Board on Board With Cybersecurity

Speak the language of the C-suite. One of the most important yet challenging parts of your role is engaging your governing counterparts on cybersecurity matters. It all boils down to simplifying the link between cyber- risk and business risk. So, rather than overwhelming your CFO with the intricacies of specific security systems, focus on the results.

For example, to advocate for an enhanced IDS, explain how your current system has detected and blocked over 50,000 attacks in the past year, potentially preventing millions of dollars in financial losses. By tying technologies and tools to specific business outcomes, you can effectively communicate with other leaders at the organization who may not have the same level of technical expertise.

Spearhead training initiatives. Your responsibility for the entire organization's data security demands effective engagement with employees to ensure strong network and system security. To bolster employee vigilance and training efforts, develop initiatives such as targeted anti-phishing campaigns and incident response training. The benefits are twofold: You can demonstrate your leadership skills and better safeguard the organization's data.

Remain curious and aware. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, your knowledge base should evolve, too. It's important to remain aware of emerging cyber threats and industry trends so you can identify tools and resources that assist your organization in mitigating threats. Whether you pursue an advanced degree, complete a certification, or simply reassess your office network and system security on a regular basis, continuing your education plays a vital role in protecting your organization from attacks.

But it's not enough to educate yourself — you need to share your knowledge with your broader leadership team. Amid ongoing news coverage of ransomware attacks and data breaches, C-suite leaders tend to lack awareness about other external factors that affect security — such as recent legislative attempts to control organizations' use of encryption. With an understanding of how such bills impact business operations and direction, you can help leaders at your organization navigate the intersection of security and regulatory compliance for more informed decision-making.

Hone your soft skills. While technical skills are a must in your role, excellent soft skills can make or break the effectiveness of your communication with stakeholders. Foster non-technical abilities like communication and leadership by partnering with other leaders at the organization to conduct cross-functional projects. You can also attend workshops on topics such as public speaking and active listening. Additionally, consider seeking feedback from colleagues after you give a presentation to identify areas for improvement.