Here are three reasons why it’s crucial to have a CISO on the board. One, they can directly communicate security matters; two, they understand how security impacts every part of a business; three, they can instil a proactive approach among their colleagues.
1. If a CISO is on the board, they can directly communicate what is happening in the business. If they aren’t, security matters can get lost in translation. Security is a technical subject, and it needs to be explained in a way executive teams understand. A CISO is the best person to communicate the latest regulations, for example: where a business stands, what it should do next, and the pros and cons of these choices. But if messages are passed on from others, the nuances can get lost. A CISO in the boardroom will certainly improve the quality of security-related decisions.
2. A CISO also understands how security is changing; they are mindful of the evolving nature of the industry and the complexity of cyber threats. For example, they can help an HR director understand the security implications of new software, or a chief financial officer concerned about protecting financial data. A CISO can share the latest insight with c-suite colleagues and help everyone to see the bigger picture; they can help others consider security in their own departments.
3. A CISO takes care of the present state of a business, but they are focussed on the future, too. They are constantly monitoring systems, but they are also developing policies, training plans and updates. In the boardroom, they can help everyone take a proactive approach to security, because their vision will influence others. For example, executive leaders are more likely to improve their security posture before the business is attacked. A proactive approach is much better than a reactive one when things go wrong.
