In today's world, cybersecurity leaders face increasing difficulty in obtaining the necessary support and funds for their essential security programs. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a webinar featuring a panel of esteemed cybersecurity experts - Sam Ainscow, Macy Dennis, and Alexis Moyse. During this discussion, they emphasized the crucial role of gaining support for cybersecurity initiatives within organizations, offering valuable insights on strategies for meaningful transformation. Let's delve into some key takeaways from our panel that can guide your cybersecurity journey.
- Business Alignment:
To showcase the value of cybersecurity beyond being a cost center, it is crucial to align initiatives with broader business goals. By positioning cybersecurity as a business enabler, organizations can recognize its contributions to strategic outcomes. As Sam Ainscow emphasized, "We’re here to enable the business to move forward and hopefully enable it to grow and extend into the market."
- Organizational Culture:
Creating a culture of security is vital for driving positive change. This involves integrating security practices into daily activities and providing ongoing security awareness training, empowering employees to become active allies in cybersecurity. Macy Dennis shared his approach, stating, "When I come into an organization, I will go out and have lunch or coffee with each of my peers...I am building champions at my peer level...This way, when I’m sitting in front of the entire ELT, I already have people in the room nodding their head yes."
- Talent and Resource Allocation:
Investing in skilled cybersecurity professionals and allocating sufficient resources is critical. Building a compelling business case that aligns cybersecurity risks with organizational goals helps secure the necessary support and funding. Macy Dennis advises, "You have to learn how to use the tools that are at your hands to make sure you can also influence the decisions you want."
- Policies and Procedures:
Both panelists stressed the importance of establishing and regularly reviewing robust security policies and procedures enables organizations to meet regulatory requirements and build a solid foundation for security. They agreed that clear guidelines empower employees to navigate potential threats with confidence, which ultimately creates an empowered team that is ready to take on challenges and build the security program you’re looking to have.
- Continuous Monitoring and Improvement:
Staying proactive and adapting to emerging threats is essential in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Implementing continuous monitoring solutions aids in identifying vulnerabilities and making informed decisions for security improvements. As Sam Ainscow suggests, "Make sure you have an eye for emerging risk and know how to articulate these to an M and A team. Some emerging trends aren’t necessarily negative. You might be able to use it as an advantage in the market if you’re already working towards the solution."
- Vendor Management and Security:
Effective vendor management is crucial for safeguarding organizations from external threats. Macy and Sam both stressed that they each have their own stringent vetting of third-party partners' security practices, communicating how important this is for minimizing the risk and ensuring a strong security posture.
These key takeaways provide a glimpse into the invaluable insights shared during our recent webinar. However, there is much more to discover. We highly recommend watching the full webinar to gain a comprehensive understanding of these topics and benefit from the expertise shared by our panel of cybersecurity professionals. By gaining support for cybersecurity initiatives and adopting the strategies highlighted, organizations can enhance their security posture, protect against potential threats, and embark on a transformative cybersecurity journey.
Watch the full webinar here and learn from industry experts how to gain support for your cybersecurity initiatives.