In this episode of “Life of a CISO,” hosted by Dr. Eric Cole, Dr. Cole emphasizes a crucial point: cybersecurity is not merely an IT or technical issue; it’s fundamentally a business problem. He argues that if everyone, from executives to cybersecurity professionals, understands and acts upon this concept, it would lead to significant changes. Dr. Cole highlights that while IT focuses on technical solutions, such as uptime and availability, cybersecurity is primarily concerned with risk, and risk is a business issue. The episode delves into the need for better communication from CISOs, particularly in showing the value and benefits of cybersecurity to the board and executives. Dr. Cole provides a three-phased approach for CISOs to improve their communication and demonstrates how this shift can transform cybersecurity from an overhead cost to a business enabler, even showing cost savings and involvement in risk discussions with executives.
In this episode:
- 1:00– Introduction of Cybersecurity as a Business Problem
- 3:00– The Technical Focus of IT
- 6:00– 100% Security Doesn’t Exist
- 8:00– Technology and Risk: A Business Decision
- 12:00– The Value of Transparency in Cybersecurity
- 15:00– Phase 1: General Awareness and Return on Investment
- 15:30– Phase 2: Cybersecurity as a Business Enabler
- 16:00– Phase 3: Involving Executives in Decision-Making
- 18:00– Bringing Executives into the Solution
