Cybersecurity is a boardroom priority, not an IT issue
Cybersecurity has become a core business risk. It’s time for CEOs and boards to own it, fully and proactively. Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), makes it clear: cybersecurity must be treated like any other major business risk, right alongside financial and operational concerns. Simply put, if cybersecurity isn’t on your boardroom agenda, you’re already behind.
For too long, companies have delegated cybersecurity to IT departments or CISOs, treating it as a technical afterthought. That’s a mistake. Cyber threats are now sophisticated, persistent, and capable of crippling entire industries. We’re talking about nation-state actors, China, Russia, and others, targeting critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and supply chains. If you think your organization isn’t a target, think again. Every business today relies on digital infrastructure, and securing it is just as important as securing physical assets.
Smart leaders get this. They’re integrating cybersecurity into corporate strategy, making it a boardroom conversation. CISA’s collaboration with the National Association of Corporate Directors and the Internet Security Alliance in 2023 resulted in a practical handbook to help companies take meaningful action. Whether it’s evaluating cyber risks during M&A deals or ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, the key message is clear, cybersecurity is a strategic enabler, not just a cost center.
The private sector’s key role in national cyber defense
Most of the nation’s critical infrastructure is run by private companies. That means businesses, large and small, must step up and take responsibility for strengthening their defenses and sharing intelligence.
“When private companies neglect cybersecurity, they put entire economies and national security on the line.”
Cyber threats are changing rapidly, with adversaries constantly probing for weak spots. It’s no longer enough to react; businesses must be proactive. That means building resilient systems, investing in secure-by-design principles, and, most importantly, sharing threat intelligence across industries and with government partners. No company is an island in cybersecurity, collaboration is key to stay ahead of bad actors.
Encouragingly, around 260 companies have already signed CISA’s Secure by Design pledge. This voluntary initiative aims to shift cybersecurity left, embedding security into product development from day one, rather than bolting it on later. It’s a smart move.
The challenge? Many companies still hesitate, fearing regulatory burdens, costs, and competitive risks. But the reality is, strong cybersecurity can be a business differentiator. Companies that lead in cybersecurity attract better partnerships, protect their brand, and ultimately thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
What boards and executives need to do right now
Cybersecurity isn’t something you can delegate and forget. It requires leadership, investment, and, most importantly, cultural change from the top down. Here’s what smart boards and executives should be doing right now to make cybersecurity a business advantage, not a liability.
1. Support your CISO (Chief Information Security Officer)
Your CISO needs more than just a seat at the table, they need real influence, resources, and direct access to leadership. A well-supported CISO ensures cybersecurity is woven into business operations, not sidelined as an afterthought. When security leaders are supported, they can build resilience into your infrastructure and respond to threats swiftly and effectively.
2. Make cyber risk part of every business decision
Cybersecurity should be considered in everything, from business expansions to software acquisitions. A breach or vulnerability can derail even the best-laid plans. Make sure your executives are educated on cyber risks and that cybersecurity is part of discussions around growth strategies, product development, and supply chain management.
3. Standardize and strengthen cyber risk frameworks
Every company needs a solid framework to measure and manage cyber risk. Whether you’re using industry-standard models like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework or developing a custom approach, consistency is key. Regular reviews and updates make sure your organization stays ahead of evolving threats and compliance requirements.
In short, cybersecurity is a business enabler. Companies that prioritize it will be the ones leading tomorrow. Those that don’t? They risk being left behind, or worse, being compromised.
The bottom line is that cybersecurity isn’t optional. It’s a fundamental part of doing business in the modern world. The sooner leadership embraces this reality, the better positioned they’ll be for what’s coming next.
Key takeaways for executives
- Cybersecurity as a core business imperative: Cyber risk is no longer just an IT concern; it must be a strategic priority at the board level to safeguard business operations, customers, and stakeholders. Leaders should integrate cybersecurity into corporate governance, treating it with the same urgency as financial and operational risks.
- Leadership accountability and CISO empowerment: Boards and executives must empower CISOs with authority, resources, and direct influence to drive effective cybersecurity initiatives across the organization. Educating senior leadership on cyber risks makes sure that security considerations are embedded into business decisions, from technology investments to mergers and acquisitions.
- Strengthening private sector collaboration: Businesses managing critical infrastructure must proactively collaborate with government agencies to improve threat intelligence sharing and fortify national cybersecurity resilience. Participating in initiatives like CISA’s Secure by Design program helps companies adopt secure development practices and build safer digital products.
- Proactive risk management for long-term resilience: Organizations should continuously review and refine their cyber risk frameworks, aligning with industry standards such as NIST to stay ahead of growing threats. Regular assessments and a culture of security awareness across all levels of the organization are key to maintaining long-term resilience against cyber threats.
