FINAL WORD
a top priority for organisations over the past two decades . While industries such as financial services and healthcare have traditionally placed a stronger emphasis on these areas , others like manufacturing have not focused as intensely . What was surprising in our recent survey is that governance and compliance emerged as the highest-rated challenge , with 20 % of respondents identifying it as a primary concern . Interestingly , respondents reported the two key success metrics they used to evaluate security posture and demonstrate value to the business and board are , 24 % compliance with industry specific regulations and a further 21 % said return on investment ( ROI ) of cybersecurity initiatives or investments , marking these as the leading issues among respondents .
The growing significance of governance and compliance is particularly evident in an environment where regulatory mandates are becoming increasingly stringent , especially concerning data protection . In Europe , for instance , the upcoming NIS2 regulation , set to launch on 24 October , represents a significant shift . This regulation will hold Boards of Directors and the entire C-suite accountable for failing to exercise due diligence in cybersecurity . Unlike previous regulatory frameworks that mainly imposed fines , NIS2 introduces the possibility of suspensions , making non-compliance a serious professional risk . This has undoubtedly captured the attention of board members and senior executives , emphasising the critical
importance of adhering to governance and compliance standards .
In addition to NIS2 , other regulations such as DORA , the AI Act and the Cyber Resilience Act are also reshaping the landscape . Similarly , in Latin America , particularly in financial services in Brazil and Mexico , regulations are increasingly holding boards accountable for cybersecurity protocols . The emphasis on governance and compliance is therefore becoming a global trend , underscoring its vital role in modern cybersecurity strategies .
This report focuses on key cybersecurity trends , challenges and priorities for CIOs . Based on the findings , what should CIOs do to adapt their cybersecurity strategies accordingly ?
If you speak with any CIO today , they ’ ll likely have a long list of initiatives they wish to pursue . However , understanding the evolving nature of the CIO role is crucial . Today , a CIO is not just a Chief Information Officer ; they are increasingly becoming a Chief Information Business Officer or even a Chief Information Business Security Officer . The same applies to CISOs . These roles are now more aligned with business strategy than ever before .
The first key aspect for a CIO is to adopt a business-first mindset . This involves close collaboration with business leaders across the organisation , driving both efficiency and innovation . The CIO must not only focus on traditional IT functions but also understand how these functions support broader business objectives .
Secondly , understanding the customer is essential . For a CIO , the customer isn ’ t just external but includes internal stakeholders – business leaders across different functions . It ’ s vital to comprehend their needs and how IT initiatives can enhance overall service quality and satisfaction within the organisation . This internal customer focus is as important as serving the external market .
Lastly , the CIO must act as a champion for Digital Transformation within the business . However , it ’ s not just about leading IT initiatives ; it ’ s about empowering other business leaders to take ownership of these projects . In this new era , the role of the CIO is less about deploying IT projects independently and more about fostering cross-functional collaboration . The ability to share power and responsibility with other business units is a significant shift from the traditional view of the CIO role .
Click here to read part two – Cybersecurity trends , challenges and priorities for CIOs – Part Two . •
The emphasis on resilience reflects the growing need for organisations to withstand disruptions and maintain continuity in an increasingly complex and volatile environment .
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