Each week, Nine23 will be writing a blog exploring each of the Secure by Design principles as part of our partnership with BNS Cyber. This week we kick off with Principle 1: Create Responsibility for Cyber Security Risk
The Role of Senior Stakeholders
Effective cyber security begins with leadership. To ensure an organisation’s resilience in the face of cyber threats, senior leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering the Secure by Design principles.
When senior stakeholders are actively involved in cyber security decisions, it creates a culture where security becomes everyone’s responsibility. This is not about raising alarms or responding to crises—it’s about embedding cyber security into the organisation’s DNA. This helps foster a security-conscious environment where employees are more aware of risks and better equipped to prevent them.
Leaders have a unique vantage point, overseeing the intersection of technology, people, and processes, while also holding control of the budget. Their involvement ensures that security goals align with broader business objectives and enables more informed decisions on risk management and mitigation strategies. By understanding these risks firsthand, leaders can optimise investments more effectively, rather than relying solely on the CISO to justify budget requests. This proactive, leadership-driven approach ensures compliance and cultivates a resilient organisational structure capable of withstanding potential threats.
Positive Industry Examples of Executive Involvement
Across various industries, senior leadership has played an empowering role in embedding cyber security into business frameworks, resulting in stronger, more resilient organisations.
Governments around the world are increasingly focused on cyber security as part of their national security strategies. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) works hand-in-hand with senior government officials to shape cyber security policy, ensuring that critical infrastructure is protected. In this environment, executive involvement has driven better preparedness and response capabilities, fostering a proactive stance on national cyber security.
Recently, Microsoft has communicated that cyber security is no longer just an IT or security team concern but the responsibility of every employee. This executive-driven initiative is focused on embedding security principles into all areas of operation, training employees to identify threats, and making security central to their business culture. It highlights how senior leadership can make a clear and bold commitment to fostering a security-conscious organisation.
Empowering Senior Leaders to Drive Cyber Security Forward
- Appropriate Resources: Cyber security requires continuous attention. Senior leadership plays a key role in ensuring that the right resources—whether it’s training, technology, or budget—are made available to manage security risks throughout the entire lifecycle of a project or operation. By empowering teams with the necessary tools and capabilities, leaders can enhance the organisation’s ability to detect, respond to, and mitigate threats at any stage, ensuring long-term protection.
- Commit to Ongoing Learning: Cyber threats and technologies evolve rapidly. When senior executives stay informed about emerging trends and risks, they can make more informed decisions, helping to guide the organisation confidently through the ever-changing digital landscape.
- Promote Cross-Department Collaboration: Leadership-driven cyber security initiatives thrive when different departments work together seamlessly. Leaders can set the tone by encouraging open communication, ensuring that everyone understands their role in maintaining the organisation’s security posture.
- Balance Innovation with Security: Leaders are uniquely positioned to ensure that innovation and security go hand-in-hand. By integrating security into the organisation’s growth initiatives, they help create a stable foundation for future success.
- Foster a Security-Driven Culture: Culture, defined by behaviours, is critical to successful cyber security. Senior leaders must set the example, promoting security-first behaviours across all levels of the organisation. Consider measuring security culture to establish a baseline and assess the effectiveness of actions taken to drive change. This measurement can reveal how well desired behaviours are being adopted and help guide continuous improvements in fostering a resilient, security-aware workforce.
Conclusion
Senior leaders are not just responsible for managing the bottom line—they are key to fostering a resilient, secure organisation and cyber security culture.
By embracing their role in cyber security risk management, senior stakeholders empower their organisations to not only navigate but also thrive in an increasingly complex threat landscape. Leadership involvement ensures that cyber security remains proactive, strategic, and aligned with the broader goals of the business.
Cyber resilience starts with the leadership team, and when they are engaged, everyone benefits—from employees to customers, and beyond.
Image by freepik
