How Boards Ensure an Organization is Ready to Face Cyber Threats

For too long, cybersecurity has been relegated to technical teams, discussed only in the context of firewalls, patching, and compliance audits. This approach is no longer sufficient. Boards must embrace cybersecurity as an integral part of the business strategy, addressing it with the same rigor as they would for financial or operational risks.

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) today needs to be able to align cybersecurity strategies with broader business objectives. Most importantly, they need to be leaders who can engage the broader organization in a change effort and influence their executive peers to earn their buy-in.

A board serves as a critical external check to ensure that the CISO has the support and influence they need, while also creating an impact across the organization. When evaluating the effectiveness of a CISO, there are a few things that a board should consider to ensure that the organization is ready to manage cyber risk:

1. Strategic Threat Anticipation: Does the CISO and their team have a forward-looking mindset, i.e., can they identify emerging threats and implement pre-emptive policies to safeguard the organization?
2. Resource Allocation: Has the CISO secured the necessary resources (time, software, and talent) to create a resilient security infrastructure that aligns with the organization’s broader goals?
3. Employee Training and Awareness: Has the CISO prepared employees at all levels to manage cyber threats, ensuring they understand the best practices and their role in preventing breaches?
4. Crisis Management Leadership: Does the CISO’s team have the protocols they need to lead a swift, decisive response to threats, allowing them to coordinate across all departments to minimize damage and restore operations efficiently?
5. Tracking and Reporting Metrics: Does the CISO have the appropriate tracking and reporting on cybersecurity metrics? What gaps exist that could leave the organization vulnerable to potential risks?

Boards that proactively engage in cybersecurity not only reduce risk but also position their organizations as trustworthy and resilient, which can serve as a competitive advantage in today’s digital marketplace.

Assessing Organizational Readiness

To effectively oversee cybersecurity, boards do not need to be technical experts. Instead, they just need to ask the right questions that spark productive conversations, clarify priorities, and ensure alignment between cybersecurity efforts and broader business goals.

Here are five critical questions every board should pose to the CISO, along with what they should listen for in the responses:

Question 1: What are the top cybersecurity risks our organization currently faces, and how are we mitigating them?

Understanding the specific threats faced by the organization allows the board to assess whether the leadership is adequately prepared to address them. Cyber risks vary by industry, geography, and business model, so a tailored approach is essential. What to listen for:

• Clear identification of current risks, such as ransomware, phishing, supply chain vulnerabilities, or insider threats.
• Evidence of proactive measures taken by the cybersecurity team to mitigate these risks, such as enhanced detection systems, updated protocols, or third-party audits.
• Presentation of emerging threats and plans to address them.

Question 2: Are we investing adequately in cybersecurity? How does our spending compare to industry benchmarks?

Cybersecurity budgets should reflect the organization’s risk profile, industry standards, and potential exposure to threats. Underinvestment can often lead to gaps in protection, while overinvestment in the wrong areas can waste resources. What to listen for:

• Data-driven comparisons of the organization’s spending against industry benchmarks.
• A clear breakdown of how the cybersecurity budget is allocated, including investments in technology, talent, and training.
• Justifications for significant increases or decreases in spending, tied to changes in the threat landscape or organizational strategy.

Question 3: How frequently are we conducting cybersecurity training and what percentage of our staff has completed it?

Human error remains one of the most significant causes of cybersecurity breaches. Regular cybersecurity training ensures that employees understand their roles in recognizing potential threats and protecting the organization. What to listen for:

• Specific metrics on training completion rates across departments and levels.
• Details on the content and effectiveness of training programs, such as simulated phishing tests or interactive modules.
• Plans for improving participation and engagement, especially for high-risk roles like executives and frontline employees.

Question 4: What is our incident response plan and how often do we test and update it?

A well-documented and regularly tested incident response plan (IRP) is critical for minimizing damage and ensuring swift recovery during a cyberattack. Without it, organizations run the risk of chaos and prolonged downtime. What to listen for:

• A comprehensive overview of the IRP, including roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols.
• The frequency and outcomes of recent tests, such as tabletop exercises or full-scale simulations.
• Updates made to the plan based on lessons learned from previous incidents or tests.

Question 5: How do we measure and report the effectiveness of our cybersecurity strategies and compliance efforts?

Regular measurement and reporting help boards gauge progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure accountability. Without clear metrics, it is impossible to know whether cybersecurity investments are yielding the expected results. What to listen for:

• Key performance indicators (KPIs) used to track cybersecurity effectiveness, such as the number of incidents detected, time taken to respond, and compliance scores.
• Insights from third-party audits or certifications that provide an external perspective of the organization’s security posture.
• Plans for improving or expanding metrics to cover new areas of risk.

Driving a Culture of Accountability

Effective boards treat cybersecurity as a constant priority. They stay informed about evolving threats and engage with external experts, such as consultants or auditors, to validate internal cybersecurity assessments and strategies.

Ultimately, boards that prioritize cybersecurity not only protect their organizations from threats but also build trust among customers, partners, and investors. In an age where digital resilience directly translates to business success, there is no better time to elevate this conversation.

About the Author

Tim Hewat is Head of Executive Search, North America, LHH Knightsbridge. He and his team help clients find and transition the top leadership talent they need to unlock their full potential. Contact Tim Hewat at tim.hewat@lhhknightsbridge.com to learn more.