In the world of cybersecurity, the way Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) communicate the risks to their stakeholders is evolving. Gone are the days of simply discussing fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) to get the point across. According to industry experts, such as De Lude, a more sophisticated approach is needed to effectively convey the importance of enterprise risk.
De Lude emphasizes the importance of framing the conversation in a way that resonates with the audience. This means speaking their language, addressing their interests, and providing the right level of detail. By doing so, CISOs can create a compelling narrative that captures the attention of their colleagues and executives.
One strategy that De Lude employs is linking cybersecurity risks to current news stories that are relevant to the audience. By drawing these connections, she is able to highlight the potential impact of security breaches and emphasize the importance of proactive risk management. For example, when speaking to board members, De Lude focuses on the implications of brand or regulatory risks and discusses the measures the security program is taking to mitigate these risks.
However, there are challenges when it comes to using the right language to communicate risk effectively. Alexander Hughes, a cybersecurity and compliance director at Visa, points out that the terminology around risk can be limiting and may not fully capture the complexity of the situation. To address this, Hughes suggests quantifying risk in terms of potential loss or damage to assets. By framing risks in this way, CISOs can paint a clearer picture of the potential consequences of cyberattacks and illustrate the impact on the organization.
Hughes also recommends using more nuanced language, such as discussing revenue loss as a result of a service being disrupted by a cyber incident. By equating risks to financial costs, CISOs can convey the potential impact in a way that is easier for stakeholders to understand.
Overall, the key takeaway for CISOs is to tailor their risk communication to the specific interests and concerns of their audience. By using real-world examples, quantifying risks in financial terms, and speaking in a language that resonates with stakeholders, CISOs can effectively convey the importance of cybersecurity and ensure that their message is heard and understood. This shift towards a more sophisticated and targeted approach to risk communication is essential in today’s fast-paced and complex cybersecurity landscape.