In the world of cybersecurity, the importance of transparency cannot be overstated. Christopher Robinson, the chief security architect of The Linux Foundation, emphasizes that transparency is crucial in rebuilding trust among stakeholders. However, he notes that many companies tend to take the opposite approach when faced with a cyber incident.
Robinson highlights a common scenario where a reporter approaches a company after learning about a cyber event. Instead of being forthcoming and transparent, the company representatives often choose to remain quiet or redirect the inquiry to their legal team, sometimes even resorting to making threats. This lack of transparency only serves to erode trust further and creates a sense of secrecy that can be detrimental in the long run.
On the other hand, Larry Lidz, the vice president of CX Security at Cisco, believes that rebuilding stakeholder trust should start during the incident itself. He points out that effective communication is crucial with two main groups: internal stakeholders, such as the C-suite and employees, and external stakeholders, like customers and regulators. Lidz stresses that transparency is the key factor that unites these groups and fosters trust in the organization’s response to a cybersecurity incident.
During a cyber incident, maintaining transparency with internal stakeholders is essential for ensuring that everyone within the organization is informed about the situation. The CISO must communicate openly with the C-suite and employees, providing regular updates and addressing any concerns that may arise. By keeping internal stakeholders in the loop, the organization can mitigate confusion and prevent rumors from spreading.
Similarly, maintaining transparency with external stakeholders is equally important. Customers and regulators need to be kept informed about the incident and the steps being taken to address it. Open and honest communication can help reassure customers that their data is being protected and demonstrate to regulators that the organization is taking cybersecurity seriously.
Transparency across the incident lifecycle is not just about providing information; it is also about being proactive in addressing potential issues and communicating effectively with all stakeholders. By practicing transparency from the outset of a cyber incident, organizations can build trust, maintain their reputation, and mitigate the impact of the incident on their business.
Ultimately, transparency is a vital component of effective cybersecurity incident response. It is not enough for companies to simply address the technical aspects of a cyber incident; they must also prioritize open communication and honesty with all stakeholders. By fostering a culture of transparency, organizations can weather cyber incidents more effectively and emerge stronger in the face of future challenges.