The AI Cyber Threat to Corporate Governance
When I think about the increasing board activity surrounding AI in cyber security, it reminds me of my own journey in Olympic weightlifting.?
When I first started, there were so many nuances that I didn’t fully appreciate until I dove deep into the training.?
The same applies here.?
On the surface, board members are aware of AI as a tool or a threat in cyber security, but what many don’t realize is just how transformative and complex this landscape really is—much like mastering Olympic lifts.?
It requires precise strategy, training, and continuous adaptation to avoid vulnerabilities.
AI in cyber security is rapidly reshaping the entire threat landscape.?
From AI-driven attacks to AI-enhanced defences, boards need to be thinking about this from a governance perspective, not just leaving it to IT. Boards need to push their companies to prepare for how AI can both enhance cyber security defences and present new, unseen risks.
I want to bridge the gap between the hidden risks and the AI-driven risks emerging today.
Just like in weightlifting, where you can’t neglect your form or training, you can’t afford to overlook AI.?
If you’re not discussing it at the board level, your company might already be falling behind.?
Let's look at why AI should be a top priority in your cyber security discussions and how as a board member, you can begin to wrap your head around this entire conversation.
The Top Three AI Risk-Related Conversations Boards Are Having Right Now
Here are the top three reasons board members should be actively discussing AI in the cyber security landscape right now:
1. AI-Driven Cyber Threats Are Becoming More Sophisticated:
AI is transforming the cyber threat landscape, making attacks more complex and harder to detect. AI-powered tools enable hackers to automate attacks, such as generating highly convincing phishing emails or bypassing traditional security systems. These attacks can adapt and evolve in real-time, making it far more difficult for traditional cyber security defences to keep up. For board members, understanding this shift is critical because it means the risk landscape is moving faster than many businesses' ability to respond, especially those relying on older security systems.
2. Increased Accountability for Cyber Security Oversight:
As we’ve seen in multiple cases, board members are being held personally accountable for lapses in cyber security oversight. Shareholder lawsuits, like those following breaches at Equifax and Capital One, often allege that the board did not take adequate steps to mitigate cyber security risks. With AI creating new attack vectors, board members must demonstrate that they are proactively addressing these risks. Failure to do so could lead to reputational damage, financial loss, and legal liability, especially if it's found that the board ignored AI-driven threats.
By regularly discussing AI's impact on cyber security, board members can ensure they are fulfilling their fiduciary duties by staying informed and guiding their companies toward proactive risk management.
3. AI Can Be a Defensive Tool, Not Just a Threat:
While AI presents new risks, it also offers powerful tools for improving cyber security defences. AI-driven solutions can analyze large volumes of data in real time, identifying suspicious activity that human teams might miss. Advanced AI systems can automate threat detection, response, and mitigation, reducing the time between when an attack occurs and when the company can respond. Board members should push for investment in AI-driven cyber security solutions to not only protect the company but also ensure long-term resilience against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Discussing AI in cyber security isn’t just about responding to threats—it’s about leveraging AI as a strategic asset to strengthen the company’s defences
Board members must recognize that AI is reshaping both the attack surface and the defensive strategies available. Failing to engage in these discussions now could leave the company vulnerable to the next wave of cyber threats.
How Boards Can Wrap Their Heads Around Cyber Security?
Being a board member is a role where your expertise is in demand, but the expectations can be broader than your specialized skills.?
You’re respected for your business acumen, but you’re suddenly expected to oversee risks, governance, and areas like cyber security, where formal training is rare.
As a way to help you wrap your head around how to get started, I’m going to tie this into my own experience as an Olympic weightlifter because there are strong parallels here.?
Don’t worry, your journey won’t be as intense as mine. I’m going to break this down and make it incredibly easy to get started.?
A few years ago, I decided to pursue a goal that felt completely outside of my existing skill set—I wanted to medal in a sport I hadn’t focused on.?
It was about adapting, learning, and pushing through areas where I wasn’t immediately comfortable.?
That process—going from zero to the podium—taught me a few key things that apply directly to your experience as a board member, especially around something as complex as cyber security.
1. Admitting the Gap:
When I started training for Olympic weightlifting, the first thing I had to do was acknowledge what I didn’t know.?
I had no illusions that just because I was athletic or had been successful in other areas, I’d automatically excel here. It’s the same with cyber security.?
As a board member, recognizing that cyber security is a gap in your knowledge isn’t a weakness—it’s the first step in making sure you are equipped to make informed decisions.
Just like in weightlifting, where I needed a coach, a program, and a community to guide me through the technical aspects of lifting, in cyber security, you need to lean on experts and advisors. You don’t have all the answers, so knowing when to bring in specialized support—whether that’s external auditors, cyber security firms, or internal specialists who can brief the board regularly is key.
2. Discomfort is Part of Growth:
The early stages of training were brutal.?
Every day was a reminder of how much I didn’t know and how far I had to go. But that discomfort was crucial—it meant I was pushing myself into new areas, expanding my capacity. Similarly, as a board member, it’s tempting to stick with what you know—business growth, strategy, financial oversight.?
But cyber security is one of those areas where stepping into the discomfort is essential. The stakes are high, and the more you expose yourself to the realities of this evolving risk, the more confident you’ll become in overseeing it.
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Boards often shy away from the deep technical details, but even a basic understanding of cyber security frameworks and risks can make a difference. Start by building your knowledge, bit by bit, just like I did with weightlifting technique. It’s uncomfortable at first, but over time, it becomes second nature.
3. Setting Clear Goals and Accountability:
When I set my sights on medaling, it wasn’t enough to just train casually. I had to set clear, measurable goals—increasing my lifts by specific amounts, improving my technique, and hitting deadlines before competitions.?
In the boardroom, especially when it comes to cyber security, the same applies. Don’t just assume that your internal IT or leadership team has it covered. Ask for clear metrics: What cyber security protections are in place? How frequently are they tested? Are there measurable outcomes tied to these efforts?
You might not be the expert in cyber security, but you can set the expectation that the board will hold leadership accountable for it, just like setting benchmarks in training. Push for regular audits, third-party assessments, and updates on the company’s cyber security posture. This is your version of tracking progress toward the podium.
4. The Cost of Inaction:
When I first started training, I had to accept that there would be sacrifices—time, energy, even potential failures. But I also knew the cost of not acting was worse. If I didn’t commit, I’d never know what I was capable of.?
For you as a board member, the cost of inaction in cyber security can be catastrophic. Just as we discussed earlier, ignoring the threat, or assuming it’s someone else’s responsibility, opens up risks that could bring down the entire company.
Failing to address cyber security means putting not just the company’s data, but its financial future and reputation at risk. Just like in competition, where one small mistake can cost a medal, one overlooked vulnerability can cause a breach. And, as a board member, you’re not just an observer—you’re accountable.
5. Long-Term Success Requires Consistency:
Olympic weightlifting is about showing up every day, pushing through even when progress feels slow. Cyber security isn’t a “set it and forget it” issue. It requires ongoing effort, updates, and vigilance.?
As a board member, your role in ensuring that the company doesn’t become complacent is critical. Push for consistent updates, continuous training, and ongoing assessments. Make sure it’s a regular part of the board’s agenda, just as my training sessions were a non-negotiable part of my daily routine.
By committing to this, you ensure that cyber security is woven into the fabric of the company’s operations—not an afterthought, but a key pillar of the business’s long-term resilience.
If you’re interested in learning more about being successful here, check out:?
Or, if you’re a business leader and want to help your board prepare, check out Building Effective Cyber Security Governance Framework.
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The AI Cyber Threat to Corporate Governance
When I think about the increasing board activity surrounding AI in cyber security, it’s like stepping into an entirely new arena. It’s a space where the stakes are high, the rules are constantly changing, and you need to make sure you’ve got the right strategies in place to succeed.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly critical topic in boardrooms across industries, and for good reason. AI has the power to revolutionise processes, drive efficiency, and unlock new capabilities, but it also presents significant risks—especially in the context of cyber security. For boards overseeing corporate governance, understanding these risks and opportunities is no longer optional; it is essential.
On the surface, AI might seem like just another tool to improve decision-making or streamline operations. But dig deeper, and you realise it’s reshaping the entire landscape—threats and defences alike. The world of AI in cyber security is transformative, complex, and it’s moving faster than most businesses can adapt. It requires not just tools, but a mindset shift.
If you’re a board member, you’ve probably been in a similar situation before: facing something new, maybe uncomfortable, but too important to ignore. Just like stepping up to an unfamiliar challenge, the first thing you need is the willingness to understand it—because the threat landscape is evolving with or without your attention.
AI can be used by both defenders and attackers, and that means the game is always changing. You need to appreciate this power, know where vulnerabilities might emerge, and understand how to use AI to protect what matters most. This isn’t just about knowing AI exists—it’s about knowing how it integrates into your overall strategy for resilience.
The Top Three AI Risk-Related Conversations Boards Are Having Right Now
Here are the top three reasons board members should be actively discussing AI in the cyber security landscape right now:
Boards need to understand that AI is reshaping both the risks we face and the tools we have to address them. Engaging deeply now means avoiding being caught off guard by the next major wave of cyber threats.
How Boards Can Wrap Their Heads Around Cyber Security
Being a board member means your expertise is in demand. You’re there because you’ve succeeded, but the expectations today are broader—now you’re also responsible for overseeing cyber security, an area where most leaders lack formal training. But just like facing any challenge, it starts by acknowledging what you don’t know.
1. Admitting the Gap: Recognising that cyber security is a gap in your knowledge isn’t a weakness. It’s the first step to making sure you’re equipped to make informed decisions. Lean on experts. Bring in the right advisors, external auditors, or cyber security firms. No one expects you to have all the answers, but you must know who to ask.
2. Discomfort is Part of Growth: The early stages of dealing with cyber security are like the early days of any new venture—it’s uncomfortable. But pushing through this discomfort is crucial. The stakes are high, and by exposing yourself to the realities of this risk, you become better equipped to manage it. Even a foundational understanding of cyber security frameworks can make a significant difference in how effectively you govern.
3. Setting Clear Goals and Accountability: Clear goals are essential. Don’t assume the IT department has it all covered. Ask questions like: What protections are in place? How often are they tested? Are there measurable outcomes tied to these efforts? Set the expectation that the board will hold leadership accountable for these protections—because if you don’t set the bar, no one else will.
4. The Cost of Inaction: Ignoring cyber security is a gamble, and the stakes are enormous. One small vulnerability can lead to a breach that costs millions, damages reputations, and results in personal accountability. Cyber security isn’t someone else’s job. You’re not just an observer—you’re a critical part of this defence.
5. Long-Term Success Requires Consistency: Cyber security is not a one-off initiative. It requires vigilance, updates, and regular assessments. Your role as a board member is to ensure these practices are embedded in the company’s culture. Consistent focus keeps your defences sharp and your company prepared. Just like committing to fitness, it’s about showing up, every day, without fail.
If you’re interested in learning more about being successful in this area, check out:
Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up, asking the tough questions, and refusing to ignore what’s uncomfortable. AI is transforming everything—from the threats to the tools—and your role in shaping your company’s resilience has never been more critical.
Internee at Fazzilet Marketing Internship group
3 周This is a vital discussion for today’s business landscape. Your insights on the importance of AI in enhancing cybersecurity are spot on. Let's continue to drive proactive measures that keep our organizations secure.