The cybersecurity journey: 3 steps to building an enduring program for lasting value

Cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination. As we conclude our Cyber Awareness Month series, we reflect on the collective insights from our discussions. The value of creating an enduring cyber program lies in its ability to adapt and evolve with the business it protects.?

An effective cybersecurity enablement strategy is one that is ingrained in the fabric of an organization, continuously maturing and aligning with changing business objectives, technological advancements and the ever-shifting threat landscape. It‘s about fostering a culture of security awareness, where every stakeholder understands their role in safeguarding the enterprise‘s digital assets.??

?1.?Enable business growth?

Throughout this series, we‘ve emphasized the importance of moving beyond compliance to make strategic cybersecurity investments that enable business growth and innovation. An enduring cyber program is characterized by its proactive nature, scalability and integration with business processes.??

?2. Leverage emerging technology on your cyber journey?

Successful cyber programs leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning not just for defense, but as tools for unlocking new capabilities and driving operational excellence.??

By viewing cybersecurity as a journey, businesses can ensure that their investments are not static but dynamic, contributing to a resilient infrastructure that supports long-term ambitions and facilitates a secure path to achieving them.?

3. Keep humans at the center?

Despite the emergence of new technology, an organization’s employees are still the frontline to defend against cybersecurity threats. Creating an environment that gives employees confidence in their ability to recognize security threats will help keep your organization secure.?

As highlighted in our? 2024 EY Human Risk in Cybersecurity Survey, developing robust training programs makes a substantial difference in employees’ confidence in identifying threats.??

In wrapping up this month’s insights, it’s clear that the true value of cybersecurity lies in its ability to be both a shield and a catalyst. An enduring cyber enablement program is a testament to an organization’s commitment to not just protect, but also empower its pursuit of innovation and success.??

As we look beyond #Cyber Awareness Month, let’s carry forward the mindset that cybersecurity is an ongoing journey — one that requires vigilance, agility and foresight. By embracing this approach, we can create not just a secure present for our businesses but also a promising and sustainable future.??

Special thanks to all my partners who live cyber awareness every single day!

Ayan Roy Monica Sagrario Nicole Koopman Chris Mikucki Nana Ahwoi Kyle Harvey Payal Thakkar Scott Smith Varun Sharma, CISSP Brian DePersiis William Fryberger Daniel Mellen Tapan Shah Michelle D. David Cooper Santiago Marra James Phillippe Sean Wessman Emma Tucker Douglas Clifton Robert Belk Andrea Craig Michael Davis Nicholas Gazos Jimmy J. Esther Lee Brian Masch Patrick Hynes Mamadou Niang Priyanka Garg Michael Schultz David Trollman Vickie Papapetrou Brian Wilkinson

?The views reflected in this article are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms.