Effective Cybersecurity Transformation Requires More Than Just Financial Investment

An interview with global cybersecurity thought leader and Corix Partners founder JC Gaillard

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In a recent article, global cybersecurity expert and thought-leader JC Gaillard shared his insights on the complexities of cybersecurity transformation, emphasizing the importance of leadership, governance, and cultural change.

Through this conversation, JC Gaillard highlights that effective cybersecurity transformation is multifaceted, requiring more than just financial investment. It demands committed leadership, a cohesive culture, and a comprehensive strategy that aligns with the organization’s core business objectives.

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In your article, you mention that increased budgets alone aren’t sufficient to enhance cybersecurity maturity. Could you elaborate on this?

Certainly. While it’s true that cybersecurity budgets are on the rise, this financial commitment doesn’t automatically translate to improved security postures. The core issue often lies in execution failures. Many organizations have historically approached cybersecurity as a purely technical challenge, delegating it to IT departments without addressing the broader organizational and cultural changes required. This narrow focus can lead to misaligned strategies and persistent vulnerabilities.

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You emphasize the roles of the “What,” “How,” and “Who” in driving effective cybersecurity change. Can you explain their significance?

Absolutely.

• **The “What”: This pertains to the specific actions and strategies an organization implements to bolster cybersecurity. While identifying these actions is crucial, it’s just the starting point.
• **The “How”: This focuses on the methodology and processes employed to execute the identified strategies. It’s about ensuring that the implementation is effective, sustainable, and adaptable to evolving threats.
• **The “Who”: This is perhaps the most critical aspect. It involves identifying the right individuals or teams responsible for driving and overseeing cybersecurity initiatives. Leadership commitment from the top echelons of the organization is essential. Without active involvement and ownership from senior leaders, cybersecurity efforts can become siloed and lack the necessary authority to enforce meaningful change.

Neglecting any of these dimensions can undermine the entire cybersecurity framework. For instance, even with a clear strategy (“What”) and a solid implementation plan (“How”), without the right leadership and accountability (“Who”), initiatives may falter due to a lack of direction or support.

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How can organizations shift from a purely technical focus to a more holistic approach to cybersecurity?

The shift begins with leadership. Boards and senior executives must recognize that cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue but a critical business imperative. This recognition should lead to the integration of cybersecurity into the organization’s core values and culture. Practical steps include:

• Establishing Clear Governance Structures: Define roles and responsibilities across the organization to ensure accountability.
• Fostering Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Encourage communication between IT, business units, and support functions to address cybersecurity challenges collectively.
• Investing in Talent and Training: Develop internal capabilities by training existing staff and attracting new talent with diverse skill sets.
• Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation: Regularly assess the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures and be willing to adapt strategies as threats evolve.

By embracing a comprehensive approach that encompasses leadership, culture, and technical measures, organizations can build resilient cybersecurity defences.

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What role does organizational culture play in cybersecurity transformation?

Organizational culture is foundational to cybersecurity. A culture that prioritizes security will naturally encourage behaviours and practices that protect the organization. Conversely, if security is seen as merely a technical or compliance issue, it can lead to disengagement and risky behaviours. Leaders set the tone by:

• Demonstrating Commitment: When employees see that leadership is genuinely invested in cybersecurity, they’re more likely to take it seriously.
• Encouraging Open Communication: Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting potential security issues without fear of retribution.
• Integrating Security into Daily Operations: Making cybersecurity considerations a routine part of business processes rather than an afterthought.

Transforming organizational culture isn’t easy, but it’s essential for sustainable cybersecurity improvements.

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In your view, what are the common pitfalls organizations face when attempting cybersecurity transformation?

One major pitfall is treating cybersecurity as a series of checkbox exercises aimed solely at compliance. This approach can lead to a false sense of security. Another issue is over-reliance on technology solutions without addressing underlying governance and process challenges. Additionally, failing to engage all relevant stakeholders—from top leadership to frontline employees—can result in fragmented efforts and overlooked vulnerabilities. A successful transformation requires a balanced focus on people, processes, and technology, underpinned by strong leadership and a supportive culture.

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Finally, what advice would you offer to leaders embarking on cybersecurity transformation?

Start by acknowledging that cybersecurity is a strategic business issue, not just an IT concern. Engage with experts to assess your current posture and identify gaps. Prioritize building a culture of security within your organization, where every employee understands their role in protecting the company’s assets. Ensure that your strategies are adaptable, as the threat landscape is continually evolving. And most importantly, lead by example—demonstrate your commitment to cybersecurity through your actions and decisions.

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Corix Partners is a Boutique Management Consultancy Firm and Thought-Leadership Platform, focused on assisting CIOs and other C-level executives in resolving Cyber Security Strategy, Organisation & Governance challenges