What is your real "WHY" of the Digital Security?
Sekhara Gudipati
CISSP,CCSP - Data-Driven Defense Evangelist for IT, IS and AI Security, Trusted Advisor for CISO/CTO/CRO/CAE, IT and Cyber Resilience Expert, Global High Performing Team Coach, Cross-Functional Collaborator across 3LODs
As we embark on our journey into the new decade, it is time to revisit our WHY of the Digital Security / Information Security / Cybersecurity.
During my interactions with several people in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd line of defenses, I recognized that the organizations are more worried about the reputational damage, meeting regulatory requirements, protecting IT assets, and avoiding fines/penalties. While the things mentioned above are essential, I believe some critical aspects are still missing, and it's the time to redefine the "WHY" of digital security.
I had an opportunity to speak about this topic at the 42nd Annual Ohio IASA Chapter conference and I'm happy to share the summary here.
Trust: TRUST is the foundation of the digital economy. 64% of customers say they are unlikely to do business with a company that has experienced a sensitive data breach in the past. Organizations need to demonstrate due diligence and due care to build TRUST by protecting customers' data and privacy and meeting ever-changing customer expectations.
Bottom line: Adding the customer dimension to your digital security initiatives is a critical thing.
Business Growth: Digital Transformation is the new norm for business sustenance and growth. According to one of Gartner's survey, 82% have a management initiative or transformation program to make the business digital. So, the speed of the digital transformation is going to be much higher in the year 2020 and beyond. These initiatives are eventually going to increase the attack surface with more and more vulnerabilities if organizations are not focusing on digital security.
Bottom line: Digital Security is mandatory to grow your business.
Digital Peace: Each of us is accountable for establishing and striving for the fearless technology/digital environment for peace and happiness in the community/society.
Bottom line: Organizations should continuously educate employees and customers and provide an assurance on information security.
I hope you revisit your WHY and discover your new WHY of the Digital Security / Information Security / Cybersecurity for a more productive conversation with your executives and the board.
I wish you happy holidays and a happy new year!