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CSOs and tech leaders face a challenge: convincing C-suite colleagues to prioritise cybersecurity spending. These colleagues, focused on profits, might question the necessity of such investments. Here’s where effective communication comes in. CSOs, along with most tech leaders, must explain the value, progress, and necessity of robust cybersecurity initiatives in terms clear to non-experts. To empower them, we detail 8 factors and metrics that demonstrate the worth of these initiatives. 

1. Security Can Be an Enabler, Not a Burden

Traditionally, security measures are seen as obstacles for team members. To combat this, prioritise what’s most crucial to protect and implement streamlined security measures around it. Ditch burdensome practices like complex passwords with frequent changes. These create frustration and hinder a strong cybersecurity culture (and true security). Instead, implement password-less solutions, security keys, or hardware-based authentication for improved efficiency and overall security.  

2. Measure Employee Cybersecurity Awareness for Powerful Insights

Don’t overlook your employees’ cybersecurity knowledge. Analyse security awareness training test results. These offer a valuable window into employees’ understanding of threats and best practices. A security-savvy workforce acts as your organisation’s last line of defence, making them a powerful indicator of overall cybersecurity progress. 

3. Prioritise Cybersecurity to Reduce Risks and Strengthen Your Organisation

Make cybersecurity a core organisational priority. A robust approach significantly reduces the risk of major cyberattacks, preventing financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal repercussions. As ransomware and data breaches become more common, fostering a strong security culture throughout your organisation is essential. 

4. Track Your Speed in Squashing Security Threats

Just like a fire alarm, faster detection and resolution of security issues minimises damage.  Implement metrics to measure how quickly your team identifies and fixes problems. Demonstrating a steadily decreasing response time signifies a more secure environment – a concept easily grasped by everyone. 

5. Maintain Continuous Visibility to Eliminate Blind Spots

Never lose sight of your digital assets. Organisations often become vulnerable when they lack visibility into their systems, vulnerabilities, and configurations. By actively capturing this data, you can eliminate blind spots and gain complete situational awareness. Additionally, develop a comparative model that tracks how your security posture improves over time relative to evolving threats. This approach effectively demonstrates the maturing effectiveness of your cybersecurity efforts. 

6. Reduce Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) for Stronger Security

Focus on shrinking your Mean Time to Detect (MTTD). This metric measures the average time it takes to identify a security threat. A consistently decreasing MTTD signifies a more vigilant team with enhanced detection capabilities. This translates directly to reduced risk for the organisation. By showcasing a clear improvement in this metric, CSOs can communicate cybersecurity progress in terms easily understood by the C-suite. 

7. Leverage Vulnerability Risk Ratings (VRR) for Clear Communication

Think of a Vulnerability Risk Rating (VRR) like a credit score for your organisation’s security posture. Just as a high credit score indicates financial responsibility, a low VRR signifies a strong security stance. This easy-to-understand analogy has proven effective in our experience, helping us explain the importance of cybersecurity to non-technical audiences. 

8. Track Unresolved Vulnerabilities to Show Progress

Monitor the number of unresolved vulnerabilities in your systems and networks. This metric directly reflects your progress in cybersecurity. A steadily decreasing number indicates your security measures are effectively patching weaknesses, fortifying your defences, and ultimately safeguarding valuable company data and assets. 

Boost Your Cybersecurity Today

There is an intrinsic link between your organisation and its cybersecurity. Make sure your systems are strong – contact us today and arrange a cybersecurity review.