Trustwave SpiderLabs Uncovers Unique Cybersecurity Risks in Today's Tech Landscape. Learn More

Trustwave SpiderLabs Uncovers Unique Cybersecurity Risks in Today's Tech Landscape. Learn More

Services
Capture
Managed Detection & Response

Eliminate active threats with 24/7 threat detection, investigation, and response.

twi-managed-portal-color
Co-Managed SOC (SIEM)

Maximize your SIEM investment, stop alert fatigue, and enhance your team with hybrid security operations support.

twi-briefcase-color-svg
Advisory & Diagnostics

Advance your cybersecurity program and get expert guidance where you need it most.

tw-laptop-data
Penetration Testing

Test your physical locations and IT infrastructure to shore up weaknesses before exploitation.

twi-database-color-svg
Database Security

Prevent unauthorized access and exceed compliance requirements.

twi-email-color-svg
Email Security

Stop email threats others miss and secure your organization against the #1 ransomware attack vector.

tw-officer
Digital Forensics & Incident Response

Prepare for the inevitable with 24/7 global breach response in-region and available on-site.

tw-network
Firewall & Technology Management

Mitigate risk of a cyberattack with 24/7 incident and health monitoring and the latest threat intelligence.

Solutions
BY TOPIC
Microsoft Exchange Server Attacks
Stay protected against emerging threats
Rapidly Secure New Environments
Security for rapid response situations
Securing the Cloud
Safely navigate and stay protected
Securing the IoT Landscape
Test, monitor and secure network objects
Why Trustwave
About Us
Awards and Accolades
Trustwave SpiderLabs Team
Trustwave Fusion Security Operations Platform
Trustwave Security Colony
Partners
Technology Alliance Partners
Key alliances who align and support our ecosystem of security offerings
Trustwave PartnerOne Program
Join forces with Trustwave to protect against the most advance cybersecurity threats

10 Ways You and the Board Should Share the Security and Risk Burden

Never mind sophisticated hackers, advanced attacks or naïve employees, one of the most aggravating and tense job responsibilities facing security professionals is interacting with the board of directors. But for even the most old-school infosec executives, board meetings have become as elemental to their profession as maintaining technology to help defend against the latest strain of ransomware.

If your organization is striving for advanced security maturity, security must be woven into its fabric. To achieve this, security leaders like the CISO should report to a non-IT leader, preferably the CEO, and commit to regular communications with the board of directors.

Learn About Trustwave Risk Assessment Services

But the onus of responsibility doesn't solely fall on you. The board itself should also play an important role by taking security seriously and engaging the CISO in thoughtful dialogue.

Here is a quick list of 10 pointers for establishing a mutually beneficial relationship between you and the board - one through which the entire organization will reap benefits:

What the CISO Should Do to Help the Board Make Informed Decisions Around Security and Risk

  1. Develop and communicate a security mission statement rooted in business enablement
  2. Determine your risk appetite and document your risk tolerance in layman's terms
  3. Choose a security framework and map initiatives to that framework
  4. Establish unbreakable rules around security responsibility and information sharing
  5. Keep the board updated on security trends and be prepared to discuss specifics, such as how the organization is responding to a specific threat drawing headlines

What the Board Should Do to Support a Culture of Security Awareness and Accountability

  1. Approach and understand cybersecurity as an enterprise-wide risk issue
  2. Learn the legal implications of cyber risks
  3. Access cybersecurity expertise by giving cyber risk discussions adequate time on the board meeting agenda
  4. Set the expectation that management will establish an enterprise-wide risk management framework with adequate staffing and budget
  5. Discuss cyber risks from the perspective of identifying which risks to avoid, mitigate, accept, or transfer through insurance, as well as specific plans associated with each

In the coming months, we'll have more to share with you around this topic. In the meantime, if you have a specific question, please leave it in the comments and we'll get it answered.

Dan Kaplan is manager of online content at Trustwave and a former IT security reporter and editor.

 

Latest Trustwave Blogs

Unveiling the Latest Ransomware Threats Targeting the Casino and Entertainment Industry

Anyone who has visited a casino knows these organizations go to a great deal of expense and physical effort to ensure their patrons do not cheat. Still, there is a large group of actors who are...

Read More

Third-Party Risk: How MDR Offers Relief as Security Threats Abound

While third-party products and services are crucial to everyday business operations for almost any company, they also present significant security concerns, as high-profile attacks including...

Read More

Trustwave Takes Home Comparably Best Company Outlook for 2024 Award

Comparably, a leading workplace culture and compensation monitoring employee review platform selected Trustwave to receive its Best Company Outlook for 2024 Award. This award marks the seventh time...

Read More