The landscape of cyber security for business constantly evolves, but one challenge remains: communication. It’s not just about investing in cutting-edge technology or hiring top-tier experts; true cyber security leadership hinges on understanding and fostering effective dialogue between your technical team and the executive suite. This is where the transformation from cyber security professional to cyber security leader begins.

At CyberHive we prioritise enabling our customers to focus on their growth, profitability and innovation – and so we want to share our findings around these communication hurdles – but more importantly a toolkit that helps address them.

Beyond technical expertise

While technical prowess undoubtedly has its merits, it takes more than just technical skills to effectively overcome the communication hurdle in cyber security. The key differentiator lies in having a strategic mindset capable of translating intricate technical details into the language of business. Often, this is overlooked, creating a substantial barrier to effective cyber security practices, regardless of the size of your organisation.

Why communication is crucial

The natural tendency for many tech experts is to communicate in their own technical language, devoid of the business context. Cyber security professionals tend to be methodical and insightful, but this can inadvertently lead to one-sided conversations that resemble a debate rather than a collaboration. Given that cyber security is all about managing risk and navigating uncertainty, our communication should mirror this nuanced perspective, avoiding definitive statements.

A toolkit for cyber security communication

Enhancing the way communication occurs between executives and technical teams is pivotal. At CyberHive, we have broken down four key areas for focused improvement:

• Illustrate potential risks: Convey the likelihood of loss without guaranteeing whether it will occur.
• Evaluate the probability: Assess the factors that could influence the likelihood and quantify them where possible.
• Quantify potential business costs: If worst-case scenarios unfold, what would the financial impact be?
• Determine protection costs: Clarify the investment needed to mitigate potential risks.

Putting an exact cost on risk is complex – even for insurance companies. So, general estimates, rather than specific figures, are more practical. Framing communication around cyber security in business terms enables everyone in the company to comprehend potential risks and aligns both tech and executive teams in overcoming this communication challenge.

Pioneering communication in cybersecurity leadership

Bridging the communication divide between your tech team and executives marks a critical stride in fortifying your organisation’s cybersecurity. At CyberHive, we don’t just excel in technical expertise; we specialise in translating complex cyber threats into the language of business. Contact us today to explore how we can seamlessly integrate cyber security for business into your strategy.