CEOs need to know that there are two types of organizations, those that have been hacked, and those that have been hacked, but don’t know it yet. So says Clayton Naidoo, regional sales manager and one of Cisco’s cyber security subject matter experts.
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According to him, CIOs know the threats, but CEOs need to lead the process of protecting their networks, data and assets, both tangible and intangible, as an increasing number people and devices are connected across multiple networks.
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Naidoo says the need for consumers and workers to connect and collaborate any time, on any device, and from anywhere, is challenging businesses to simplify control, access and usability in an increasingly complex environment.
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Managing the growing number of connections in an increasingly sophisticated threat landscape, means adding corresponding levels of security. The pace of change is also being driven by the adoption of machine learning, artificial intelligence and the Internet of things (IOT), and is challenging CEOs to leverage technology for competitive or operational advantage so that their companies are prepared for the security risks that come with increased connectivity, he says.
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In addition, although security breaches and any major disruptions of the Internet remain a top concern for CEOs around the world, they also understand that when people, processes, data and machines are connected over the Internet, there are huge opportunities to create new revenue streams, as well as customer experiences and efficiencies.
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The benefits of moving to the cloud outweigh the risks, and in order to remain agile and competitive, CEOs must ensure that their companies are digitally adept across the value chain. Security is not just a CIO’s job. It is a boardroom issue, concludes Naidoo.