What is a Culture of Cybersecurity?
Whether you realize it or not, your company is at risk from security attacks. The aggressiveness and creativity of hackers have increased. And, the onus on CFOs to step up and collaborate with other areas of the business is more urgent than ever.
For perspective, a recent article by Chuck Brooks for Forbes highlights the staggering impact of ransomware.
The pace of security threats isn’t going to slow down. However, CFOs can be proactive and engaged to help mitigate the risks. This starts by being a leader that coaches people to be highly vigilant.
Collaboration with the CIO is critical to understand the potential technology risks. This understanding can translate into action by creating governance policies that allow for flexibility —Â a living, breathing guide for employees.
Next, lead by example. CFOs can no longer be passive participants in security. By continuously sharing insights and knowledge with all levels of the organization, the CFO can set the tone for a culture of cybersecurity.
Be Digitally Literate
Historically, the “old-school” C-Suite would hand technology responsibilities to the “IT crowd”. Then, if something bad happened, there was no sense of responsibility and the blame could be passed to someone else to deal with.
WHY?
If you are a CFO, you should be digitally literate. You should make the effort to learn:
- The tools the finance team is using
- The tools the company is using
- To be aware of new tools that could streamline finance operations
Now is the time to set ego aside and be humble enough to learn from others. Your experience and knowledge coupled with the digital literacy could light up strategic ideas for technology.
Closing Thoughts
People are the greatest asset within your company. The CFO’s commitment and investment in the people and technology set the foundation for a culture of cybersecurity.
There is a phrase that’s been around for a while but is still relevant today.
Culture is caught not taught
Lastly, the importance of security needs to be stressed every day. But, needs to be done with a level of compassionate leadership. You need to realize people won’t understand day one, or day two, or day three. It requires and continuous, collaborative effort.
Your financial data and security is your responsibility!
