Enhancing CISO-Board communication: Three key questions for the CISO to answer

Effective communication between the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and the Board of Directors is crucial for enhancing organizational cybersecurity governance, yet this relationship is often challenged by differing risk management perspectives and language. While CISOs focus on cyber risks and daily mitigation tasks, boards consider broader corporate governance and enterprise risk management, leading to potential misunderstandings. To bridge this gap, CISOs must adeptly translate cyber risks into board-relevant contexts, addressing how these risks could impact operations, reputation, and compliance. The board, in turn, should pose questions that foster clear understanding of risk profiles and management strategies. Preparing for this dialogue involves anticipating board inquiries and aligning presentations with organizational priorities. Establishing mutual understanding, especially through key risk indicators (KRIs) and regular reporting on security controls, is essential for aligning cybersecurity efforts with corporate strategies. Ultimately, open dialogue and collaboration between CISOs and boards can lead to more resilient risk management and effective cybersecurity programs.