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But here’s the thing: the board might feel lost in the complexity of what IT does. They’re asking themselves why they’re spending so much on tools and people, when they don’t fully understand what they’re being used for.

Let’s be honst: it’s natural for them to want clarity.

Even if you’re an IT professional feeling a bit skeptical about the board’s intentions, you can still see that their involvement is a great chance to align security measures with the company’s broader goals. It’s all about framing this as a partnership, not a critique.

One of the best ways to do that is through a cybersecurity assessment that actually makes sense—something that’s more than just checking boxes, and instead, ensures everyone is on the same page about what really matters in security.

Yet, this is also where the challenge lies.

The board needs to show they’re genuinely interested in helping IT succeed and not just looking to make cuts. At the same time, IT professionals need to clearly explain why the tools and people they rely on are crucial for keeping the company secure.

It’s a two-way street, and meeting in the middle is the only way to make it work.

Reframing the cybersecurity assessment

A well-thought-out cybersecurity assessment is a critical tool for driving the organization forward. It’s not about pointing fingers or finding fault; it’s about aligning the entire organization. Involving various departments—especially IT leadership, but also the board itself—ensures that the assessment reflects a holistic view of the organization.

By bringing the IT operational side and the board together, you ensure that technical insights are properly aligned with strategic priorities. And isn’t that just how it should be?

Remember: board involvement is a great sign!

Board involvement in this process signals to the entire organization that cybersecurity is a priority at the highest level. Cybersecurity assessments are, if anything, a sanity check for all stakeholders and a way to ensure that processes are robust and aligned with the organization’s goals as a whole.

As an IT professional, it may be tempting to dismiss these assessments as just another whim of the board—maybe someone heard about a cybersecurity assessment and now wants to jump on the bandwagon. It’s time-consuming, and you probably think they don’t really care, right?

But even if that’s true, a cybersecurity assessment should still be seen as an opportunity. What if it helps you uncover a critical weakness you overlooked? Or what if the board’s involvement finally opens their eyes to an issue you’ve been trying to get them to acknowledge for months?

Take this chance to demonstrate the value of what you do every day and to align your efforts with the broader business strategy: having the CEO in your corner can make all the difference.

The value of an external perspective

Don’t we all need fresh insights from an external perspective? It may be just what you and your organization need to move forward! The external experts performing the cybersecurity assesment can identify risks and opportunities that might be overlooked internally. These insights are crucial, particularly when considering the implementation of advanced strategies like Zero Trust.

Outside perspective helps bridge potential gaps between departments and align everyone towards a unified cybersecurity approach. After all, at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: for your organization’s cybersecurity to be robust and future-proof.

We’re on the same team

As cheesy as it might sound, in cybersecurity assessments, it’s all about teamwork—there’s no “us” and “them.” These assessments are strategic tools designed to align and enhance the entire organization, fostering a unified approach to security.

Let’s face it, we’re all on the same team here!

Is it time to elevate your cybersecurity?