Cyber risk management is evolving, placing greater emphasis on collaboration and the critical role of human interaction. Experts in the field are advocating for a more people-centric approach, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds and perspectives that individuals bring to the table. This shift recognizes that successful cyber risk management isn't just about processes and technology, but also about understanding and working effectively with others.
Another reason for this large shift is the recognition that cybersecurity and cyber risk management are not just a technical security issue. Cyber is a core business function and Boards and C-suite Executives need to know what their top security risks are and how they will impact the business.
The Human Aspect as a Core Component
At the heart of this approach is the understanding that everyone involved in risk management is, first and foremost, human. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and lose sight of the fact that you are collaborating with people who have their priorities, pressures, and ways of working. To foster a more collaborative environment, it's important to personalize interactions and remember that individual urgency levels may differ. Small gestures, such as carefully scheduling meetings and being mindful of others' time, can lay the groundwork for more productive relationships. Recognizing the human element involves:
- Understanding the motivations and drivers of individuals
- Recognizing that personal priorities can affect business interactions
- Being flexible and respectful of others' time and commitments
Top Cyber Risk Alignment Approaches
To ensure teams are aligned and working towards common goals, clear communication is paramount. This involves taking the time to understand the perspectives of others and articulating the "why" behind priorities. Effective communication isn't just about conveying information, it's about building bridges and creating a shared understanding. Strategies for achieving this include:
- Knowing Your Audience: Tailoring your communication to resonate with the specific needs and interests of your audience.
- Asking Questions and Listening to Learn: Actively listening to understand different perspectives and challenges.
- Articulating the "Why": Clearly communicating the vision and the reasons behind priorities.
When working with external partners, it's equally important to understand their priorities and identify potential synergies. By framing your message in a way that is relevant to their goals, you can increase engagement and foster stronger relationships.
Leaning into Difficult Conversations: Navigating Cyber Risk Challenges
One of the biggest challenges in risk management is effectively communicating complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders. This requires a willingness to translate technical jargon into plain language and to be patient as others grapple with new concepts. When engaging in difficult conversations, it's essential to:
- Translate Technical Terms: Speak in a language that non-technical stakeholders can understand.
- Test Your Message: Practice explaining complex issues to others and gather feedback.
- Be Patient: Allow time for information to digest and be prepared for multiple discussions.
- Remember You're a Partner: Emphasize that you are there to support and collaborate, not to criticize.
- By focusing on shared understanding and mutual support, you can navigate difficult conversations more effectively and build trust with your colleagues.
Cyber Risk Quantification (CRQ) can be a pivotal solution to bridging the gap between security and business by translating cyber risk into financial terms. Discover more approaches on how to measure cyber risk here.
Tactical Examples and Overcoming Challenges
Overcoming challenges in risk management often requires a creative and collaborative approach. For example, when making a pitch or facing resistance to a new initiative, it can be helpful to tap into your network for support and seek advice from those who know the other party well. This can provide valuable insights and help you adjust your approach. It is important to remember, though, that in larger organizations, support and partnership should be viewed as the default and you should strive to collaborate with others. Recognizing the shared goal, can ease difficult conversations and bring about shared understanding.
Leading Through Questions
Inquisitive leaders can lead by asking questions to bring the team together. Teams can become more focused on the present moment and have their attention directed appropriately when leaders ask questions and listen to the answers to learn. The power of a question should not be understated.
Wrapping up
The future of cyber risk management lies in integrating the human element, communicating effectively, and building strong relationships.
Good integration involves teams collaborating earlier and more often across multiple functions and lines of defense. Break down barriers between groups to foster touch points. Consider the downstream dependencies and impacts of your team's deliverables. Effective communication becomes crucial in larger, more complex organizations.
To drive integration, consider who else could be involved in your work. Even if you don't think someone should be interested, ask them, as you might learn something new. Embrace the idea that there is always value that other people can provide.
By prioritizing collaboration and mutual understanding, organizations can navigate uncertainty and achieve their risk management goals. This requires a shift in mindset, from viewing cyber risk management as a purely technical exercise to recognizing it as a fundamentally human endeavor.
