Making cybersecurity a boardroom priority

CYBER RISK is no longer episodic — it is persistent, stealthy, and accelerating.

- By Bambi Escalante

The widespread use of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals is transforming the threat landscape, enabling faster and more covert attacks that evade traditional defenses. At the same time, growing information technology (IT) complexity from cloud and hybrid infrastructure to identity and the Internet of Things has made detection and response more difficult, especially for stretched security teams.

The consequences of a breach now extend far beyond technical disruption. Cyberattacks are resulting in reputational damage, regulatory penalties, data loss, operational downtime, and significant financial impact. In some cases, a single incident has led to leadership accountability, legal consequences, or erosion of customer trust. For business leaders, the question is no longer if an attack will happen, but how prepared their organization is to withstand it.

However, many organizations are still playing catch-up. Fragmented tools, limited visibility, and talent shortages are leaving critical gaps in their cyber defenses. In this high-stakes environment, cybersecurity can no longer be treated as just an IT function. It must be elevated to a boardroom priority, where directors take an active role in driving strategy, investments, and long-term resilience.