Page 50 - Cyber Defense eMagazine January 2024

doing so, not only can companies propel their development, but they can also elevate their stature in the
marketplace, which leads to higher ROI.

What are some of the challenges organisations face when trying to align cyber security strategies
with business outcomes?

One significant roadblock organisations grapple with is the need for clear visibility into cyber threats.
There's minimal margin for error in cyber risk management, and stakeholders – from boards and investors
to customers – demand a crystal-clear view of a company's cyber security strategy. Yet, in our study,
41% of professionals have expressed difficulties in achieving this visibility.

Additionally, there's the pressing issue of talent acquisition. Just over a third of businesses, 35%, find it
challenging to hire skilled cyber security professionals without breaking the bank.

Alongside this, most cyber threats are time-sensitive, and organisations find themselves in a tricky spot,
often unable to respond promptly due to this limited visibility. This has further hindered the
synchronisation of cyber security efforts with broader business objectives.

Cyberspace can be likened to a rapidly growing city, with new constructions popping up every day,
making the landscape more intricate. 37% of professionals have pointed out how this expanding digital
territory makes even the most fundamental cyber security tasks challenging. So, how do we navigate this
bustling cityscape?

Organisations must adopt a well-structured cyber security roadmap, offering a bird's-eye view of their
entire IT territory, pinpointing potential hazards, delivering business benefits, and enhancing operational
efficiency. Investing in cutting-edge tools is key. These digital watchdogs, powered by machine learning
such as artificial intelligence, keep an eye on your network in real-time and foresee potential threats. With
such tools at their disposal, organisations can take the front foot, intercepting cyber threats before they
snowball into larger crises, ensuring a smoother journey in the digital domain.

One other challenge to consider is dealing with radical uncertainty – unexpected events that cannot be
anticipated. In a cyber context, this usually means the appearance of totally new technology or attack
techniques. It is impossible to plan ahead for these ‘unknown-unknowns’. However, businesses that have
a well-established security canvas will be better positioned to cope with radical uncertainty, while those
still struggling to align business and security objectives will be more wrong-footed by the unexpected.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – January 2024 Edition 50
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