Page 129 - Cyber Defense eMagazine July 2024

Harnessing the power of real-time analytics

To secure complete business buy-in, CIOs must be able to effectively communicate the company's digital
health to the board in a manner that is easily comprehensible. However, before they can achieve this,
CIOs require comprehensive visibility of the entire digital infrastructure.

The challenge lies in the fact that businesses often have a complex web of disparate tools, legacy
systems, and a combination of cloud and on-premises solutions that have long hindered the ability to
obtain a clear view of an organisation's operational resilience.

The traditional approach to managing business tech stacks is outdated. Companies may invest in
numerous products, but they often operate in isolation, failing to communicate with each other in a
meaningful way. It is crucial to understand how firewalls relate to network systems, as this level of
intelligence, gained through continuous monitoring, is essential to a comprehensive security strategy.

Many regulatory compliance frameworks are incorporating the need for continuous monitoring to provide
businesses with real-time data on their security posture. However, companies must elevate their security
strategy beyond mere regulatory compliance; if they are investing in technology, it is essential to
maximise its potential.

Continuous Controls Monitoring (CCM) emerges as a powerful solution to address this need. By
seamlessly integrating with various systems and tools across the IT ecosystem, CCM offers a unified
view of an organisation's digital health. It breaks down silos and enables real-time analytics that empower
both the CIO and CFO to make informed decisions.

Real-time analytics provided by these tools ensures that the information is always up-to-date and never
obsolete. With real-time analytics, powered by automation, the interests of the CFO and CIO align,
fostering a collaborative approach to cybersecurity.

Fostering collaboration

To optimise a company's overall strategic objectives, it is crucial for CIOs and CFOs to break down the
silos that have traditionally separated them. By developing a deep understanding of each other's distinct
goals and priorities, they can work together to maximise the achievement of the organisation's strategic
aims.
There is a significant opportunity for CIOs and CFOs to forge a close partnership, aligning technology
investments with financial objectives, mitigating risks, enhancing decision-making processes and
boosting overall operational efficiency. Although they play different roles within the organisation, CIOs
and CFOs are ultimately part of the same team, working towards a common purpose.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – July 2024 Edition 129
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