Cyber skills aren't optional: Why business leaders need to speak security fluently

Many business leaders still approach cybersecurity as a technical problem – something for the IT team to sort out or something they'll deal with when it becomes urgent. By then, the damage is often done. 

One reason leaders struggle to give sufficient attention to cybersecurity is that it's primarily about prevention. The best work stops attacks and protects data, which makes it inherently challenging to evaluate its importance when everything is going well. 

The relevance of cybersecurity becomes really evident when things go wrong. At that moment, most leaders regret not having focused more on the issue.

Another reason leaders often neglect cybersecurity or make investment mistakes is a lack of knowledge. Traditional business education focuses much more on areas that leaders deal with daily, such as financial statements and market analysis, rather than technical subjects like cyber risk. 

This made sense for decades, but the digital transformation of businesses and the expansion of attack possibilities, followed by criminals' growing capabilities, have completely changed the balance.

In a world where most companies fundamentally depend on technology to operate, ensuring no one can affect this ability makes cybersecurity a responsibility for the entire organisation. 

The problem is that not only many leaders think this is an IT problem – almost everybody else does too. 

One role of non-technical leadership is to change this mindset and create an environment where most workers share responsibility and understand the stakes. To do that effectively, these leaders need to know what they're talking about, what's required and the consequences.

Another role is creating bridges between technical teams and the rest of the organisation. IT teams often struggle to communicate the business impact and rationale behind their measures and processes. Most employees don't realise the importance of paying attention to them until they're locked out of their computers by an attack. 

Company leaders need to ensure these groups understand each other and that the right actions are taken and followed. In short, ensure the company has strong governance. 

A more obvious role of leaders is deciding on cybersecurity investments. Here, too, cyber skills and fluency are fundamental. Leaders must ask the right questions, evaluate security proposals, and assess whether decisions are working.

Most leaders would agree they need to know more about cybersecurity. But they're busy people, typically with a long list of other responsibilities. 

If that's your case, you don't need to become a cybersecurity expert overnight, but you do need to start learning. The first step is embracing that this is part of your commitments.

You can start by incorporating cybersecurity into your regular discussions or making time to dive deeper into the subject. Find out what metrics (like incident reports) you should be reading or learn about frameworks like the Essential Eight, developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

Look for executive-focused cybersecurity programs that translate technical concepts into business language. Seek out courses covering governance, risk management, and incident response.

Make cybersecurity education an ongoing commitment. The threat landscape is constantly changing, and your knowledge must evolve accordingly.

Cybersecurity fluency is essential for effective governance in the digital age. The question isn't whether you'll face cyber threats but whether you'll be prepared when they arrive. 
The leaders who will thrive in the coming years will be those who can navigate both business strategy and cyber risk with confidence. 

Ready to develop the cybersecurity fluency your leadership role demands? 

The time to start is now.