From Compliance to Strategy: How Boards Can Lead in Cybersecurity Resilience

Cybersecurity has become one of the most pressing issues for boardrooms today, with 88% of directors citing it as a key focus, according to the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). The materiality of cyber risk—its potential to significantly impact financial performance, reputation, and operational continuity—has escalated its importance in governance.

Boards today are grappling with increasingly complex and technical risk decisions, balancing their remit of due diligence and care with the rapidly evolving threat landscape. One way we see boards rising to the challenge is by bringing the right voices to the table. Many are engaging former CISOs and outside experts to guide discussions and provide specialized insights. However, a potential blind spot remains: the need to incorporate emergent practices, even at the board level.

One potential missing piece is recognizing that the organization’s people and culture are integral to a comprehensive cyber risk strategy. Workforce engagement, behavioral insights, and a strong risk-aware culture must be part of the focus from the outset. By addressing these foundational elements early, boards can create a holistic approach that strengthens both technical defenses and organizational resilience.

Here’s how boards can lead the charge in transforming cybersecurity, including its people, into a cornerstone of resilience and growth.

Here’s how boards can lead the charge in transforming cybersecurity into a cornerstone of resilience and growth.

Cybersecurity Is a Team Sport

The days of treating cybersecurity as an IT problem are long gone. Boards need to see themselves as key players in the broader effort to safeguard the organization’s people, assets, and reputation. This means:

• Asking questions that go beyond compliance. Are we addressing the human elements of risk? How are we preparing for emerging threats?

• Supporting cross-departmental collaboration. Risk isn’t siloed, so neither should be the response. IT, HR, Legal, and GRC need board-level advocacy to work together effectively.

• Understanding the stakes. Cyber incidents impact everything from operational continuity to brand trust—issues the board is uniquely positioned to influence.

A Seat at the Table for Human Risk

Human risk often flies under the radar, yet it’s one of the most significant factors in successful cyberattacks. Boards that champion efforts to address human behavior, culture, and engagement will see long-term dividends in reduced risk and improved resilience. Here’s how:

• Recognize the value of behavioral insights. Employees are your first line of defense—or your biggest vulnerability. Programs that focus on mindset, culture, and adaptive learning make a measurable difference.

• Prioritize education that sticks. Compliance-driven training doesn’t change behavior. Boards should demand programs that engage employees at all levels, turning awareness into action.

• Advocate for innovation. Emerging threats like AI-driven phishing require forward-looking solutions that go beyond traditional playbooks.

Driving the Strategy Forward

To truly lead, boards need to take an active role in cybersecurity strategy. This doesn’t mean micromanaging the CISO’s role; it means:

• Insisting on risk quantification. Can we measure and compare our cyber risks, including digital risks and human factors? Are we investing where it matters most to strengthen both technical defenses and cultural resilience?

• Championing resilience as a competitive advantage. Cybersecurity isn’t just a cost center; it’s a driver of trust, market leadership, and cultural transformation, especially in the context of digital transformation.

• Demanding regular updates. Boards need clear, actionable insights that encompass risk culture and human behavior to track progress and adapt to an ever-changing threat landscape.

Cyber resilience isn’t about perfection; it’s about preparation and adaptability. When boards take ownership of their role in cybersecurity strategy, they unlock opportunities to not only protect but also propel the organization forward.