With the number of cyberattacks skyrocketing it is becoming increasingly important to have an expert in information security for boardrooms is now a pressing business imperative. There are many cybersecurity professionals who are prepared to fulfill this prestigious position. Being able to have such a person in the boardroom can be beneficial for both management and investors alike.

Unfortunately, many executives of businesses www.greatboardroom.com/recommendations-on-being-a-better-nonprofit-board-member/ view cyber security more as an IT issue than a strategic issue of risk management. This is a huge mistake. As a leader in business, it is your fiduciary obligation to protect the assets of your company. This means minimizing the risk to you and your family.

The best way to do this is to teach beyond your IT department. This means that you are constantly in contact with the rest of the C-suite by presenting security-related concepts in a manner that is easily understood without resorting to “geekspeak.”

For instance, when discussing cybersecurity issues in the boardroom, a CISO should be willing to listen to any possible concerns from board members. This allows the CISO the chance to evaluate the risks and strike an equilibrium between them and the desired business benefits.

It is also vital that board members are aware of how to reduce their own risks. This includes checking regularly your email and internet browser history. Additionally, they should access the company’s board portal with devices specifically designed for this purpose and not the same one they use for surfing Facebook or shopping online. In addition, CISOs should make it a point to get board members involved in the regular security training that is provided to all staff.