Intelligent Health.tech Issue 23 | Page 26

REGIONAL DIRECTOR – AUSTRALIA , NEW ZEALAND AND PACIFIC ISLANDS , WATCHGUARD TECHNOLOGIES
E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N

ANTHONY DANIEL

REGIONAL DIRECTOR – AUSTRALIA , NEW ZEALAND AND PACIFIC ISLANDS , WATCHGUARD TECHNOLOGIES

The role of the Chief Information Security Officer ( CISO ) has never been more critical . As the digital landscape evolves and cyberthreats become increasingly sophisticated , CISOs must navigate complex challenges to protect their organisations .

A cornerstone of effective cyber-risk management is fostering a collaborative environment between IT and security teams . Historically , these groups have often operated in silos , hindering their ability to respond effectively to cyber threats .
To bridge this divide , CISOs must prioritise building strong relationships and open communication channels between these crucial departments . This requires a leadership-driven security culture where cyber-risk is viewed as a shared responsibility , not solely the domain of the security team .
By establishing an information security council with representatives from IT and other departments , CISOs can create a platform for open dialogue and collaboration . This council provides a space to share insights , align on shared objectives and develop joint strategies to mitigate cyber-risks .
Ultimately , the success of any cybersecurity program hinges on the ability to foster a culture of security across the entire organisation . By prioritising collaboration between IT and security teams , CISOs can create a more resilient and secure environment .
In today ’ s threat landscape , where cyberattacks are becoming increasingly frequent and damaging , this approach is essential for protecting an organisation ’ s valuable assets . For this reason , CISOs must evolve their strategies to stay ahead of the curve .
By cultivating a collaborative environment and breaking down silos between IT and security teams , organisations can significantly enhance their ability to mitigate and manage cyber-risks .
It ’ s essential that CISOs demonstrate a genuine commitment to involving all stakeholders in the security process , ensuring their feedback and ideas are valued .
Once trust and collaboration are established , IT and security teams can work together to develop and implement joint protocols for incident management . By clearly defining roles and responsibilities , organisations can significantly improve their response capabilities in the event of a cyberattack . This collaborative approach also enables teams to identify and address security weaknesses more efficiently .
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