Whatever security initiative you’re focused on—patching systems, reviewing controls, running audits—put it on hold for a second. Because if you’re not doing this one thing, none of the rest will matter. What’s your most important job as a vCSO? Is it making sure compliance requirements are met? Is it reviewing security tools and policies? Responding to the latest cyber threats? 

Executive communication is your lifeline.  If you’re not regularly in front of the executive team, they’ll assume you’re not doing anything at all. And when budgets tighten or a competitor whispers in their ear, guess who’s first on the chopping block? 

Compliance is overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. For vCSOs feeling the pressure, the smartest move is to start with what matters most: Cyber Insurability. Meeting the requirements for cyber insurance gives you a strong baseline, providing protection while addressing fundamental cybersecurity controls. 

Persuading a skeptical executive to invest in cybersecurity is an art as much as a science. With ransomware attacks surging, regulatory scrutiny tightening, and generative AI lowering the barrier for malicious actors, no business is safe. Yet, some executives remain staunchly opposed to prioritizing cybersecurity budgets.

This is a great time to get conversations going around cybersecurity, but if your organization has been holding off on this topic until now, there’s a problem. Sending out a few emails or having a webinar here or there to remind employees to “be careful online” once a year is incredibly dangerous. 

The growing complexity and frequency of cyberattacks means that organizations must treat cybersecurity as an investment, not just a cost. By embedding cybersecurity into their overall business strategy, companies can protect their assets, build trust with clients, and ensure long-term success. 

Whether it’s a quarterly security briefing or an incident response, communication is vital. Did you know that 86% of employees cite poor communication as the main factor at play in any level of organizational failure?

How do you balance the uniqueness of your business with the fact that you need to achieve security and compliance as quickly, reliably, and cost-efficiently as possible?