Strategic Placement of Cybersecurity Department
Having the Cybersecurity department directly under the CEO ensures it the priority,
collaboration from other departments, and the power required to protect the company
from evolving cyber threats.
Considering the Options
Cybersecurity Under IT
IT is a proper fit for Cybersecurity because they both have similar technical obligations, but
there is a risk that security programs would not be as important as IT’s everyday goals. This
can lead to high-risk management areas, especially ignoring rules and not working well
with other departments.
Cybersecurity Under Finance
Placing Cybersecurity under Finance is effective with taking care of risk and adhering to
regulations but could result in a shortage of technical expertise. Collaboration with IT
would also require additional effort in resolving real-life cybersecurity issues.
Cybersecurity Under Operations
Operations can include Cybersecurity in daily business tasks, making security part of key
processes, but the company might not have the skills to handle advanced cyber threats.
This could lead to slower responses to attacks, missed chances to act early, and limited
use of new technologies. Without strong tech support, mistakes in handling real-time
threats are more likely, leaving the company open to new risks.
Cybersecurity Reporting to the CEO
This positioning puts Cybersecurity on the critical watchlist, and the top management
must oversee it and align it with the company’s overall goals. This also reduces
departmental siloing, allowing Cybersecurity to collaborate with IT, Finance, and
Operations easily. However, for it to be successful, but for this to work, the CEO needs to
give resources and trust strong department leaders.
With the increase in severity of cybersecurity threats, I would place the Cybersecurity
department under the CEO. The organization should consider cybersecurity as a top
priority; decisions can be made with great speed and cooperation among all departments.
Although it would require involvement on the part of the CEO and sharing of his work with
somebody else, this is how risks are kept away, and reputation is preserved.