According to TechRadar, a big change is happening in how company leaders think about computer security. A new Gartner survey shows that 85% of CEOs (company bosses) now believe that keeping their company safe from hackers is not just about protection – it’s actually important for helping their business grow.
Why Business Leaders Have Changed Their Minds About Cybersecurity
In the past, many companies saw cybersecurity (protecting computer systems from attacks) as just a way to avoid problems. Now, they see it differently. Think of it like this: a good security system for your home doesn’t just keep thieves out – it gives you peace of mind to focus on making your home better. Similarly, when businesses feel secure, they can take more chances on new ideas that help them grow.
The Gartner survey that found these results was quite thorough. It asked 1,200 CEOs from 15 different industries across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific about their views. The researchers used both face-to-face interviews and online questionnaires to gather this information in the last quarter of 2024.
David Furlonger, a Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, explained that this change comes from several things happening at once:
- More businesses moving their work to computers (digital transformation)
- The rise of artificial intelligence (computer systems that can learn and make decisions)
- New types of risks in today’s connected world
- The need to protect company ideas and inventions from theft
How AI Changes Computer Security Threats
Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the game for cybersecurity. On one hand, AI helps companies spot attacks faster. It can look through huge amounts of computer data quickly – like having thousands of security guards checking every corner of a building at once.
AI Helps and Hurts Security
AI is good at finding zero-day attacks (these are brand new security holes that nobody has fixed yet). But the problem is that bad guys are using AI too. They create things like:
- Deepfakes – fake videos or voice recordings that look and sound real
- Autonomous malware – computer viruses that can spread and attack on their own without human help
This two-sided nature of AI explains why 61% of CEOs are worried about cybersecurity threats. It’s like having better locks on your doors, but the thieves now have better tools too.
| Old View of Cybersecurity | New View of Cybersecurity |
|---|---|
| Just protects what you have | Helps your business grow |
| An expense (costs money) | An investment (makes money) |
| IT department’s problem | Everyone’s responsibility |
Changes Needed at the Top of Companies
For cybersecurity to truly help businesses grow, changes need to happen among the C-suite (the top leaders in a company like the CEO, CFO, etc.). These changes include:
- Giving the CISO (Chief Information Security Officer – the top security leader) a seat at the decision-making table
- Making sure security plans match the company’s business goals
- Creating a culture where everyone in the company thinks about security, not just the IT team
The Cost of Ignoring Security Problems
These changes are not optional. About 84% of company executives report that cyber attacks have hurt their finances. When companies don’t have top leaders owning the security strategy, cybersecurity becomes just a cost center (something that only spends money) rather than something that helps the business grow.
The average cost of a cyber breach in 2024 is $4.88 million (about ₹407 crore in Indian rupees). That’s like buying several luxury homes just because you left your front door unlocked!
For businesses to succeed in today’s digital world, they need to rethink cybersecurity. It’s no longer just about keeping the bad guys out – it’s about creating a secure foundation that gives companies the confidence to innovate and grow. As more business happens online and AI continues to develop, the companies that understand this will have a big advantage over those that don’t.
