When it comes to cyber security, what are the most important things that board members need to be able to understand to effectively oversee cyber risk management?

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CIOa year ago
This is not going to answer the question directly, but it never ceases to amaze me how many organizations do not have a comprehensive understanding of their compute/network/storage infrastructure and its interconnections/dependencies on external providers.  If you do not understand your terrain, it is impossible to effectively oversee and/or manage your cyber risk. So as a board member, I would want to know if the organization has an up-to-date authoritative source of truth that comprehensively documents and monitors change in the infrastructure.
Director of IT9 months ago
Risk tolerance.  without an understanding of that everything will look like the sky is falling.  
CISO in Energy and Utilities5 months ago
Speak to the board in the language that the business speaks in. Don't inundate them with IT or mind-numbing cybersecurity statistics. The best advice I ever received about dealing with the board was to meet with them individually. Get to know them and understand their level of knowledge. Give them a chance to ask the questions they've always wanted but were afraid to ask, then watch what happens at the next board meeting. They will ask the same questions that the two of you talked about… It makes you look like a genius and them as well. It's like any other executive interaction, relationships matter. 
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CISO in Software5 months ago

Agree with Nikk - you MUST speak in the vernacular and business focus of the organization. When you can articulate the impact on the actual specific business elements, you will be able to drive the right results.

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CIO5 months ago
a. Board members should remain abreast of emerging technologies and their implications for cyber security, ensuring alignment between technological innovations and risk management strategies.

b. Board members should actively promote and cultivate a culture of security throughout the organization, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in safeguarding sensitive information and assets.

c. Consideration should be given to procuring cyber insurance coverage as a means of mitigating financial risk associated with cyber incidents, complementing the organisation’s overall risk management strategy.
Director of IT in IT Services5 months ago
In my personal view, board members must grasp the severity of cyber threats, understand the organization's risk posture, and support robust cyber risk management strategies.

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