In an era of relentless ransomware attacks, data breaches, and regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern—it’s a boardroom imperative. Yet many U.S. executives remain complacent until a breach forces their hand. The belief that “we’re too small to be targeted” or “our IT team has it covered” is not only outdated—it’s dangerous.
For cybersecurity professionals trying to secure investment and executive buy-in, reframing cybersecurity as a strategic business priority can be essential.
Below are several practical steps C-suite leaders can take to reduce complacency and increase the organization’s commitment to cyber defense.
Debunking Dangerous Myths
Myth 1: Small businesses aren’t targets.
In fact, small and midsize U.S. businesses are often targeted precisely because they lack robust defenses. Automated attacks scan for vulnerabilities indiscriminately—if your systems are weak, you’re a viable target.
Myth 2: “We’ve never been breached.”
Cyberattacks are inevitable. The only question is whether your organization is prepared to detect, contain, and recover. Yesterday’s luck won’t stop tomorrow’s breach.
Myth 3: Outsourcing equals immunity.
Third-party vendors introduce risk. As highlighted in Verizon’s DBIR report1, complex supply chains and digital ecosystems often lead to more devastating breaches.
Empowering the CISO as a Strategic Storyteller
The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) must be more than a technologist—they must be a translator and advocate. When executive interest spikes (often after a headline breach), CISOs should pivot to scenario-based planning.
Use real-world incidents—especially those involving competitors or similarly sized businesses—to drive urgency. Benchmarking against peers and asking questions like “Would our insurance cover this?” or “How fast could we recover?” helps make the risk tangible.
Making Cyber Risk Tangible
To shift cybersecurity from a cost center to a strategic investment, translate risks into financial terms:2
- Average breach cost: Nearly $5 million
- Time to contain a breach: 292 days (for stolen credentials)
- Business disruption: 70% of organizations experienced major disruption in 2024
- Human error: Responsible for 22% of breaches3
Downtime math:
If your annual revenue is $10 million, one day offline costs ~$27,400.4
Reputation impact:
65% of customers lose trust post-breach, affecting sales and partnerships.5
Insurance fallout:
Premiums can spike by 200% after an incident—or coverage may be denied.6
Fostering a Culture of Cyber Accountability
Cybersecurity must be a shared responsibility across the organization. Senior leaders can model proactive behavior by:
- Recognizing vigilance: Publicly thank employees who report phishing attempts.
- Simulating crises: Run tabletop exercises where executives respond to breach scenarios. These build empathy and highlight gaps in preparedness.
Start Small, Think Long Term
For resource-constrained U.S. businesses, incremental steps matter. Begin with a risk assessment and foundational controls. Layer on advanced tools like artificial intelligence (AI) once the basics are solid. Consistency will beat intensity here.
Employees are our weakest link in cybersecurity risks. Modest investments, even $5,000 annually for phishing simulation, can help prevent million-dollar losses.
The Cost of Waiting
The hardest part of cybersecurity is selling urgency without a crisis. But deferring action is a gamble. By tying cyber preparedness to financial outcomes, competitive advantage, and organizational resilience, CISOs can turn skepticism into strategic action.
Is your leadership team ready to take cybersecurity seriously?
Learn how our Technology Services team at Forvis Mazars can help you assess your cyber risk posture, quantify potential impact, and build a prevention strategy that aligns with your U.S. business goals. Contact us to schedule a C-suite cyber readiness briefing today or join us for our 2025 Cybersecurity Virtual Symposium on October 14–15.