Intelligent CISO Issue 45 | Page 37

In a global Statista survey , 94.5 % of security leadership respondents stated that securing Digital Transformation initiatives is a cybersecurity priority post-pandemic .
FEATURE
Throughout 2021 , CISOs and cybersecurity decision-makers have found themselves busy with continued uncertainty around COVID-19 restrictions and weakened cyber defences as a consequence .
A prolonged shift to remote working has increased usage of cloud software which has proven complicated to protect . In a global Statista survey , 94.5 % of security leadership respondents stated that securing Digital Transformation initiatives is a cybersecurity priority post-pandemic .
Working from home will continue to present challenges
As mentioned previously , working remotely has totally transformed the way businesses operate and has become the ‘ go-to ’ environment for many . As the shift
A balance between remote and in-office working has provided many businesses with greater flexibility and efficiency .
However , a hybrid working model has complicated the process further for CISOs trying to protect their business . In 2022 , this will be no different . Research from Gartner shows that 75 % of hybrid or remote knowledge workers say their expectations for working flexibly have increased , and four out of 10 employees are at risk of leaving if they are forced to return to an in-person office environment .
Cybersecurity taskforces will have to continue to be flexible and thorough to best protect this new business environment . I ’ ve put together some of my key predictions for 2022 so that CISOs can better understand how to protect their business in the year ahead .

In a global Statista survey , 94.5 % of security leadership respondents stated that securing Digital Transformation initiatives is a cybersecurity priority post-pandemic .

Kev Eley , Vice President Sales , Europe at LogRhythm
becomes more permanent , this way of working will become a target for attackers who will exploit the lack of protection many businesses are still operating with . Social engineering tactics will be ulitised by cybercriminals to impersonate employees and infiltrate systems .
Parallel to this , cybercriminals will also capitalise on relaxed Bring Your Own Device ( BYOD ) policies . CISOs will be rightly concerned about the risks of malicious viruses and lack of control over personal devices , as well as the potential for sensitive data to be accessed if the device is lost or stolen . It ’ s their responsibility to crack down on unprotected devices and ensure employees have access to cyber protection software when handling critical data .
CISOs will have a seat at the table
We can expect the role of the CISO to gain more appreciation from CEOs and boards in 2022 , as they begin to understand a constant stream of communication with CISOs is the best way to gain better executive visibility . By understanding the risks their business is facing , they can better plan budget www . intelligentciso . com
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