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Why Cybersecurity is No Longer Just an IT Problem?

Updated: Apr 28


A Strategic, Board-Level Priority Backed by Global & Indian Regulations
A Strategic, Board-Level Priority Backed by Global & Indian Regulations 


Cyber Risk Is Now Enterprise Risk


Cybersecurity in 2025 is no longer a technical function operating in isolation. It has become a strategic business imperative, directly impacting shareholder value, regulatory compliance, customer trust, and business continuity. 


With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated—ransomware-as-a-service, AI-driven phishing, deepfake scams, and third-party breaches—the consequences of not acting are too big for the boardroom to ignore. 

 

What’s Changed: The Threat and Compliance Landscape 


Modern Threats: 

  • Double extortion ransomware 

  • Supply chain attacks on critical third-party vendors 

  • Zero-day exploits targeting SaaS and cloud platforms 

  • AI-generated spear phishing targeting executives 

  • Compromised credentials leading to lateral movement inside networks 


Regulatory Pressure is Rising: 

Global Mandates 

  • SEC Cybersecurity Rule (USA): Mandates disclosure of material cybersecurity incidents within 4 days and demands board-level cyber oversight. 

  • GDPR (EU): Strict breach notification (72 hours), heavy penalties for data mishandling. 

  • NIS2 Directive (EU): Requires risk management measures and reporting for essential and digital service providers. 

  • Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA - EU): Financial institutions must demonstrate resilience to cyber disruptions. 


Indian Mandates

  • CERT-In Directives (2022 & updated 2024): 

    • Report cybersecurity incidents within 6 hours. 

    • Maintain logs for 180 days and share with CERT-In when requested.

       

  • DPDP Act, 2023 (Digital Personal Data Protection Act): 

    • Requires personal data protection measures. 

    • Mandates breach reporting and appointing Data Protection Officers (DPOs). 


  • RBI Cybersecurity Framework for Banks: 

    • Mandates cybersecurity governance at board level. 

    • Includes continuous VAPT, SOC implementation, and regular incident drills. 


These frameworks demand board accountability, not just technical compliance. 

 

Why Boards Must Lead the Cyber Conversation?

Cybersecurity is now a board-level governance issue, not just an IT function. Here's why: 


  1. Cyber Incidents Are Now Material Events

    Non-compliance or poor response can trigger legal action, investor scrutiny, and financial penalties. 


  2. Cyber Breaches Erode Enterprise Value 

    Data breaches and downtime affect: 

    • Stock price 

    • Brand perception 

    • Customer churn 

    • Legal liability 

  3. Cyber Insurance & Legal Risks Are Shifting- Cyber insurers are demanding continuous monitoring, regular VAPT reports, and detailed incident response plans. Gaps here can void coverage or increase premiums. 

 

Cybersecurity is a Business-Wide Function 


To build true cyber resilience, organizations must integrate cybersecurity into all business functions—not just IT. 

 

6 Strategic Moves to Embed Cybersecurity Across the Enterprise 

 

  1. Establish Cyber Risk Governance 

    Form a Cybersecurity & Risk Committee with: 

    • CIO/CISO 

    • CFO/CRO 

    • Legal, Compliance, HR, and Communications heads Align cyber efforts with ERM (Enterprise Risk Management) and Business Continuity Planning (BCP). 


  2. Enable Board-Level Cyber Briefings 

    Replace tech jargon with board-relevant metrics: 

    • MTTD (Mean Time to Detect) 

    • MTTR (Mean Time to Respond) 

    • % of critical vulnerabilities remediated 

    • % of data assets covered under security controls 


  3. Make Cyber KPIs Part of Everyone’s Role 

    Introduce cybersecurity KPIs across: 

    • Executive scorecards 

    • Vendor SLAs 

    • Performance evaluations 

    Example KPIs: 

    • % of users passing phishing simulations 

    • % of infrastructure covered by VAPT 


  4. Cultivate a Security-Aware Culture 

    Go beyond annual training: 

    • Run monthly phishing simulations 

    • Recognize secure behavior 

    • Embed cybersecurity into onboarding, exits, and daily workflows 


  5. Adopt Zero Trust Architecture 

    Ditch the perimeter-based approach: 

    • Implement least privilege access 

    • Use microsegmentation 

    • Deploy MFA and identity-based controls 

    • Monitor continuously with EDR/XDR/MDR 


  6. Include Cybersecurity in M&A and Third-Party Assessments 

    Don’t inherit someone else’s cyber debt. Include: 

    • VAPT and risk scoring in M&A due diligence 

    • Continuous monitoring of critical third-party vendors 

    • Compliance reviews with CERT-In, DPDP, and sector-specific regulations 

 

Final Thought


Cybersecurity today is a legal obligation, a governance responsibility, and a strategic differentiator.


Organizations that treat cybersecurity as a business function led by leadership—not just an IT checkbox—will thrive in 2025 and beyond. Those that don’t risk regulatory penalties, reputation damage, and revenue loss. 

 

 Ready to Build a Cyber-Resilient Organization?


At Microscan Communications, we help organizations navigate compliance, reduce cyber risk, and integrate security across departments. From VAPT and SOCaaS to Zero Trust and compliance readiness (CERT-In, DPDP, NIS2, DORA)—we’re here to help. 


Talk to our cybersecurity experts today@ https://www.microscancommunications.com/contact-us

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