How to Create Cybersecurity Reports That Reach the Board of Directors

Cybersecurity is an ongoing, dynamic undertaking that requires effective communication with all the stakeholders in the organization. Security executives must be able provide clear information regarding their progress without getting bogged-down in technical details. However, many cybersecurity reports are too technical as well as detailed and not understandable to the average reader which hinders security teams from engaging in the clear communication regarding risks and security measures that are essential to avoiding incidents and keeping the organization secure.

When creating a cyber security report, it is important to keep in mind that the principal audience isn’t the IT department or www.cleanboardroom.com/tips-for-improving-meeting-communication-as-a-leader/ the board of directors. The report should be focused on business risk, instead of technology, in order to resonate with the board and help them understand the risk exposure of their business.

If, for instance, the report shows that outdated software is the main cause of the security vulnerabilities in the business It should also emphasize the effects on the bottom line. It’s also necessary to ensure that the reporting on security risks is understood by non-technical users especially since the framework alignment and compliance requirements are increasingly becoming an important issue for many boards.

UpGuard offers a variety of templates designed to meet the main reporting requirements of the board and the senior management. These templates aggregate security performance insights that are commonly requested by the board, such as vendor summary reports that focus on the most important metrics, such as vulnerability management performance, third-party attack susceptibility, and critical risk distribution, all of which are vital to creating an effective risk assessment and mitigation plan. These reports can be immediately generated and exported as slides which eases the burden of planning for board meetings and making it easier to present the report to the entire board.