To implement new ways of working and boost digital security, you’ll need the support of business decision makers. So how can you address their concerns, and get them excited about change?
No matter what sector you operate in – whether hospitality, professional services, not-for-profit, retail, or anything else – the fact is that digital risks are growing. A combination of increased digital usage and the development of more sophisticated threats means businesses are facing new challenges when it comes to cyber security. So how can you tackle these challenges in the best way?
The clear solution here is to improve digital security in the workplace; to implement new measures, and utilise powerful technologies that can better protect vital data while keeping hackers out.
Of course, that can often feel like it’s easier said than done. Changing how you work isn’t as simple as just walking into the office one day and doing something different. Before any new plans are put into place, it’s important to ensure you’ve got the support and backing from the decision makers.
Securing buy-in for change
It’s easy to think that securing buy-in for tools, technologies, and process changes to improve digital security would be simple. After all, with digital risks growing at such a rapid pace, it makes sense that leaders and board members would be keen to do whatever they could to protect the business.
However, it’s the responsibility of the board to consider not only the benefits of change, but also the potential impact on the organisation. And this is where things can start to become a little tricky.
Board members may be concerned about…
- Moving away from legacy technologies that they’re familiar with and comfortable using
- The costs associated with implementing new tools and technologies
- A loss of productivity due to the need to train and upskill employees
To implement new ways of working and boost digital security, you’ll need the support of business decision makers. So how can you address their concerns, and get them excited about change?
By building a solid business case.
Building a business case
The secret to building a solid business case is to focus less on what changes you want to implement, and more on how those changes will make a difference. For example, imagine you proposed working with an IT support partner for improved system maintenance. Put yourself in a decision maker’s shoes. What’s going to persuade you to move forward? Hearing about what system maintenance is, or learning about how patching, updates, and monitoring can reduce vulnerabilities in the network?
Keep your approach outcome-oriented, while demonstrating awareness of the board’s concerns. Build your case around the real threats that exist within your sector, and link these threats to the changes you’re proposing, creating a clear and logical pathway between challenge and solution.
Why is buy-in important?
Buy-in isn’t just important in terms of funding. It’s critical in terms of the overall success of your change efforts. New methods to improve digital security won’t work unless everyone’s on board. Everyone – from organisational leaders to entry-level employees – needs to agree to utilise them.
We dive into this in more detail in part 2, where we explore building security awareness across teams. Take a look, or get in touch to find out more about boosting your business’ digital security.
