Framing Cybersecurity as a Business Enabler
CISOs must bridge the gap between technical security priorities and executive concerns to earn the support their programs need. Addressing executive alignment for cybersecurity is crucial for success. Drawing on decades of experience, Javed Ikbal explains how applying engineering principles, reducing unnecessary data, and implementing wireless-first strategies can create business-aligned security programs. His advice to security leaders: talk about revenue, reputation, and regulation—because that’s the language that resonates in the boardroom.
Applying Engineering Discipline to Threat Modeling
Threat modeling turns reactive defense into proactive design. “I like to break things to the point where I’m figuring out where things will break in information security,” Javed shares. That mindset—shaped by early curiosity dismantling mechanical systems—informs how he identifies failure points before attackers do.
He frames threat modeling as a form of failure mode analysis: “You look at a system of systems and all the threats that can compromise it, then put in safeguards.” Collaboration is key. When engineering, ops, and security teams work together to anticipate weaknesses, safeguards become more effective and better aligned to business risk.
Minimizing Data Footprint to Reduce Breach Risk
Data is both an asset and a liability. Retaining unnecessary records increases exposure during a breach. “If we keep unnecessary data, we amplify the impact of a potential breach,” Javed explains. That’s why he extends the principle of least privilege beyond access to data retention itself.
Security teams should work with privacy and marketing leaders to define what data truly needs to be kept. “What I consider necessary versus what the privacy officer considers necessary and what the CMO considers necessary are three different sets of data,” he notes. From there, automated deletion workflows and legal filters can shrink the attack surface while simplifying compliance.
Building Security into Wireless-First Network Architectures
Wireless-first networks offer speed and flexibility—but require strong security policies. “If corporations stop cabling their offices with CAT6 or CAT7 Ethernet cables, they can save a lot of money,” Javed says, “provided they have sufficient wireless infrastructure to serve everyone.”
To reduce risk, Javed prohibits dual-homing: “We prevent our endpoints from connecting to two separate networks at the same time.” This simple policy helps eliminate covert entry points for attackers.
In locations without strong broadband, Javed recommends hybrid WAN designs using site-to-site wireless, 5G, or satellite links like Starlink. These setups support seamless failover and maintain segmentation without the costs of physical infrastructure—delivering both resilience and savings.
Earning Executive Buy-In Through Business Language
CISOs who speak the language of the board get more done. “I frame my job, not in terms of the CIA triad, but revenue, reputation, and regulation,” Javed explains. While confidentiality, integrity, and availability are core concepts, they don’t always land with executives. Revenue loss, brand damage, and compliance risk do.
He urges security leaders to quantify risk in business terms. Frame a security initiative not as an expense, but as an investment to avoid lost sales, customer churn, or fines. “When I explain it like that, I do not have to explain it any further to the C-suite,” he says. This approach helps CISOs move from tactical problem-solvers to strategic business partners.
Transforming Security into a Strategic Function
Javed Ikbal’s approach blends engineering rigor, data governance, and network modernization—rooted in a clear understanding of business goals. His framework helps CISOs design programs that protect what matters and earn the support needed to thrive.
By applying failure mode analysis, enforcing data discipline, designing secure wireless-first environments, and aligning messaging with executive outcomes, security leaders can build resilient programs that safeguard today’s business and accelerate tomorrow’s growth.
Based on a podcast interview with Javed Ikbal, CISO and Vice President of Information Security & Risk Management at Bright Horizons.
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