Why Executive Alignment Is Critical for Data Security
Executive alignment for cybersecurity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential to keeping your organization secure and resilient. In this episode of Go Beyond the Connection, Javed Ikbal shares why true security requires support from the top, and how CISOs can earn that alignment.
From Policies to People
“If security is getting in the way of business, business will go around security. Every time.” That quote says everything. Alignment isn’t just about org charts—it’s about designing security strategies that work in practice, not just on paper.
Translation Builds Trust
Javed explains that when CISOs translate risks into business language, leaders listen. Executive alignment in data security starts when vulnerabilities are framed as revenue losses, compliance fines, or brand damage—not just technical issues.
Culture Before Control
The most advanced tools can’t fix a weak culture. Employees will create workarounds if security slows them down. That’s not negligence—it’s reality. Javed points out that shadow IT and policy evasion usually come from a lack of clarity or trust. Fixing that starts with leadership modeling the right behavior. Without buy-in from the top, even the best tools won’t matter. Executive alignment builds the kind of culture where security becomes part of the workflow, not a roadblock to it.
Resilience Comes From Collaboration
True resilience doesn’t come from buying more tech—it comes from teams working together. Security has to be embedded in operations, in decision-making, and in company culture. That means bringing security to the table early and often.
Conclusion: Rethink the Role of Security
Security leaders must be business leaders. The companies that will thrive are the ones where security is a shared value, not a siloed department. This episode is a must-listen for any IT leader trying to build smarter, more resilient systems through better executive alignment.
Based on a podcast interview with Javed Ikbal, cybersecurity leader at Bright Horizons
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