In the face of increasing cyber-risk, business management must consider cyber resilience as a strategic priority. The ability to not only fend off sophisticated cyber attacks, but also to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency, is crucial to the competitiveness and future viability of any organisation.

It is necessary to continuously adapt to new threats and to comply with regulatory requirements such as NIS2, DORA and the EU AI Act, and to integrate cyber risk into the overall company strategy.

Cyber resilience is now a strategic management imperative that goes far beyond the IT department. Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for establishing a holistic security culture that involves all employees and integrates security into all business processes.

Practical guidelines, such as the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) ‘Cyber Resilience Compass: Journeys Towards Resilience’, offer companies concrete guidance on how to strengthen cyber resilience systematically and sustainably.

working towards sustainable corporate security

The seven strategic areas of action for cyber resilience

In the face of a dynamic threat landscape, responding to isolated incidents is no longer effective. Instead, a continuous management process covering the most important areas of action for cyber resilience is necessary:

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Business leadership championing commitment to cybersecurity

Cybersecurity must be established as a priority at the highest level of the organisation. Only through the active commitment of senior management can the necessary awareness of the importance of cybersecurity be created. This awareness is crucial for providing the necessary resources and sensitising the entire organisation to the issue.

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Cyber-resilience as part of corporate strategy

Effective cyber resilience requires security strategies to be closely aligned with overarching corporate goals. A clear governance structure ensures that responsibilities are clearly defined and that the effectiveness of measures can be monitored.

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Security Culture

Establishing a sustainable security culture is an essential component of cyber resilience. It is important to raise awareness among all employees and empower them to actively contribute to defending against threats. Training, regular awareness campaigns and open communication about risks and best practices promote a culture in which security is understood as a common goal.

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Business Resilience

Business processes must be designed to remain functional in the event of disruptions or attacks. This requires forward-looking planning that integrates resilience and continuity measures into all critical processes.

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Technical systems as the backbone of resilience

Investment in robust, data-driven technologies is essential for early detection of cyber threats and effective defence. This includes advanced monitoring and analysis tools, automated solutions and the continuous development of IT infrastructure.

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Crisis management

Effective crisis management requires the regular review of emergency plans and clear communication strategies. Companies must be able to respond quickly and in a coordinated manner in the event of a cyber-attack, limit damage and restore business operations quickly.

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Collaboration in the digital ecosystem

The complexity of modern cyber threats can only be effectively addressed through collaboration. Sharing knowledge, experience and best practices with partners, service providers or even competitors, helps to strengthen collective defence mechanisms.