Effective communication between board members is crucial to ensure that directors are informed, engaged and able to make informed decisions about the company’s performance. Boards have the task of finding a dig this balance between the need to effectively communicate and the need to protect sensitive information and prevent cyberattacks.
Boards must utilize secure collaboration tools, such as board portals as well as real-time messaging platforms to ensure that discussions documents, discussions as well as other sensitive data confidential. This is becoming more important as more companies are affected by hacks and breaches and regulators are introducing new security standards.
Security experts agree that it is not a question of “if” an company will suffer data breaches and not “when.” A successful cybersecurity framework includes a strong partnership between the board and the chief information security officer (CISO). CISOs must take advantage of every opportunity to convey their vision and strategy to the board, and leveraging the board’s support to provide a more effective response to cyberattacks.
Many board members and experts in governance use their personal email accounts to send internal communications, particularly during virtual meetings. This practice puts organizations at greater risk of being targeted by phishing attacks as well as other cyberattacks targeting high-profile people like directors, C-level executives, and other senior management personnel.
It is essential to train your board members about the importance of cybersecurity. This should include a review of the kinds of information they share through insecure channels, including meeting minutes, as well as informal communications. It is also essential to use a secure document sharing platform which offers encryption aswell access controls to prevent documents being copied or downloaded by third sources.