Top 5 Reasons CISOs Fail to Engage Executives and Boards — And How to Fix Them

As a CISO, your ability to communicate the value of cybersecurity to executives and board members is as critical as your technical expertise. Yet, many cybersecurity leaders struggle to get their messages across effectively. Without executive buy-in, security initiatives may lack funding, priority, and overall support—leaving organizations vulnerable to threats.

Why does this happen? Many CISOs face challenges translating cybersecurity risks into business priorities that resonate with executives and board members. To bridge this gap, let's explore the top five reasons behind this disconnect—along with practical solutions to foster more effective and impactful discussions at the executive level.

1. Data Without a Story

Communicating cybersecurity risks effectively isn’t just about presenting numbers—it’s about telling a compelling story that executives can connect with. Without context, raw data loses its impact and fails to drive decision-making.

The Problem: Many CISOs overwhelm executives with raw data—phishing click rates, training completions, or phishing simulation results—without explaining the broader business implications. Executives often respond with, “So what? Why does this matter?”

The Fix: Tie your metrics to business outcomes. For instance, don’t just report a 25% phishing simulation failure rate—explain how addressing this could reduce incident costs or protect revenue in $. Use narratives to contextualize your data and make it relatable.

For a deeper focus on how you can present cybersecurity risks effectively to executives, explore Executive Reports.

2. Relying on Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD)

While cybersecurity threats are serious, relying on fear to drive action can backfire. Executives and board members respond better to strategic insights and solutions than alarmist warnings.

The Problem: Dramatic headlines like “We’re at extreme risk!” or “We’re doomed without more funding!” may grab attention but fail to inspire action. Executives prefer actionable insights over alarmist rhetoric.

The Fix: Replace fear-driven messaging with value-driven discussions. For example, instead of highlighting failure rates, emphasize the measurable progress your initiatives have achieved and how they align with organizational goals. Focus on confidence, not catastrophe.

3. Misalignment with Executive Priorities

To gain executive buy-in, cybersecurity discussions must align with broader business objectives. When security is seen as a separate issue rather than a strategic priority, it struggles to secure attention and investment.

The Problem: CISOs often focus on technical metrics and risks that don’t resonate with executive priorities, such as revenue protection, regulatory compliance, or strategic growth.

The Fix: Tailor your message to what matters most to your audience. For example, talk to CFOs about cost savings, CEOs about reputation management, and boards about risk mitigation strategies. Always frame cybersecurity as a business enabler.

4. Failing to Customize Messaging

Effective communication isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how well your message resonates with your audience. Executives and board members have different priorities, and a generic approach can lead to disengagement.

The Problem: One-size-fits-all presentations often miss the mark because executives and boards have varied interests based on their roles and backgrounds.

The Fix: Customize your messaging. For instance, a CFO should emphasize cost implications and ROI on cybersecurity investments. For a CEO, focus on safeguarding strategic goals and operational continuity. Tailored communication demonstrates empathy and understanding.

5. Lack of Outcome-Driven Metrics

Executives want to see how cybersecurity efforts translate into tangible business benefits. When metrics focus only on processes rather than outcomes, they fail to demonstrate real impact.

The Problem: CISOs frequently report process metrics like “90% training completion” or “10% phishing simulation click rates,” which feel disconnected from real business value.

The Fix: Present metrics that show direct results. For example:

1. 40% reduction in phishing-related incidents saved $500,000 in remediation costs.
2. 85% fewer incidents related to policy violations improved operational uptime.

Show how cybersecurity investments reduce risks, save money, and protect the organization.

To explore how security behavior and culture metrics can help executives drive meaningful action, discover Security Behavior and Culture Metrics: Elevating Awareness and Action.

How CISOs Trust Keepnet to Engage Executives

CISOs looking to solve these challenges and engage effectively with executives turn to Keepnet Extended Human Risk Management, the comprehensive solution that helps bridge the communication gap between cybersecurity and the boardroom.

Here’s how Keepnet empowers CISOs to succeed:

1. Metrics That Link to Outcomes Reflecting Behavioral Change

Keepnet provides measurable metrics tied directly to real-world behavior changes, demonstrating reduced employee-driven risks and fostering a security-conscious corporate culture.

2. Build & Sustain Executive Support

Keepnet equips CISOs with tools to craft narratives and metrics that align cybersecurity goals with executive priorities, ensuring sustained engagement and investment.

3. Security Benefits Tied to Operational and Strategic Business Benefits

• Operational Benefits: Reduced remediation costs, improved employee productivity, and better incident response times.
• Strategic Benefits: Safeguarded revenue streams, enhanced enterprise risk posture, and increased client confidence.

4. Tailored Executive Reports

Keepnet offers customizable reports designed for specific audiences:

• For CFOs: Cost savings and ROI metrics.
• For CEOs: Reputation and operational resilience.
• For CTOs and CIOs: Technology-focused risk reduction and innovation support.
• For Team Leaders: Metrics to improve departmental security practices.
• For Boards: High-level insights demonstrating how cybersecurity aligns with business goals.

Additionally, Keepnet offers the following outcome-driven metrics:

• Protection-Level Agreements (PLAs): Ensure clarity on expected outcomes by establishing pre-agreed benchmarks, linking investments to measurable improvements.
• Industry Benchmarks: Compare your organization’s cybersecurity performance against industry standards, providing context to your metrics and building trust with stakeholders.
• Behavior and Culture Dashboards: Highlight progress in cultivating a security-conscious corporate culture with actionable insights that resonate with executive teams.

With Keepnet, CISOs can confidently present cybersecurity not as a cost center but as a strategic enabler of business success.

Check out the Keepnet Extended Human Risk Management Platform to strengthen your security posture and drive executive engagement.

The Key Takeaway:

Executives don’t need more technical jargon—they need clarity, context, and a focus on outcomes. With the right tools, like Keepnet, CISOs can effectively engage executives, prove the value of their initiatives, and secure the support necessary to drive impactful cybersecurity awareness training programs.

Editor's Note: This article was updated on February 14, 2025.