Who Holds the Responsibility for Managing Cyber Risks?

Cyber risks threaten businesses of all sizes, requiring a coordinated effort across leadership, IT teams, and employees. Without clear accountability, security gaps leave organizations vulnerable to breaches.

Gartner’s "Cybersecurity Trends: Resilience Through Transformation" report highlights rising cyber threats from AI and decentralized digital systems, stressing the need for scalable risk management (Gartner). Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 reveals that 60% of organizations have adjusted their cybersecurity strategies due to geopolitical tensions, with CEOs citing cyber espionage and operational disruptions as top concerns (WEF).

As threats evolve, understanding cybersecurity roles—from executives to frontline employees—is key to building a resilient defense. This blog dives into the hierarchy of responsibility in cybersecurity and the strategies organizations must adopt to strengthen their security posture.

The Organizational Hierarchy of Cyber Risk Management

Managing cyber risks is a shared responsibility that involves multiple levels of an organization. From executives making strategic decisions to employees practicing secure behaviors, every role plays a part in protecting the organization from cyber threats. Without clear accountability, security gaps can lead to data breaches, financial losses, reputational harm, and legal consequences.

Here’s a breakdown of the key players in cybersecurity and why their roles matter:

C-Suite and Executive Leadership

What They Do:

Executives, including the CEO, CFO, and board members, set the overall cybersecurity strategy. They allocate budgets, ensure compliance with regulations, and integrate security into the company’s business goals.

Why It Matters:

Without leadership support, cybersecurity efforts lack funding and priority. Cyber threats can disrupt operations, damage customer trust, and result in multi-million-dollar penalties if security is not a board-level concern.

Key Insight:

When executives take cybersecurity seriously, the entire organization follows their lead, creating a stronger security culture.

To understand how executives can enhance security awareness within their organizations, read Keepnet article on The Role of Leadership in Security Awareness Training Programs.

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Security Leadership

What They Do:

The CISO and security leadership are responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing cybersecurity strategies. They act as the link between executive management and IT teams, ensuring security aligns with business objectives.

Why It Matters:

A well-supported CISO can anticipate risks, advocate for stronger defenses, and respond quickly to security incidents. Without strategic leadership, organizations may fail to detect or prevent attacks in time.

Key Insight:

A proactive security leader strengthens the company’s ability to detect and respond to cyber threats before they escalate.

IT and Cybersecurity Teams

What They Do:

IT and cybersecurity teams implement security measures, monitor threats, and respond to cyber incidents. They manage firewalls, encryption, access controls, and vulnerability assessments to keep systems secure.

Why It Matters:

These teams serve as the frontline defense against cyberattacks. If they fail to detect vulnerabilities or respond quickly to threats, breaches can escalate, causing significant financial and operational damage.

Key Insight:

A strong IT and cybersecurity team ensures that the organization's defenses are always one step ahead of attackers.

For a deeper look at how IT teams can enhance security awareness, read Keepnet guide on Security Awareness Training Answers for IT Teams.

Department Heads and Managers

What They Do:

Managers ensure that their teams follow cybersecurity policies while maintaining efficiency. They reinforce security awareness, prevent insider threats, and balance security measures with operational needs.

Why It Matters:

Even with strong IT defenses, cyber risks can arise from human errors, weak passwords, or employees ignoring security policies. Managers play a critical role in ensuring their teams comply with security protocols.

Key Insight:

When managers actively enforce security policies, they help reduce risks caused by careless mistakes or insider threats.

Individual Employees

What They Do:

Employees are the first line of defense against cyber threats. Their responsibilities include following security guidelines, reporting suspicious activity, and practicing secure behaviors (e.g., avoiding phishing emails, using strong passwords).

Why It Matters:

Most cyberattacks target employees through phishing, social engineering, or weak security habits. One careless mistake—such as clicking a malicious link—can jeopardize the entire organization.

Key Insight:

When employees are trained and aware, they become an active part of the organization’s defense, not its weakest link

Enhanced Perspectives on Managing Cyber Risks

Cyber risk management isn’t just an IT concern—it requires a comprehensive strategy that includes legal, financial, human, ethical, and global considerations. Here’s how organizations can strengthen their cybersecurity posture:

1. Legal & Compliance

Following GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA regulations helps organizations avoid lawsuits and hefty fines. Regular audits ensure compliance and reduce legal risks.

2. Financial & Business Impact

Cyberattacks can cause millions in losses and operational disruptions. Organizations must measure financial risks and invest in cost-effective security solutions.

3. Human Factor & Security Culture

Human error is a leading cause of cyber incidents. Regular employee training on phishing, social engineering, and password security is essential.

4. Ethical Responsibilities

Balancing security with privacy rights and ethical AI use is critical. Organizations should implement clear policies that protect data without overstepping boundaries.

5. Technology & Innovation

Using AI-driven threat detection, zero-trust security, and automated monitoring enhances cyber defenses against evolving threats.

6. Cross-Department Collaboration

HR, legal, finance, and leadership must work together to enforce policies, manage insider risks, and secure business operations.

7. Global & Geopolitical Risks

Cyber threats are borderless. Companies should align with global security standards to protect against international cyber threats and cyber warfare.

How Keepnet Can Help with Cyber Risk Management

Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform provides targeted cybersecurity solutions that enhance security awareness, automate threat response, and measure the effectiveness of security programs. Here’s how Keepnet strengthens cyber risk management:

1.Adaptive Phishing Simulator

• Uses AI-driven simulations that adapt to employee behavior, creating personalized phishing training.
• Exposes employees to real-world phishing scenarios, improving their ability to recognize threats.
• Provides detailed reports on employee performance to identify high-risk individuals.

2. Security Awareness Training with Nudges & Gamification

• Uses a scientific behavior change model to improve employee security habits.
• Integrates nudges (timely security reminders) and gamification to increase engagement.
• Covers all forms of social engineering attacks, including phishing, vishing, and smishing.

3. Incident Responder

• Automates the detection, analysis, and removal of email-based threats.
• Reduces response time, minimizing potential damage from phishing, malware, and other cyberattacks.
• Integrates seamlessly with existing security tools for faster and more efficient incident handling.

4. Outcome-Driven Metrics

Provides data-driven insights into security awareness effectiveness.

Tracks key metrics such as employee phishing susceptibility, engagement rates, and risk scores.

Helps organizations measure progress and refine their security strategies based on real outcomes.

With Keepnet’s AI-powered phishing simulations, behavior-driven security training, automated threat response, and measurable awareness metrics, organizations can proactively reduce human risk and improve overall cybersecurity resilience.

Building a Stronger Cybersecurity Framework

Effective cyber risk management requires a collaborative effort across leadership, IT, compliance, and employees. From legal and regulatory compliance to employee awareness and resilience, each aspect plays a crucial role in strengthening an organization’s security posture. By taking a holistic, proactive approach, businesses can reduce vulnerabilities, improve threat detection, and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.