Eighty-five percent of CEOs say cyber security is critical for business growth, according to a survey by Gartner, Inc. The Gartner CEO and Senior Business Executive Survey of 456 CEOs and other senior business executives worldwide was conducted from June to November 2024.
The survey also found that 61% of CEOs are concerned about cyber security threats, driven in large part by AI’s growing role in commercial activity and the political debates about the sourcing and use of advanced technologies. As risk thresholds shift, they view cyber security as a key driver.
“Cyber security is no longer just about protection; it’s a critical driver for business growth,” said David Furlonger, Distinguished Vice President Analyst and Gartner Fellow. “With 85% of CEOs recognising its importance, security leaders have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the value of cyber security investments not only in safeguarding assets but also in enabling strategic business objectives.”
“Effective communication is key,” said Furlonger. “CEOs should highlight the role of security leaders in both protecting the business and enhancing cyber security to drive growth. This involves, for example, assessing risks in foreign markets and intellectual property protection. Security leaders are positioned to significantly influence value generation, and they should communicate how cyber security aids enterprise growth.”
With regulatory changes and cyber security threats challenging competitiveness, CEOs said they see a direct linkage between cyber security capabilities and enterprise growth.
Gartner analysts will be presenting the latest research and advice on this subject for security and risk management leaders at the Gartner Security & Risk Management Summits, taking place at intervals throughout this year in National Harbor, Maryland, USA in June; Tokyo, Japan in July; Sao Paulo, Brazil in August; and London, UK in September.
