The Cybersecurity Questions Every NED Should Be Asking in 2025

The Cybersecurity Questions Every NED Should Be Asking in 2025

The Evolving Role of NEDs in Cybersecurity

Understanding the Digital Landscape

In the rapidly changing digital landscape, Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) are increasingly required to understand the complexities of cybersecurity. As organizations become more reliant on digital technologies, the potential risks and vulnerabilities they face also grow. NEDs must be equipped with the knowledge to navigate these challenges, ensuring that their organizations are not only compliant with regulations but also resilient against cyber threats.

The Shift from Oversight to Active Engagement

Traditionally, NEDs have played an oversight role, focusing on governance and compliance. However, the rise in cyber threats has necessitated a shift towards more active engagement in cybersecurity matters. NEDs are now expected to participate in strategic discussions about cybersecurity, providing insights and guidance to help shape the organization’s approach to managing digital risks.

Building Cybersecurity Expertise

To effectively fulfill their evolving role, NEDs must build their cybersecurity expertise. This involves staying informed about the latest trends and threats in the digital world, as well as understanding the technical aspects of cybersecurity. NEDs should seek out training opportunities and resources that can enhance their knowledge and enable them to ask the right questions during board meetings.

Collaborating with IT and Security Teams

Effective collaboration with IT and security teams is crucial for NEDs. By working closely with these teams, NEDs can gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s cybersecurity posture and the measures being implemented to protect against threats. This collaboration also allows NEDs to provide valuable input and support in the development of cybersecurity strategies and policies.

Ensuring a Cyber-Resilient Culture

NEDs play a key role in fostering a culture of cyber resilience within their organizations. This involves promoting awareness and understanding of cybersecurity risks at all levels of the organization, from the boardroom to the front lines. NEDs should advocate for regular training and education programs that empower employees to recognize and respond to potential threats.

Balancing Risk and Innovation

As organizations strive to innovate and leverage new technologies, NEDs must help balance the pursuit of innovation with the need to manage cybersecurity risks. This requires a strategic approach that considers both the opportunities and the potential vulnerabilities associated with digital transformation. NEDs should encourage a risk-aware mindset that supports innovation while safeguarding the organization’s assets and reputation.

Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in 2025

Evolving Threat Actors

State-Sponsored Attacks

State-sponsored cyber threats have become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. In 2025, these actors are leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to conduct espionage, disrupt critical infrastructure, and influence political processes. Their motivations often align with national interests, making them persistent and well-funded adversaries.

Cybercriminal Syndicates

Cybercriminal organizations have evolved into highly organized syndicates, often operating like legitimate businesses. They employ a range of tactics, from ransomware and phishing to more complex schemes like supply chain attacks. These groups are driven by financial gain and are increasingly targeting high-value sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology.

Hacktivists

Hacktivists continue to pose a significant threat, using cyber attacks as a means of protest or to promote political agendas. In 2025, their methods have become more sophisticated, often involving coordinated campaigns that exploit social media and other digital platforms to amplify their impact.

Emerging Technologies and Their Impact

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning are double-edged swords in the cybersecurity landscape. While they offer enhanced capabilities for threat detection and response, they also provide threat actors with tools to automate attacks, evade detection, and exploit vulnerabilities at scale. The use of AI-driven malware and deepfakes is expected to rise, complicating defense efforts.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The proliferation of IoT devices has expanded the attack surface significantly. In 2025, IoT devices are integral to both personal and industrial environments, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Vulnerabilities in these devices can lead to large-scale disruptions, data breaches, and even physical harm.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing poses a potential threat to current encryption standards. As this technology matures, it could render traditional cryptographic methods obsolete, necessitating a shift to quantum-resistant algorithms. Organizations must prepare for this transition to safeguard sensitive data.

Regulatory and Compliance Challenges

Global Regulatory Landscape

The global regulatory environment is becoming increasingly complex, with new laws and standards emerging to address the evolving cyber threat landscape. Organizations must navigate a patchwork of regulations, ensuring compliance while maintaining operational efficiency. This requires a proactive approach to understanding and implementing necessary changes.

Data Privacy and Protection

Data privacy remains a critical concern, with regulations such as GDPR influencing global standards. In 2025, organizations face heightened scrutiny over data handling practices, necessitating robust data protection measures. Failure to comply can result in significant financial penalties and reputational damage.

Strategies for Mitigation and Defense

Proactive Threat Intelligence

Organizations must adopt a proactive approach to threat intelligence, leveraging advanced analytics and real-time data to anticipate and mitigate potential threats. This involves continuous monitoring, threat hunting, and collaboration with industry peers and government agencies to share insights and best practices.

Zero Trust Architecture

The adoption of a Zero Trust security model is crucial in This approach assumes that threats can originate from both outside and inside the network, requiring strict verification of every user and device. Implementing Zero Trust principles helps minimize the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

Cybersecurity Workforce Development

Addressing the cybersecurity skills gap is essential for effective defense. Organizations must invest in workforce development, providing ongoing training and education to ensure that their teams are equipped to handle the latest threats. Collaboration with educational institutions and industry partners can help cultivate a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals.

Key Cybersecurity Questions for NEDs to Ask

Understanding the Current Cybersecurity Landscape

What are the most significant cybersecurity threats facing our industry today?

Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) should inquire about the specific threats that are most prevalent in their industry. This includes understanding the types of cyberattacks that are common, such as ransomware, phishing, or insider threats, and how these threats could potentially impact the organization.

How does our cybersecurity strategy align with industry best practices?

NEDs need to ensure that the organization’s cybersecurity strategy is not only robust but also aligned with industry standards and best practices. This involves asking about the frameworks and guidelines the organization follows, such as NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, or CIS Controls.

Evaluating the Organization’s Cybersecurity Posture

What is our current cybersecurity maturity level?

Understanding the organization’s cybersecurity maturity level helps NEDs gauge how well-prepared the organization is to handle cyber threats. This involves assessing the effectiveness of current cybersecurity measures and identifying areas for improvement.

How often do we conduct cybersecurity risk assessments?

Regular risk assessments are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and potential threats. NEDs should ask about the frequency of these assessments and how the findings are used to enhance the organization’s cybersecurity posture.

Governance and Oversight

Who is responsible for cybersecurity at the board level?

NEDs should clarify who within the board is accountable for overseeing cybersecurity. This includes understanding the roles and responsibilities of board members and ensuring that there is a clear line of accountability.

How is cybersecurity integrated into our overall risk management framework?

Cybersecurity should be a key component of the organization’s risk management strategy. NEDs need to understand how cybersecurity risks are identified, assessed, and managed within the broader context of organizational risk.

Incident Response and Recovery

What is our incident response plan, and how often is it tested?

An effective incident response plan is critical for minimizing the impact of a cyberattack. NEDs should inquire about the details of the plan, including how often it is tested and updated to reflect new threats and vulnerabilities.

How do we ensure business continuity in the event of a cyber incident?

Ensuring business continuity is essential for maintaining operations during and after a cyber incident. NEDs should ask about the measures in place to ensure that critical business functions can continue with minimal disruption.

Cybersecurity Culture and Training

How do we promote a culture of cybersecurity awareness within the organization?

A strong cybersecurity culture is vital for reducing human error and enhancing overall security. NEDs should ask about the initiatives in place to promote cybersecurity awareness and encourage best practices among employees.

What training programs are available to employees, and how effective are they?

Training programs are essential for equipping employees with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and respond to cyber threats. NEDs should inquire about the content, frequency, and effectiveness of these programs.

Third-Party Risk Management

How do we assess and manage cybersecurity risks associated with third-party vendors?

Third-party vendors can introduce significant cybersecurity risks. NEDs should ask about the processes in place for assessing and managing these risks, including how vendors are vetted and monitored for compliance with security standards.

What measures are in place to ensure data protection when working with third parties?

Data protection is a critical concern when collaborating with third parties. NEDs should inquire about the safeguards in place to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Evaluating Cybersecurity Policies and Frameworks

Understanding the Importance of Cybersecurity Policies

Cybersecurity policies serve as the foundation for an organization’s security posture. They define the rules and procedures for all individuals accessing and using an organization’s IT assets and resources. For Non-Executive Directors (NEDs), understanding these policies is crucial as they provide a framework for managing risks and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. NEDs must ensure that these policies are comprehensive, up-to-date, and aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.

Key Components of Effective Cybersecurity Policies

Risk Management

Effective cybersecurity policies should incorporate a robust risk management framework. This involves identifying potential threats, assessing vulnerabilities, and implementing measures to mitigate risks. NEDs should evaluate whether the organization’s risk management strategies are proactive and adaptive to the evolving threat landscape.

Incident Response

A well-defined incident response plan is a critical component of cybersecurity policies. It outlines the procedures for detecting, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents. NEDs should assess the effectiveness of these plans, ensuring they are regularly tested and updated to address new threats.

Data Protection and Privacy

Data protection and privacy are integral to cybersecurity policies. NEDs should ensure that policies comply with relevant data protection regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA, and that they include measures for safeguarding sensitive information. This includes data encryption, access controls, and regular audits.

Evaluating Cybersecurity Frameworks

Alignment with Industry Standards

Cybersecurity frameworks provide structured guidelines for managing security risks. NEDs should evaluate whether the organization’s cybersecurity framework aligns with recognized industry standards, such as NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, or CIS Controls. This alignment ensures that the organization follows best practices and can effectively manage cybersecurity risks.

Integration with Business Objectives

Cybersecurity frameworks should not operate in isolation but should be integrated with the organization’s overall business objectives. NEDs need to assess how well the cybersecurity framework supports the organization’s strategic goals and whether it enables secure innovation and growth.

Continuous Improvement and Adaptability

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, and frameworks must be adaptable to new threats and technologies. NEDs should evaluate the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that the cybersecurity framework is regularly reviewed and updated to address emerging challenges.

Assessing the Role of Leadership and Culture

Leadership Commitment

The effectiveness of cybersecurity policies and frameworks is heavily influenced by leadership commitment. NEDs should assess whether the board and executive management demonstrate a strong commitment to cybersecurity, providing the necessary resources and support for implementation.

Cybersecurity Culture

A strong cybersecurity culture is essential for the successful implementation of policies and frameworks. NEDs should evaluate the organization’s efforts to promote cybersecurity awareness and training among employees, fostering a culture of security that permeates all levels of the organization.

The Role of Technology and Innovation in Cyber Defense

Emerging Technologies in Cyber Defense

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are at the forefront of technological innovation in cyber defense. These technologies enable the development of systems that can learn from data, identify patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI and ML can be used to detect anomalies in network traffic, identify potential threats, and respond to incidents in real-time. By automating threat detection and response, organizations can significantly reduce the time it takes to mitigate cyber threats.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology offers a decentralized and secure method of recording transactions and data. In the context of cyber defense, blockchain can be used to enhance data integrity and prevent unauthorized access. Its immutable nature ensures that once data is recorded, it cannot be altered, providing a reliable audit trail. This technology is particularly useful in securing supply chains, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring the authenticity of digital identities.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing, though still in its nascent stages, holds the potential to revolutionize cyber defense. Its ability to process information at unprecedented speeds could be used to break traditional encryption methods, but it also offers the possibility of developing new, more secure encryption techniques. Organizations need to stay informed about advancements in quantum computing to prepare for both the opportunities and challenges it presents in cybersecurity.

Innovation in Cyber Defense Strategies

Zero Trust Architecture

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is a security model that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This approach requires strict identity verification for every person and device attempting to access resources on a network, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network perimeter. By implementing ZTA, organizations can minimize the risk of data breaches and ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive information.

Threat Intelligence Platforms

Threat intelligence platforms aggregate and analyze data from various sources to provide organizations with actionable insights into potential cyber threats. These platforms enable security teams to proactively identify and respond to threats before they can cause harm. By leveraging threat intelligence, organizations can enhance their situational awareness and improve their overall security posture.

Automated Incident Response

Automated incident response systems use AI and ML to detect, analyze, and respond to security incidents without human intervention. These systems can quickly identify the nature and scope of an attack, isolate affected systems, and initiate remediation processes. Automation reduces the time it takes to respond to incidents, minimizing potential damage and allowing security teams to focus on more complex tasks.

The Role of Collaboration and Information Sharing

Public-Private Partnerships

Collaboration between public and private sectors is essential for effective cyber defense. Public-private partnerships facilitate the sharing of threat intelligence, best practices, and resources, enabling organizations to better protect themselves against cyber threats. These partnerships can also help in the development of standardized security protocols and frameworks that enhance the overall resilience of the digital ecosystem.

Industry Collaboration

Industry collaboration involves organizations within the same sector working together to address common cybersecurity challenges. By sharing information about threats and vulnerabilities, companies can develop more effective defense strategies and reduce the risk of cyber attacks. Industry collaboration also fosters innovation by encouraging the development of new technologies and solutions tailored to specific sector needs.

International Cooperation

Cyber threats are a global issue, and international cooperation is crucial for addressing them effectively. Countries can work together to share intelligence, develop joint defense strategies, and establish international norms and regulations for cybersecurity. International cooperation also helps in the coordination of responses to cross-border cyber incidents, ensuring a more unified and effective approach to cyber defense.

Building a Cyber-Resilient Organizational Culture

Understanding Cyber-Resilience

Cyber-resilience is the ability of an organization to prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber threats. It goes beyond traditional cybersecurity measures by emphasizing the importance of maintaining operational continuity in the face of cyber incidents. A cyber-resilient organization not only protects its assets but also ensures that it can continue to function and deliver services even when under attack.

Leadership and Governance

Role of Leadership

Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a cyber-resilient culture. Leaders must prioritize cybersecurity as a strategic business issue, not just a technical one. They should set the tone from the top, demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity through their actions and decisions. This involves integrating cybersecurity into the organization’s core values and strategic objectives.

Governance Framework

A robust governance framework is essential for building cyber-resilience. This includes establishing clear policies and procedures, defining roles and responsibilities, and ensuring accountability at all levels of the organization. The board of directors and senior management should regularly review and update the governance framework to address emerging threats and regulatory requirements.

Employee Engagement and Training

Cybersecurity Awareness

Creating a culture of cyber-resilience requires engaging employees at all levels. Cybersecurity awareness programs should be designed to educate employees about the importance of cybersecurity and their role in protecting the organization. These programs should be ongoing and tailored to the specific needs and risks of the organization.

Continuous Training

Training should go beyond basic awareness and include practical exercises and simulations. Employees should be trained to recognize and respond to cyber threats, such as phishing attacks and social engineering tactics. Regular training sessions and drills can help reinforce good cybersecurity practices and ensure that employees are prepared to act in the event of a cyber incident.

Integrating Cybersecurity into Business Processes

Risk Management

Cybersecurity should be integrated into the organization’s risk management processes. This involves identifying and assessing cyber risks, implementing appropriate controls, and continuously monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of these controls. Risk management should be a dynamic process that evolves with the changing threat landscape.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Building a cyber-resilient culture requires collaboration across all departments. Cybersecurity should not be siloed within the IT department but should involve stakeholders from across the organization. Cross-departmental collaboration can help identify potential vulnerabilities and develop comprehensive strategies to address them.

Technology and Innovation

Leveraging Technology

Organizations should leverage technology to enhance their cyber-resilience. This includes implementing advanced security technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to detect and respond to threats in real-time. Technology can also be used to automate routine security tasks, freeing up resources for more strategic initiatives.

Encouraging Innovation

Innovation should be encouraged to stay ahead of cyber threats. This involves fostering a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement, where employees are encouraged to explore new ideas and approaches to cybersecurity. Innovation can lead to the development of new tools and techniques that enhance the organization’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber incidents.

Incident Response and Recovery

Incident Response Planning

A well-defined incident response plan is critical for cyber-resilience. The plan should outline the steps to be taken in the event of a cyber incident, including communication protocols, roles and responsibilities, and escalation procedures. Regular testing and updating of the incident response plan are essential to ensure its effectiveness.

Recovery and Continuity

Recovery and continuity planning are key components of a cyber-resilient culture. Organizations should have strategies in place to quickly recover from cyber incidents and minimize disruption to operations. This includes data backup and recovery processes, as well as business continuity plans that address potential impacts on critical functions and services.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations for NEDs

Understanding the Evolving Legal Landscape

Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) must stay informed about the rapidly changing legal landscape surrounding cybersecurity. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are enacting new laws and regulations to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure. NEDs should be aware of these changes and understand how they impact their organizations. This includes keeping abreast of international regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, as well as country-specific laws that may affect their operations.

Compliance Obligations

NEDs have a responsibility to ensure that their organizations comply with relevant cybersecurity laws and regulations. This involves understanding the specific compliance obligations that apply to their industry and jurisdiction. NEDs should work closely with legal and compliance teams to ensure that the organization has robust policies and procedures in place to meet these obligations. This includes regular audits and assessments to identify any gaps in compliance and taking corrective actions as necessary.

Data Protection and Privacy

Data protection and privacy are critical components of cybersecurity that NEDs must prioritize. With the increasing amount of data being collected and processed by organizations, NEDs need to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect this data from unauthorized access and breaches. This includes implementing strong data governance frameworks, ensuring data encryption, and establishing clear data retention and deletion policies. NEDs should also be aware of the rights of individuals under data protection laws and ensure that their organizations respect these rights.

Risk Management and Liability

NEDs play a crucial role in overseeing the organization’s risk management strategies, particularly in relation to cybersecurity risks. They must ensure that the organization has a comprehensive risk management framework in place that identifies, assesses, and mitigates cybersecurity risks. NEDs should also be aware of their potential liability in the event of a cybersecurity breach. This includes understanding the legal implications of a breach, such as potential fines, legal actions, and reputational damage, and ensuring that the organization has appropriate insurance coverage to mitigate these risks.

Incident Response and Reporting

In the event of a cybersecurity incident, NEDs must ensure that the organization has a well-defined incident response plan in place. This plan should outline the steps to be taken in the event of a breach, including how to contain and mitigate the impact, communicate with stakeholders, and report the incident to relevant authorities. NEDs should ensure that the organization conducts regular incident response drills to test the effectiveness of the plan and make improvements as necessary. They should also be aware of the legal requirements for reporting incidents, including the timelines and information that must be provided to regulators and affected individuals.

Board Oversight and Governance

Effective board oversight and governance are essential for managing cybersecurity risks. NEDs should ensure that cybersecurity is a regular agenda item at board meetings and that they receive regular updates from management on the organization’s cybersecurity posture. This includes reviewing cybersecurity policies, budgets, and resource allocations to ensure that the organization is adequately prepared to address cyber threats. NEDs should also consider appointing a dedicated cybersecurity expert to the board or establishing a cybersecurity committee to provide specialized oversight and guidance.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Future of Cybersecurity

Embracing a Proactive Cybersecurity Culture

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is imperative for Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to foster a proactive cybersecurity culture within their organizations. This involves not only understanding the current threat landscape but also anticipating future challenges. NEDs should advocate for continuous education and training programs that keep all employees informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. By embedding cybersecurity into the organizational culture, companies can better prepare for potential threats and reduce the risk of breaches.

Investing in Advanced Technologies

To stay ahead of cyber threats, organizations must invest in advanced technologies that enhance their cybersecurity posture. This includes leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and respond to threats in real-time. NEDs should ensure that their organizations are equipped with the latest cybersecurity tools and technologies, such as next-generation firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection solutions. By prioritizing technological investments, companies can improve their ability to defend against sophisticated cyber attacks.

Strengthening Governance and Compliance

As regulatory requirements around data protection and cybersecurity continue to evolve, NEDs must ensure that their organizations are compliant with all relevant laws and standards. This involves implementing robust governance frameworks that align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. NEDs should work closely with management to establish clear policies and procedures for data protection, incident response, and risk management. Strengthening governance and compliance not only helps mitigate legal and financial risks but also enhances the organization’s reputation and trustworthiness.

Enhancing Collaboration and Information Sharing

Cybersecurity is a collective effort that requires collaboration and information sharing among various stakeholders. NEDs should encourage their organizations to participate in industry forums, partnerships, and information-sharing initiatives that focus on cybersecurity. By collaborating with peers, industry experts, and government agencies, organizations can gain valuable insights into emerging threats and effective defense strategies. This collaborative approach enables companies to stay informed and better prepared to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Fostering Innovation and Agility

In the face of an ever-changing threat landscape, organizations must remain agile and innovative in their approach to cybersecurity. NEDs should promote a culture of innovation that encourages the exploration of new ideas and solutions to enhance cybersecurity. This includes supporting research and development efforts, as well as fostering partnerships with startups and technology providers. By embracing innovation and agility, organizations can quickly adapt to new threats and maintain a strong cybersecurity posture.

Building a Resilient Cybersecurity Strategy

A resilient cybersecurity strategy is essential for navigating the digital frontier. NEDs should work with management to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that addresses both current and future threats. This strategy should include regular risk assessments, incident response planning, and business continuity measures. By building a resilient cybersecurity strategy, organizations can minimize the impact of cyber incidents and ensure the continuity of their operations.