Why Cyber Security Must Be a Board-Level Priority

“Now is a real moment in national and global security, we are all accountable, and we will all bear the costs of inaction; this is a moment that it will genuinely take us all, collectively, to meet.” 

This is the message to senior leaders from Jo Miller, National Security Officer at Microsoft UK, who brings over 25 years of experience in national security, defence, and technology.  

Given the 20% increase in cyber incidents and a 44% rise affecting UK public services, Jo has partnered with Odgers’ Matt Cockbill to create a ‘Board Briefing’ guide, exploring the growing threat environment, the urgent responsibilities facing boards, and the actions they need to take. 

Boards must now act decisively. The briefing sets out four practical steps: 

1. Optimise your existing security capabilities, tools, and posture. 
2. Consolidate overlapping systems to reduce complexity and cost. 
3. Target resilience measures. Know your assets, manage identity and access, and prepare for quantum-safe operations. 
4. Build national resilience. Recognise your role in the UK’s broader security ecosystem. 

As executives are ever more leading through uncertainty, and at a time where AI is accelerating the scale and sophistication of cyber threats, boards must move beyond passive awareness: “AI raises the bar; threat actors are automating reconnaissance on your networks, scanning for the weak points in our cyber and protective security.”  

Executive Call to Action 

Cyber security is a board accountability, not an IT issue. Ask yourself: 

• Do we know our critical assets and their vulnerabilities? 
• Are we optimising what we already pay for? 
• Are we prepared for AI-driven threats and quantum risk? 

Read our full Board Briefing below: 

Cyber security is no longer optional, with the cost of inaction no longer measured in financial loss, but in reputational and national security risk. Odgers’ CIO & Technology Officers Practice is ready to help you lead that charge by identifying and building visionary leadership teams. 

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Get in touch. Follow the links below to learn more, or connect directly with our dedicated executive search experts and Digital & Technology Officer leadership consultants at your local Odgers office here.