Mindfully Disrupt Yourself—And Others
May 9, 2025
1. Be prepared to make the proper investment. Unfortunately, companies often rush to buy the latest security fad, like malware detection or web application security, and then suffer buyer’s remorse within a year because it doesn’t properly provide visibility over the entire threat life cycle. Malware detection or web application security may keep hackers away from one locked door, but be assured they will keep trying other doors until they find one they can open.
Of the breaches we’ve investigated over the past two years, 30% have involved documented web vulnerabilities with published, but unimplemented, patches. With the cost of breaches often running in the tens of millions or more, it is not smart risk management to bet the farm on the latest tools like these over comprehensive security hygiene that consider all areas of entry to your network.
2. Change your mindset to prepare for the inevitable. While prevention is a large part of the equation, CEOs must admit that their security posture is not impenetrable if a determined hacker persists long enough. A strong security strategy that includes prevention, detection, containment and remediation means the difference between a single infiltration and a widespread breach affecting customer records, employee personal identifying information, stolen intellectual property and/or millions of dollars in reputational damage.
2. Regularly put your strategy to the test. CEOs should consider this a rule of thumb: for every dollar invested in new security technology, an additional 25 cents is required to properly implement the tools and train the staff to use them. In many cases, the financial and reputational damage caused by breaches are magnified due to the improper implementation of solutions, or the staffs were not fully trained to use the systems. Teams must be properly trained and tested, and readiness should be evaluated before a real threat comes knocking.
Ultimately, CEOs need to take action and ensure the proper people, technologies and strategies are in place to protect themselves and their organizations. If not, they have more than tomorrow’s headlines to worry about.
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PHOTO ON HARD DRIVE
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
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Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
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General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
