Few organisations managing cyber risk, survey shows

Few organisations are highly confident in their ability to manage the risk of a cyber attack, a survey has revealed.

This is despite viewing cyber security as a top risk management priority, according to a global survey by risk management firm Marsh and Microsoft.

In the survey of more than 1,300 senior executives, two-thirds ranked cyber security among their organisations’ top five risk management priorities – approximately double the response to a similar question Marsh asked in 2016.

The survey also found three quarters of those polled identified business interruption as the cyber loss scenario with the greatest potential to impact their organisation, followed by breach of information, which was cited by 55% of respondents and has historically been the focus for organisations.

But, despite this growing awareness and rising concern, only 19% of respondents said they are highly confident in their organisation’s ability to mitigate and respond to a cyber event. Moreover, only 30% said they have developed a plan to respond to cyber attacks.

The report notes that a broad reliance on data and information extends to all companies, and, as a result, organisations of all sizes and across all industries are vulnerable to cyber attacks.

“Cyber risk is an escalating management priority as the use of technology in business increases and the threat environment gets more complex,” said John Drzik, president of global risk and digital at Marsh. “It’s time for organisations to adopt a more comprehensive approach to cyber resilience, which engages the full executive team and spans risk prevention, response, mitigation and transfer,” he said.

An important step toward this goal is risk quantification, according to the survey report, which highlights the fact that fewer than 50% of respondents said their organisation estimates financial losses from a potential cyber event and, of those that do, only 11% make their estimates in economic terms.

This means most organisations are failing to do these calculations, which are a key step in helping boards and others develop strategic plans and investment decisions, including those related to cyber insurance purchase, the report notes.

At the same time, responsibility for cyber risk management continues to lie primarily with the IT department, with inconsistent involvement of other stakeholders across the enterprise.

According to the survey, 70% of respondents pointed to IT as a primary owner and decision-maker for cyber risk management, compared with just 37% who cited the president/CEO or the board of directors, and 32% who cited the risk management function.

“While technology is the foundation of any good cyber security strategy, companies can benefit from investing in non-technology solutions like risk management as part of a holistic approach,” said Matt Penarczyk, vice-president and deputy general counsel at Microsoft.

“Through advanced technology, tools and training, for example, companies can better protect the data in their networks and be ready for the business interruptions and reputational risks associated with cyber attacks.”