Cyber Risk Strategy
StrategyControl Statement
The organization has published a cyber risk strategy that is aligned with the technology and business strategies.
Description
A formal cyber risk strategy establishes the organization's approach to managing cyber risk in direct support of business objectives and technology direction. The strategy articulates how the organization will identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor cyber threats and vulnerabilities in a manner that supports the broader enterprise risk management framework. It ensures that cybersecurity investments, priorities, and risk tolerance decisions are driven by business needs rather than operating in isolation.
Key Implementation Activities
- 1 Define and document a cyber risk strategy that explicitly references and supports the enterprise business strategy and technology roadmap
- 2 Establish strategic cyber risk objectives with measurable outcomes tied to business value preservation and enablement
- 3 Ensure the cyber risk strategy addresses the organization's threat landscape, including geopolitical, industry-specific, and technology-driven risks
- 4 Communicate the strategy to all relevant stakeholders including executive leadership, the board, and operational teams
- 5 Align cybersecurity investment priorities with business-critical processes and highest-risk areas identified in the strategy
Evidence Examples
- Approved cyber risk strategy document with executive sign-off and publication date
- Mapping document showing alignment between cyber risk strategy objectives and enterprise business/technology strategies
- Board or executive committee meeting minutes documenting strategy review and approval
- Annual strategy refresh documentation showing updates based on changes to business direction or threat landscape
Maturity Levels
Cyber risk activities exist but are reactive and not guided by a formal strategy. No documented alignment to business or technology objectives.
A formal cyber risk strategy is documented, approved by executive leadership, and explicitly aligned with the business and technology strategies. The strategy is communicated to stakeholders and reviewed periodically.
The cyber risk strategy is continuously refined based on threat intelligence, business changes, and performance metrics. It is deeply integrated with enterprise strategic planning cycles and informs resource allocation decisions.
Document Templates
Evidence Requirements View all evidence
| Type | Evidence Item | Frequency | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document | Approved Cyber Risk Strategy document with executive/Board sign-off | Reviewed annually | Required |
| Document | Business strategy-to-cyber risk strategy alignment mapping or traceability matrix | Updated with each strategy revision | Required |
| Document | Technology strategy-to-cyber risk strategy alignment mapping | Updated with each strategy revision | Required |
| Record | Board or Executive Committee meeting minutes documenting strategy review and approval | Per review cycle (at least annually) | Required |
| Record | Strategy communication records (distribution emails, briefing attendance, intranet publication) | Per strategy update | Expected |
| Record | Annual strategy refresh documentation showing threat landscape and business change inputs | Annually | Expected |