PodChats for FutureCISO: How to recession-proof cybersecurity strategies

“In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity” Albert Einstein

In times of recession, the often approach taken is cutting corners. Budget cuts can come in the form of delayed expansion, modernisation plans or upgrades, cutting marketing budgets, and in some cases layoffs.

While technology spend is not immune from any budget cuts, arguments arise when the cybersecurity discussions come into play. Given that cybersecurity is a top priority among organisations in Asia-Pacific, and apply this to the reality that economies are headed towards a downward trend, how do leaders decide what to keep, what to leave out for now, when it comes to the protection of the organisation’s digital assets?

Joining us on PodChats for FutureCISO is Adrian Hia, senior regional vice president, ASEAN & greater China at Zscaler.

QUESTIONS:

1.       With the threat of a local or global recession looming, is now the time for the CIO and CTO agree in terms of what investments need to be prioritised for 2023?

2.       How should the CIO and CISO decide – together and separately – which areas make sense to upgrade, keep and defer for when the recession is no longer a concern?

3.       Given that we appear to be in a near-constant state of crisis, how should leadership plan their investment strategies, particularly around information technology? And how does one do so while pursuing the digital transformation aspiration of the company?

4.       At the end of the day, push comes to shove, what areas of cybersecurity should be prioritised and what can be left behind for another day?

5.       Topic: How to recession-proof cybersecurity strategies, what is your advice for decision-makers when addressing cybersecurity regardless of the state of the economy or business?

6.       Where does Zscaler fit in our discussion around recession-proofing cybersecurity strategies?