Executives Ranked Cybersecurity as Top Business Risk
A new industry report highlights that 45% of global leaders are prioritizing security investments amid growing digital threats.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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A global survey of 1,330 board members and C-suite executives by Protiviti identified cybersecurity as the leading near-term risk for organizations. The report highlights that executives are struggling to modernize and protect enterprise value simultaneously.
Why it matters
Rapid technological advancements have turned cybersecurity into a moving target for global businesses, making digital resilience a prerequisite for growth. By 2027, the findings suggest that simple business transformation will no longer suffice to maintain competitive viability.
The report shows that 65% of executives now see opportunity in strategic alliances, up from 62% in 2025. This focus on partnerships comes as AI implementation ranks as the second-most significant near-term risk for business leaders.
The players
Protiviti
A global consulting firm that provides research and insights on business risk, technology, and organizational strategy.
The details
IT leaders are addressing these vulnerabilities by actively breaking down operational silos between risk management, digital transformation, and high-level strategy teams. This collaborative approach allows CISOs (chief information security officers) to align security protocols more closely with business growth objectives. The research suggests that organizations must integrate these functions to move beyond outdated, siloed security models.
Timeline
2025 saw 62% of executives identify opportunities in strategic alliances.
Protiviti published the Unleashing Enterprise Value report on October 8, 2026.
By 2027, transformation alone is projected to be insufficient for business success.
The Tech Race
This report follows a documented trend where business leadership increasingly relies on strategic alliances to bolster digital resilience. It indicates a clear shift from internal-only risk management to broader partnership-based security frameworks.
Business leaders and IT professionals should prepare for increased internal scrutiny of digital transformation projects as resilience becomes a mandatory performance metric. The transition away from siloed operations will likely change reporting lines and project approval workflows by 2027.
The takeaway
Organizations are increasingly recognizing that standalone security efforts are inadequate against modern threats. Executives should monitor the integration of risk and strategy departments as a leading indicator of long-term operational success.
Further reading
For broader context on how organizations are shifting their defensive posture, visit Cybersecurity.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CIO Dive.
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Do you trust that most companies are effectively protecting your data from modern cyber threats?
