The disconnect between digital transformation ambitions and cybersecurity execution is widening. While organisations invest in AI, cloud, and analytics to drive growth, only 40% embed cybersecurity at the planning stage. The result: delayed projects, higher risks, and weakened competitiveness in an increasingly digital-first world.
A new International Data Corporation (IDC) survey, sponsored by BDO, reveals the stark reality. Average response times to cyber incidents exceed four days, with full recovery over a week - delays that erode trust, disrupt operations, and stall innovation. Emerging risks from GenAI, including phishing, data leakage, and governance blind spots, highlight the urgent need for a cohesive risk management framework.
Ultimately, security must move upstream, embedded early and supported by expert teams, automation, and orchestration.
The ultimate goal for BDO Cyber is ensuring that our clients feel: Secure. Confident. Ready.
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Digital transformation is reshaping industries, yet cybersecurity is often viewed merely as technical protection. According to IDC, only 40% of organisations integrate cybersecurity during the planning of digital initiatives, creating risks and potentially undermining trust. Early involvement of the cybersecurity team helps to build secure architecture, anticipate threats and align controls with business objectives.
Why is the early integration of cybersecurity so critical?
- Cybersecurity must be a strategic element of digital transformation, rather than just a reactive measure.
- Embedded security helps to avoid costly rework and reputational damage.
- Aligning security controls with business objectives enhances the effectiveness of all digital initiatives.
Budget optimisation and strategic alignment
Increased financing does not guarantee effectiveness; what matters is how resources are utilised. Investments should focus on automation, proactive threat detection and close collaboration between departments. Cybersecurity must be embedded into every stage of the digital transformation process.
How can you invest in cybersecurity effectively?
- Process automation reduces the workload on security teams.
- Proactive threat detection enables response before incidents impact the business.
- Collaboration between IT, security and the business ensures alignment of decisions.
Updating cyber strategy and process maturity
Regularly reassessed strategy ensures relevance and alignment with business objectives. Process maturity is a key indicator of resilience: companies that take a proactive approach experience fewer incidents and recover more quickly.
Why must cyber strategy be flexible?
- Business objectives evolve — cyber strategy must adapt accordingly.
- Process maturity enables the rapid scaling of security without compromising quality.
- Maturity assessment is an essential tool for risk management.
Cybersecurity as a driver of innovation
Technologies such as GenAI present new opportunities and risks. When cybersecurity is integrated from the outset, it not only provides protection, but also acts as a catalyst for agility, innovation and long-term growth.
How does cybersecurity stimulate innovation?
- GenAI reshapes the threat landscape — new protection approaches are required.
- Integrated security accelerates the launch of new products.
- A secure environment fosters experimentation and technological development.
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Cybersecurity must form the foundation of digital transformation, enabling companies to grow safely, introduce innovations and prepare for new challenges.
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