What's Happening?
A recent survey conducted by Cytactic reveals that approximately 70% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in the United States believe that internal conflicts during a crisis pose more significant
challenges than the cyberattacks themselves. The 2025 State of Cyber Incident Response Management (CIRM) Report highlights issues such as CISO-CEO tension, unclear authority, and communication gaps between key teams as major obstacles in breach response efforts. Despite substantial investments in cybersecurity tools and talent, these internal issues often delay response efforts, causing more disruption than the attackers. Analysts suggest that alignment and perception issues, including the belief that CISO proposals slow down operations, contribute to these challenges.
Why It's Important?
The findings underscore the critical need for improved internal communication and clear authority structures within organizations to effectively manage cyber incidents. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the ability to respond swiftly and efficiently is paramount. The report suggests that internal conflicts can undermine the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures, potentially leading to greater financial and reputational damage. Organizations may need to reassess their crisis management strategies and invest in training and rehearsals to ensure all teams are aligned and prepared for potential cyber threats. This could lead to a shift in how companies prioritize their cybersecurity investments, focusing more on internal processes and communication strategies.
What's Next?
Organizations are likely to reevaluate their internal structures and crisis management protocols to address the issues highlighted in the report. This may involve redefining roles and responsibilities, enhancing communication channels, and conducting regular crisis response drills. Companies might also consider fostering a culture of collaboration and trust between CISOs and other executive leaders to mitigate tensions and improve response times. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the ability to quickly and effectively manage internal conflicts will be crucial in minimizing the impact of cyber incidents.
Beyond the Headlines
The report's findings may prompt a broader discussion on the role of CISOs within organizations and how their responsibilities are perceived by other executives. There could be ethical considerations regarding the transparency and accountability of cybersecurity practices, as well as the need for a more inclusive approach to decision-making during crises. Long-term, this could lead to a cultural shift within organizations, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration in cybersecurity efforts.
