Cybersecurity In-Depth: Feature articles on security strategy, latest trends, and people to know. CISOs vs. Boards: Myth or Misunderstanding? Escalating threats are forcing boards to prioritize security, but communication gaps persist. Boards and security teams each say they need more support to bridge the divide. The rumors are exaggerated. Executive boards aren't apathetic to security threats; they're often struggling with a cybersecurity language barrier. Increasingly disruptive cyberattacks require preventative and remediation efforts from positions across organizations, yet chief information security officers (CISOs) and IT teams feel unsupported by the powers that be. This adds pressure on the CISOs, as they fend off attacks and manage potentially devastating fallout. But attacks affect business operations, an organization's reputation, and can result in legal implications which require everyone to get on the same page. More companies are recognizing this, as the threat landscape intensifies and leadership is working to break down the stereotype that boards don't care about security. There is a misplaced perception that board directors sometimes deprioritize cybersecurity over speed and growth, says Edna Conway, chief operating and risk officer at TPO group and former chief security and risk officer at Microsoft. "In reality, strong directors care deeply; not only about cyber risks but about the business's people, its mission, and about what's going on 360 degrees outside of the organizations," Conway tells Dark Reading. Is Transparency Ever TMI? Transparency is one highly contentious point that has fueled claims that leadership doesn't prioritize security. A recent Checkmarx report found 95% of CISOs feel pressured by management and boards to suppress security issues found in their organizations. CISOs track and respond to threats in real time. The board's job is to focus on profits and growth. Disclosing a vulnerability or an attack, even an attempted one, can compromise business growth and that's