Business Impact: Communicating Security Through the Lens of True Business Risk

Security is no longer just about protection - it’s about understanding how risks affect business outcomes. We explore why security professionals must speak the language of business risk to drive real value and enable organisational success.

Business Impact: Communicating Security Through the Lens of True Business Risk

Security teams often focus on technical risks – the vulnerabilities in systems or networks – without properly considering the business impact of those risks. As organisations invest in new technologies and adjust their business strategies, the true cost of risk extends far beyond the technical domain. In today’s dynamic business environment, security teams must bridge the gap between technical threats and business outcomes.

Understanding how security risk impacts the bottom line - from operational disruptions to reputational damage - is critical. Business impact isn't just about protecting assets; it’s about ensuring the organisation can continue to operate smoothly in an unpredictable world.

The Shift from IT Risk to Business Risk

The traditional view of risk focuses primarily on IT systems and technical threats. This view is no longer enough. As businesses evolve, the risk landscape expands, incorporating factors like operational disruption, human error, and regulatory changes. Security professionals must learn to frame security risk in business terms, communicating how risks affect the broader organisation, rather than simply ticking boxes on technical assessments.

The Disconnect: Why Security Isn’t Always Aligned with Business Needs

Many security teams still operate in silos, disconnected from core business priorities. This misalignment can cause significant problems. When security teams don’t understand how their work impacts business functions, they fail to prioritise the risks that matter most to the organisation. Effective business risk communication is essential - security teams must articulate the business impact of threats in ways that senior leaders can act on.

The New Normal: Security Is a Business Enabler

Security must move beyond its traditional role as a barrier against risk. Security teams need to position themselves as enablers - helping the business pursue its goals while mitigating the risks that come with innovation. In today’s climate, security can’t just be about defence; it must also support growth. Teams must make informed decisions about which risks to take, and which ones to mitigate, in alignment with broader business strategies.

Why Business Impact Matters for Security Practitioners

The ability to articulate security’s business impact is essential for securing executive buy-in and investment in risk management. When security leaders communicate clearly about how risks affect business performance - from financial losses to reputational damage - they help ensure the organisation takes proactive steps to safeguard its most valuable assets.

1. Aligning Security to Business Goals: Security strategies must align with business objectives to deliver real value. Practitioners must speak the same language as executives to ensure they prioritise risk management alongside growth.

2. Influencing Strategic Decisions: Effective risk communication empowers security teams to influence critical business decisions. For example, when teams understand the cost of risk on product rollouts or acquisitions, they can propose solutions that reduce exposure.

Key Skills for Communicating Business Impact

Security practitioners must be equipped with skills that go beyond technical risk assessment. The following capabilities are essential:

• Business Acumen: Understand the business side of risk, including financial and reputational considerations.

• Clear Communication: Translate complex risk data into clear terms that make sense to business leaders and executives.

• Qualifying Risk in Business Terms: Ability to frame risk in business loss-terms - such as revenue loss or customer churn - rather than technical jargon.

The Strategic Shift: Moving From Compliance to Business-Focused Security

As risk management evolves, security practitioners must shift from compliance-driven to business-driven outcomes. Security can no longer be about simply ensuring compliance with industry regulations. It’s about ensuring that security initiatives enable business operations, support strategic growth, and drive value through proactive risk management.

Final Thought

In the modern business landscape, security is no longer a standalone function. It’s a critical enabler of business success. Security teams must communicate the business impact of their efforts clearly and compellingly, helping organisations navigate risk in ways that support their strategic goals. Business leaders no longer want security to be a roadblock; they want security to be a growth driver. It’s time for security to evolve - not just as a protector but as a true partner in driving business outcomes.

NGSP Business Impact

Author: Matt Kent is Director of Learning & Development at GRC-X, and formerly with the Information Security Forum. With a track record in pioneering GRC training and professional development, he regularly contributes as a thought leader, international congress speaker, and panelist on the future of security leadership.