Cybersecurity Risks Your Board Needs to Understand in 2025
- Courteney Franks
- May 5
- 2 min read
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue — it’s a governance priority. As threats become more sophisticated and regulations tighten, boards and executive teams are increasingly expected to understand, oversee and guide cybersecurity risk management. But where should governance leaders focus their attention?
Here are key cybersecurity risks boards need to stay ahead of in 2025:
1. Third-Party & Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Many recent breaches have originated not from internal systems, but from trusted vendors and partners. Boards should ensure third-party risk assessments and contractual security requirements are in place, regularly reviewed and aligned with overall risk appetite.
2. Ransomware and Data Breaches
Ransomware attacks remain a top concern. Boards need to be aware of response plans, backup protocols and legal exposure. Especially in sectors where data privacy laws demand timely breach disclosure.

3. Lack of Cyber Risk Integration in Enterprise Risk Management
Cyber threats often sit in isolation from broader enterprise risk frameworks. Boards should advocate for cyber risk to be embedded into the organisation’s risk register, with clear links to business continuity, operations and compliance.
4. Inadequate Training & Awareness
Human error is still the most common entry point for cyberattacks. Boards should ask: Is cybersecurity training regular, role-specific and tracked? Is there executive buy-in and culture-building around cyber awareness?
5. Board Readiness and Capability
Not every board member needs to be a cyber expert but collectively, the board must have enough literacy to understand the organisation’s exposure, risk posture and strategic approach to cybersecurity. If this capability is lacking, it may be time to consider upskilling or external advisory support.
Ultimately, cybersecurity risk is business risk. Boards who proactively engage with these challenges not only reduce exposure but also position their organisations for resilience and trust in an increasingly digital world.
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