Many boards still send confidential internal communications through unsecure channels for communication. Diligent Corporation released a report which found that 56 percent board members use personal email accounts for board communications. Even senior executives and governance professionals are also involved in this. This is a serious risk that must be addressed.
It is vital to convince board members with the need for secure communication. This includes educating them on the reasons why their current practices expose them to data breach and helping them comprehend how much it will cost in terms of lost time, cyberattacks, and compliance violations.
Cybercriminals are attracted to boards because they have access to sensitive information that is valuable to them. Cybercriminals target prominent people such as directors and executives of boards because they can access sensitive information that they consider valuable. They are therefore a prime target for ransomware, where criminals threaten to release sensitive data unless they get paid.
To avoid this, the board should think about adopting a governance platform that replaces email and text messages with a secured record system that relies on encrypted data transmission and a specially-built mobile application. This will eliminate the need to share confidential or insider information through unsecure email accounts or document systems which are controlled by the IT departments of the company and creates an independent platform that will enable boards to lead even in times of crises.
