Many board meetings about cybersecurity resemble a visit to the dentist - an unpleasant necessity that everyone wants to end as quickly as possible. Often the problem lies not in the subject matter itself, but in the way IT security leaders (CISOs and CIOs) communicate with the board. This dialogue is full of misunderstanding, excessive technical jargon and a lack of clear business messaging.
Imagine a situation where, instead of hearing yet another report on firewalls, patches and security incidents, the board receives clear information about how real the threats to the company’s most important systems are, and what financial, operational and reputational consequences this could have. This is precisely the approach that today’s business leaders expect.
Why does the board avoid conversations about cybersecurity?
Boards often perceive cybersecurity as a technical matter that should be handled exclusively by IT specialists. Yet security, especially of systems such as SAP, is a strategic issue - it touches the very foundations of how the company operates. SAP systems manage finance, sales, logistics, as well as sensitive customer and supplier data. Any breach of these systems can have dramatic consequences.
SAP cybersecurity - why is this a strategic topic?
SAP is the heart of the organisation. If the board views it merely as a technical system, it ignores the risks associated with its security. According to a KPMG report, although most boards claim their SAP systems are secure, only a few companies carry out regular security audits. The gap between perceived security and reality is enormous and dangerous.
The role of the CISO and CIO in effective communication with the board
It is the CISO’s task to show the board that cyber threats are a real business risk. It is the CISO who should translate threats into business language, highlighting the potential financial and reputational consequences. The CIO, in turn, should support this narrative by presenting the concrete technical measures and investments needed to protect SAP systems.
How to convince the board to take SAP seriously?
Examples speak best. Let us show the board real-life stories - cases of companies that suffered because of neglected SAP cybersecurity. For instance, a ransomware attack on a global pharmaceutical manufacturer in 2022 cost the company more than 100 million dollars and caused enormous reputational damage.
Examples of SAP threats every board must know
The board should understand three main types of threats to SAP:
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Ransomware - attacks that encrypt data and block access to key business operations.
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Identity theft - takeover of user accounts through phishing, which can lead to data leaks.
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Lack of regular updates - exploitation of vulnerabilities that have been known for years yet remain unpatched.
A concrete action plan: what do boards expect from CISOs and CIOs?
The board expects a clear action plan:
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Regular security audits - identifying and eliminating vulnerabilities.
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Implementation of monitoring mechanisms (24/7 SOC) - ongoing threat monitoring.
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Penetration testing - a realistic assessment of defences through simulated attacks.
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Training and employee education - building awareness across the entire organisation.
How does SNOK support CISOs and CIOs in effectively managing SAP security?
SNOK is a strategic partner in SAP systems security. We help CISOs and CIOs build compelling narratives for boards that clearly present business risk and the benefits of investing in security. In practice, this means support in several key areas:
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Developing comprehensive security plans - we design strategies tailored to the specifics of the company, clearly presenting to the board what actions should be taken and why.
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Implementing advanced technologies, such as SecurityBridge - we offer solutions enabling automatic monitoring of, and response to, threats in SAP environments.
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Security procedures - we develop clear, effective procedures for crisis situations as well as for day-to-day cybersecurity management.
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Regular penetration testing - we carry out security tests, simulating realistic attacks to detect potential vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do.
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SOC-as-a-Service for SAP - we provide a continuous SAP systems monitoring service, guaranteeing an immediate response to incidents and ongoing security analysis.
Jacek Bugajski , CEO of SNOK, deals with the cybersecurity of applications used within the company every day, and knows the consequences of neglect very well:
“SAP security is not a technical topic, but a strategic one. As CEO, I know that any incident can threaten the stability of the entire organisation. At SNOK, we do not just deliver security - we live it every day. This gives us a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and how to protect them effectively.”
Summary: Changing the dialogue about SAP - from technology to strategy
If CISOs and CIOs learn to speak the language of business, SAP cybersecurity will stop being a dull, technical report for the board and will become a key strategic topic. Companies that can effectively protect their SAP systems gain a real competitive advantage. Others risk becoming yet another example in cyberattack reports.
Boards that take SAP security seriously today will be tomorrow’s winners.
Would you like to change the way your board thinks about SAP security? Contact SNOK - we will help you effectively protect what matters most to your company.