GoKawiilReport: Weak CISO-CFO Ties Leave Cybersecurity Underfunded and Exposed
A report on CISO-C-suite dynamics highlights that the relationship between chief information security officers and chief financial officers is increasingly critical to whether security initiatives get funded and supported. Citing PwC's 2025 Global Digital Trust Insights survey, it notes only 47% of CISOs are involved in strategic planning with CFOs on cybersecurity investment, and just 26% of companies have controls to respond quickly to cyber threats. Executives including Theresa Payton of Fortalice Solutions and Adam Ennamli of Deel argue CISOs must better translate technical risk into financial and business terms.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The survey figures suggest many organizations may be under-resourcing cybersecurity because financial and security leaders aren't aligned on priorities, which could leave companies slower to detect and respond to threats. Executives quoted suggest the gap stems partly from CISOs failing to communicate in financial terms CFOs recognize, implying the fix is as much about communication skills as budget allocation. If unaddressed, this misalignment could increase exposure to regulatory scrutiny and erode stakeholder trust, according to the report.
- Only 47% of CISOs are involved in strategic cybersecurity investment planning with CFOs, per PwC's 2025 survey.
- Just 26% of companies have controls to respond rapidly to cyber threats.
- Executives like Theresa Payton and Adam Ennamli say CISOs need stronger financial communication skills to secure executive buy-in.
Source: darkreading.com — George V. Hulme, 2026-09-25
Published there as: “How the CISO CFO Relationship is a Key to Cybersecurity Success”
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