Digital resilience: the synergy of cybersecurity and sustainability
Imagine if your firewall was not only a digital protective shield, but also a tool for climate protection. Utopia? Not at all. While companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices, it is often overlooked that cybersecurity must be an integral part of this strategy. The integration of cybersecurity and sustainability into corporate IT infrastructures is no longer a pipe dream, but an urgent necessity.
An article by Thomas Heine
Digitalization and sustainability are two important megatrends that need to be linked in order to effectively tackle global challenges. The connection between sustainability and cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important.
A recently published study shows that each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) has specific cybersecurity challenges. Examples of challenges are
SDG 1: No poverty
- Digital exclusion: People without access to digital technologies are excluded from opportunities
- Digital identity systems: Dependence on such systems can lead to data inequities.
SDG 2: No hunger
- Supply chain vulnerabilities: Digital supply chains are vulnerable to cyberattacks that can lead to food shortages.
SDG 3: Health and well-being
- Security of digital health data: Protecting sensitive patient data from unauthorized access is critical.
SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
- Attacks on energy infrastructure: Cyberattacks can lead to power outages, jeopardizing energy availability.
The central importance of data security
Cyberattacks pose a significant threat to companies' sustainability strategies. These attacks can not only disrupt operational processes, but also jeopardize stakeholder trust and compromise regulatory requirements. Therefore, data security is key for companies looking to implement sustainable practices. Cyber-attacks can compromise sensitive information on CO2 emissions, energy consumption and supply chains. A loss of such data could not only lead to financial losses, but also undermine customer and investor confidence.
In addition, ransomware or data breaches can have a significant impact on a company's IT infrastructure. This leads to downtime and can limit a company's ability to pursue its sustainability goals, especially when digital technologies are critical to achieving these goals.
Maturity checks to analyze progress
Many companies use maturity checks to assess progress in the integration of cybersecurity and sustainability. These maturity models make it possible to analyze the current status of integration and identify potential for improvement. Standards provide a valuable framework for companies to systematically review and adapt their strategies.
Possible approaches for such checks are
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
- ISO 27001 for information security
- Sustainability standards such as ISO 14001 or GRI
- Specific frameworks for green IT and sustainable digitalization
Green technologies for support
Green technologies are key for companies looking to develop their sustainable cybersecurity strategies. These technologies not only offer solutions to improve cybersecurity, but also make a decisive contribution to achieving sustainability goals.
Cloud computing is a prime example. Although it was identified as one of the biggest threats to cybersecurity in 2020, it brings significant benefits. The use of cloud services enables cost savings and improves the reliability of data processing. These efficiency gains are essential for companies that want to minimize their environmental footprint.
In industrial production, Industry 4.0 technologies enable comprehensive automation and improve communication between machines and processes. By using intelligent systems for problem analysis and diagnosis, companies can not only increase their efficiency but also optimize their resource consumption. These technologies are therefore key to promoting sustainable practices in industry.
After all, smart systems in areas such as engine control, logistics, building management and power grids offer enormous potential for improving sustainability. However, it is crucial to implement strong cybersecurity protocols to protect these systems from potential threats. The integration of smart technologies can therefore offer both environmental and operational benefits.
The challenges of integration
The integration of cybersecurity and sustainability presents companies with significant challenges that need to be overcome in order to remain competitive. A key problem is the existing awareness gap: Many companies have not yet realized how closely cybersecurity and sustainability are linked. This lack of awareness often leads to the implementation of sustainable practices being neglected in the cybersecurity strategy, even though there are significant synergies here.
Another critical aspect is the integration of outdated systems. Many organizations are faced with the need to modernize their IT infrastructure to meet security and environmental awareness requirements. However, this update is often complex and costly, making it difficult to implement innovative solutions.
Possible KPIs for operational management
In order to effectively manage the interdisciplinary relationship between sustainability and cybersecurity in companies, managers in the areas of sustainability, IT and finance should consider relevant key performance indicators (KPIs). These KPIs enable not only the monitoring of the ecological efficiency of the IT infrastructure, but also the assessment of the security situation in the digital space.
Important KPIs for sustainability and cybersecurity
1. Energy efficiency of IT infrastructure: optimizing energy consumption in data centers and server rooms is crucial for reducing operating costs and environmental impact
2. Percentage of renewable energy: The percentage of renewable energy that makes up the total energy consumption of IT systems reflects a company's commitment to sustainable practices.
3. Frequency and severity of cyber security incidents: Collecting this data is essential to assess resilience to cyber threats and implement necessary security measures.
4. Investment in green cybersecurity solutions: The financial resources invested in green security solutions demonstrate an organization's commitment to both environmental and digital security.
5. Recycling rate of IT hardware: A high recycling rate of IT devices is an indicator of responsible resource use and waste avoidance.
6. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through IT-supported process optimization: Implementing efficient IT processes can achieve significant savings in emissions while increasing operational efficiency.
The synergistic combination of cybersecurity and sustainability as part of a sustainable corporate culture
The effective promotion of cooperation between cybersecurity and sustainability in companies is crucial to ensure both digital security and environmental responsibility. An integrative approach that links the goals of both areas forms the basis for a sustainable corporate strategy.
By defining clear ESG goals (environmental, social, governance) that also take cybersecurity aspects into account, companies create a common basis for all employees. This integration promotes a holistic understanding of risks and opportunities and enables employees to recognize the importance of security in the context of sustainable practices. Training programs and workshops play a central role in this by raising awareness of the interactions between cybersecurity and sustainability while promoting environmentally friendly behaviors.
Another important aspect is the promotion of interdisciplinary cooperation. The exchange between departments such as IT, HR and sustainability management creates an open dialog that not only strengthens cybersecurity, but also develops a common understanding of sustainable goals throughout the company. This is all the more successful when managers exemplify their commitment to these issues and ensure that all employees are aware of their responsibilities.
Recommendations for companies
Cyber risks are becoming increasingly important. It is therefore essential for companies to consider cyber security as an integral part of their ESG (environmental, social and governance) strategies. The link between sustainable business and digital security is not only a question of protecting sensitive data, but also a decisive factor for the trust of stakeholders and the long-term resilience of the company.
To meet these challenges, companies should establish clear governance mechanisms that define responsibilities at management level. This could include the appointment of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to ensure that cyber risks are systematically identified and mitigated. Such a governance structure is crucial to ensure that cyber security is not viewed in isolation, but is actively integrated into the overall business strategy.
Investment in advanced technologies is also essential. Companies should implement modern security solutions that enable them to respond proactively to threats. In this context, innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence (AI) offer promising opportunities to improve security measures. The implementation of such technologies can not only shorten response times in the event of cyberattacks, but also help to identify potential risks at an early stage.
Employee training also plays a key role. Regular awareness programs are necessary to raise awareness of potential threats and promote a culture of security within the company. Every employee should be aware of the risks and know how they can contribute to the company's security.
Conclusion
The integration of cybersecurity and sustainability is more than a trend; it is a necessity for companies that want to remain competitive in an increasingly digitalized and environmentally conscious world. This challenge requires a rethink and investment in new technologies and strategies. Strategic investments and creative approaches are essential to effectively meet these challenges. Companies must recognize and actively exploit the synergies between cybersecurity and sustainability. This is the only way they can not only improve their security situation, but also minimize their ecological footprint. It is crucial that managers such as CPOs, CFOs, CSOs and CEOs integrate these topics into their central strategic considerations.