Data is gold in the digital age. From confidential board papers to sensitive customer information, digital assets are among an organisation’s most valuable, and vulnerable resources. Yet many boards and leadership teams underestimate just how exposed they are to cyber risks. 

With threats growing in sophistication, protecting your organisations data isn’t just an IT issue, it’s a governance issue. So, how can boards and senior leaders ensure they’re safeguarding what matters most?

Ways to protect your organisations digital assets:

1. Make security a leadership priority

Security starts at the top. When leaders take security seriously, the entire organisation follows. 

This means:

• Embedding security into governance processes, making it a regular boardroom agenda item.
• Ensuring directors and executives model secure behaviours, from password hygiene to device usage. 
• Championing a culture where security is everyone’s responsibility, not just IT’s.

Boards must ask the right questions: Are we using secure platforms for board communications? How are we managing access to sensitive documents? Are we prepared for a cyber incident?

 

2. Education and regular training

Even with the best tools, human error remains one of the biggest security threats. 

A survey found that 95% of cybersecurity issues have some human element.

Ongoing education ensures everyone understands their role in protecting data.

• Regular training for board members and staff on topics like phishing, password management and secure collaboration. Learn more about other cybersecurity trends here.
• Clear policies and guidelines on how sensitive information should be shared and stored.
• Simulated cyber exercises to test readiness and response plans.

A well-informed team is your first line of defence.

3. Use secure board management tools

Many boards still share confidential documents over email or store them in unprotected folders, a risky practice that exposes organisations to breaches. 

The right board management software, like Stellar can: 

• Fully encrypt sensitive documents and communications 
• Access control to ensure only authorised team members can view specific files 
• Track document activity for transparency and accountability 

Learn more about Stellar’s different packages here: https://bit.ly/4i7QAyn

Choosing secure tools designed for governance is a simple but powerful step to reduce risk.

 

4. Prepare for the worst and plan for recovery

Despite best efforts, breaches can happen. What matters is how prepared you are:

• Have an incident response plan that includes leadership and board roles.
• Regularly review and update cybersecurity policies and procedures.
• Ensure your board knows the protocol for responding to breaches, including regulatory notifications and stakeholder communications.

Statistica research found that as of 2024, the mean number of days to identify the data breaches was 194 days.

Being proactive and prepared can significantly reduce the impact of a security incident.

 

Final thoughts on protecting your organisation’s digital assets

In a time when data is one of an organisation’s most valuable assets, boards must lead the way by protecting it. With cyber threats growing in sophistication, protecting sensitive information is no longer just an IT issue. Boards and leaders must take an active role in safeguarding digital assets by making security a leadership focus, educating their teams, using secure board management tools like Stellar and preparing for potential breaches. Building a security-first culture from the top down is essential to protecting both your data and your organisation’s reputation.

Want to see how Stellar can help protect your board’s data? Book a free demo here.