CEOs More Worried about Cybersecurity than Possible Recession

CEOs More Worried about Cybersecurity than Possible Recession

CEOs listed their biggest worries in a recent survey, most listing cybersecurity as their largest fear.

With markets uncertain, one might think a CEO in today's world is worried about a possible recession. Wrong. According to a new survey by the Conference Board, domestic CEOs do not find heavy economic headwinds their biggest external business worry — they are more concerned about cybersecurity.

After high-profile data breaches experienced over the last two years by such companies as Marriott, Equifax and Uber, it is understandable that most CEOs would fear the dreaded cyber breach. 

The study found that only U.S. CEOs were most concerned about cybersecurity. CEOs in countries like Latin America, Japan and China found a possible cyber breach to be less worrisome barely breaking the top ten list of pressing issues.

When it comes to recession, Europe, Japan, China and Latin America all rated this as their number one business worry.

However, while cybersecurity was a big issue, compliance with privacy regulations that protect consumers of so much data theft was not. Appearing on the list of internal issues, U.S. CEOs didn't even list compliance as a worry that broke their top ten, appearing at 12 on most lists.

In Europe, where the GDPR has just taken affect, CEOs listed compliance as an eight on their scale of worries.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.