Key Takeaways from the “Voice of the CISO” 2025 Report (Focusing on French RSSIs)
Here’s a breakdown of the key concerns and trends highlighted in the report, specifically focusing on the findings related to French RSSIs (Chief Facts Security Officers):
1.Ransomware & Data Loss are Major Threats:
High Ransom payment Willingness: A significant portion of French RSSIs (55%) would consider paying a ransom to restore systems or prevent data leaks. This figure is even higher in Canada (84%) and Mexico.
Diverse Tactics,Consistent Outcome: Various cyberattack tactics ultimately lead to data loss.
2. Data Protection is a Priority, but Gaps Remain:
Employee Departure as a Risk: 67% of French RSSIs who experienced data loss attribute it, in part, to employee departures.
Improved Prevention Tools: Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools are widely adopted (81% in 2024), showing improvement. Insufficient Protection: Despite improvements, 51% of French RSSIs still feel their data is inadequately protected.
AI Drives Focus on Governance: The rise of generative AI is pushing 54% to prioritize information protection and governance, leading to a shift towards dynamic and contextual security.3. The Human Factor is a Persistent Weakness:
Humans as the Primary Risk: 56% of French rssis identify humans as the main source of cyberattacks and data loss.
awareness vs.Behavior Gap: Despite 56% believing employees are more cybersecurity-aware, a significant gap exists between knowledge and actual behavior.
Lack of Internal Risk Management: 63% of French organizations lack dedicated resources for internal risk management to bridge this gap.
4. AI: A Double-Edged Sword:
customer Data Risk via AI: 61% of French RSSIs are concerned about customer data loss through public generative AI tools and collaboration platforms,viewing chatbots as a major threat.
Prioritizing Safe AI Implementation: 65% prioritize the safe implementation of generative AI, moving from restrictive approaches to governance-focused strategies.
Safeguards in Place: 61% have implemented usage directives, and 61% are exploring AI-based defenses. Though, enthusiasm for AI defenses has decreased (from 89% last year).
Limited AI Use: 55% still fully limit employee access to generative AI tools.
5.Deteriorating Alignment with Management:
Decreased alignment: alignment between RSSIs and their boards of directors is declining (from 83% in 2024 to 56% this year).
Board Focus on Customer Loss: Boards are increasingly concerned about customer loss following a cyberattack, highlighting the strategic importance of cyber risk.
6. Increasing Pressure & Burnout:
Excessive Expectations: 68% of French RSSIs feel they face excessive expectations.
Professional Exhaustion: 58% have experienced or witnessed professional exhaustion in the past year. Limited Resources: 42% believe they lack the necesary resources to achieve their cybersecurity objectives,despite 55% of organizations taking steps to protect RSSIs from personal liability.
the report paints a picture of a challenging landscape for French rssis. They are facing escalating threats, especially related to ransomware and the integration of AI, while simultaneously dealing with resource constraints, internal vulnerabilities, and a weakening alignment with leadership.
The quote from Ryan Kalember emphasizes the need for RSSIs to navigate the complexities of AI – leveraging it for security while ensuring ethical and responsible use. the report underscores that cybersecurity is no longer solely a technical issue but a critical strategic concern for organizations.
