Cybersecurity seen by 85% of CEOs as critical for business growth

A new global survey has found that 85% of CEOs consider cybersecurity a critical factor for business growth.

The Gartner CEO and Senior Business Executive Survey, conducted with 456 CEOs and senior executives worldwide between June and November 2024, highlights the shifting view of cybersecurity from a solely defensive measure to a key enabler of strategic business objectives.

According to the survey, 61% of CEOs expressed concern about cybersecurity threats.

This concern is attributed in large part to the increased presence of artificial intelligence in commercial activities and ongoing political debates regarding the sourcing and use of advanced technologies.

David Furlonger, Distinguished Vice President Analyst and Gartner Fellow, said: "Cybersecurity is no longer just about protection; it's a critical driver for business growth. With 85% of CEOs recognising its importance, security leaders have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the value of cybersecurity investments not only in safeguarding assets but also in enabling strategic business objectives."

Furlonger further commented on the importance of communication between CEOs and security leadership. "Effective communication is key," said Furlonger. "CEOs should highlight the role of security leaders in both protecting the business and enhancing cybersecurity to drive growth."

"This involves, for example, assessing risks in foreign markets and intellectual property protection. Security leaders are positioned to significantly influence value generation, and they should communicate how cybersecurity aids enterprise growth."

The findings indicate a shift in the perceived risk threshold among business leaders, who now see direct links between robust cybersecurity capabilities and the ability to compete and grow in the market.

Recent regulatory changes and the escalating threat landscape are contributing factors behind this correlation, with CEOs viewing strong cybersecurity as essential for maintaining competitiveness.

The survey data also revealed that CEOs are increasingly expected to address cybersecurity issues in the context of business expansion, including evaluating risks tied to foreign markets and the protection of intellectual property. This reflects a growing awareness of how digital security risks can impact a company's trajectory and market position.

Gartner's analysis suggests that the evolving role of security leaders is becoming more deeply integrated with core business strategy.

The research notes that security is now being reframed as both a protective measure and a means to generate business value, influencing decisions around market expansion and safeguarding innovation.

The survey findings are further outlined in Gartner's publication, '2025 CEO Survey — The Year of Dynamic Capacity'. The report explores the new responsibilities of cybersecurity leaders and emphasises the necessity of aligning security strategy with overall business objectives to support company growth.

Gartner's research also highlights the growing complexity CEOs face as regulatory environments evolve and advanced threats emerge.

Companies are responding by investing not only in traditional protection measures but also in security strategies designed to enable operational flexibility and facilitate new business opportunities.

The survey results underscore a broader trend in which cybersecurity is treated as a foundational element for market strategy, particularly as technology and data management issues rise to the forefront of corporate agendas worldwide.

The full findings, including further analysis and guidance for organisations, are available through Gartner's resources for cybersecurity and business leaders.