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Cybersecurity Becomes Cornerstone of Growth Strategy for CEOs, Gartner Finds

Cyber Security

Business Honor
23 April, 2025

CEOs now view cybersecurity as both a safeguard and strategic growth accelerator.

Cybersecurity has evolved from a defensive necessity to a strategic business enabler, according to new findings from Gartner, Inc. A recent Gartner survey of 456 global CEOs and senior executives revealed that 85% of CEOs now recognize cybersecurity as a critical driver of business growth, not merely a risk management tool.

Conducted between June and November 2024, the Gartner CEO and Senior Business Executive Survey captures a significant shift in leadership mindset. The growing complexity of the digital economy—intensified by AI adoption and regulatory pressures—has positioned cybersecurity as a fundamental component of long-term competitiveness.

David Furlonger, Distinguished Vice President Analyst at Gartner, emphasized this transformation: “Cybersecurity is no longer just about protection; it’s a critical driver for business growth. Security leaders have a real opportunity to demonstrate how investments in cybersecurity fuel innovation, protect intellectual property, and support expansion into new markets.”

The survey also found that 61% of CEOs are increasingly concerned about cybersecurity threats, citing the dual pressures of AI-driven business models and geopolitical tensions over tech sourcing. As a result, cybersecurity is becoming embedded in strategic planning, especially as enterprises navigate digital expansion and data protection regulations.

According to Gartner, security leaders must reframe their role—not just as protectors, but as enablers of innovation. “By clearly articulating how cybersecurity strategies align with enterprise goals,” Furlonger added, “CISOs and CIOs can influence value creation and board-level decision-making.”

The findings will be a central focus at the upcoming Gartner Security & Risk Management Summits, taking place in key cities including National Harbor, Tokyo, São Paulo, and London.

For additional insights, Gartner clients can access the full report: “2025 CEO Survey — The Year of Dynamic Capacity”, and attend the upcoming webinar “CIOs: 5 Key Elements to Accelerate Your CEO’s 2025 Growth Agenda.”