Cyber security ROI: Simple ways to show business value

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What is cyber security ROI and why does it matter?

Cyber security ROI (Return on Investment) is a critical metric that quantifies the value created by security investments in terms of risk reduction, avoided losses, and operational resilience. In an increasingly digital world, organizations face escalating cyber threats that can disrupt operations, damage reputations, and cause financial loss. Demonstrating clear ROI helps security leaders secure vital budget approvals by showing how cyber security spending directly supports business outcomes rather than being seen as a mere cost.

For IT and security leaders, communicating ROI effectively is essential for gaining leadership and board buy-in. Today’s boards expect more than just compliance checkboxes - they want to see measurable outcomes linked to business value. Properly measuring and articulating cyber security ROI empowers CISOs and tech leads to justify investments, prioritize projects, and align security strategies with organizational goals, ultimately turning security into a strategic asset.

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Approaches to measuring ROI

One practical way to measure ROI is by analysing historical breach data. For example, if a business has experienced an average of one breach per year over five years, each costing £10 million, but enhanced security measures reduce this to 0.5 breaches annually, that’s a potential saving of £5 million per year. This method grounds ROI in real-world impact, making the case for investment more tangible. However, it’s essential to adjust these estimates for evolving threats and business growth to maintain accuracy.

Another valuable method is benchmarking against peers. By examining similar organisations’ breach frequency and costs, security leaders can estimate potential savings. For instance, if comparable businesses experience an average of £20 million in breach-related losses per year, but your organisation only reports £10 million, that differential could be attributed to your security investments. Just remember to factor in industry, geography, and company size to ensure meaningful comparisons.

A more sophisticated approach involves risk-adjusted investment modelling, using frameworks like FAIR (Factor Analysis of Information Risk). By assigning likelihood and financial impact to different threats, security teams can predict expected annual losses and model how specific investments - like an upgraded SOC or AI-powered detection - reduce those risks. This method resonates strongly with boards seeking accountability and clear business alignment.

Finally, a total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis helps compare internal versus external solutions, factoring in not just direct costs but also indirect benefits like faster response times, improved staff efficiency, and reduced burnout. For example, a managed SOC might cost more upfront but deliver savings through faster incident resolution - cutting breach downtime by 50% - at £2,949 per day, that’s a direct ROI contribution that CFOs love to see.

Building a Business Case with Confidence

For CISOs, IT directors, and technology leads, crafting a cyber security ROI business case requires clear communication and alignment with business objectives. Use real-world data, risk quantification in business terms, and easy-to-understand ROI models to speak the language of finance and boards.

Remember to include operational resilience metrics and the potential costs of downtime to make the case more tangible. Present ready-to-use formulas and messaging frameworks to justify renewals, upgrades, or SOC investments confidently. Ultimately, demonstrating cyber security ROI is about building trust and ensuring leadership understands how protecting digital assets supports overall business growth and sustainability.

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Infosecurity Europe 2025 and Data+AI Summit: The Power of Community and Collaboration

Infosecurity Europe 2025 emphasized that cyber security success depends not just on technology but on knowledge sharing and industry collaboration. Top takeaways included the critical need for integrating threat intelligence sharing and cross-sector partnerships to enhance collective defense capabilities.

Similarly, the Databricks Data+AI Summit 2025 highlights the growing role of AI and data analytics in security. Innovations in AI-driven threat detection and response are enabling faster, more precise identification of risks - dramatically improving ROI by reducing incident response times and minimising damage. These events reinforce that cyber security is not a siloed effort but a community-driven discipline where shared insights unlock greater value for all.

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Community in Action: The Power of Giving Back

One of the standout moments at Infosecurity Europe 2025 was the community coming together to support a great cause. At the Cyber 100 Club, the European Cybersecurity Blogger Awards, and the Cyber House Party.

A special mention to Marc Avery - FCIIS and the team at Cyber House Party who have raised over £27,000 for the NSPCC. Learn more HERE.

This generosity reflected the unique spirit of the Infosec community - one driven not just by technology, but by shared purpose and commitment. It was inspiring to see the energy, laughter, and solidarity fill the room, demonstrating that cyber security is truly about people coming together to make a difference.

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Why collaboration is key?

As cyber threats evolve, collaboration and diversity are essential for staying ahead. Communities & initiatives such as SECURE | CYBER CONNECT, YorkshireX, AI Tech UK, DTX 360, Cyber UK, DiSH, NCSC, CyBlack, Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), Join Momentum, the ISACA Northern England Chapter, Cyber London, and the Yorkshire Cyber Security Cluster offer vital platforms for professionals to share insights and drive innovation.

Why This Episode is a Must-Watch & Value You’ll Gain:

This episode offers an in-depth look at how a dynamic cyber security community grew rapidly to become one of the most trusted platforms within just seven months. Hosts Jay Adamson and Warren Atkinson share the podcast’s origin story, explaining how guests are carefully selected to provide diverse and valuable insights. The episode explores how conversations are thoughtfully crafted around crucial topics such as cyber security trends, artificial intelligence, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, and more. Listeners will discover practical advice on building a personal brand, advancing their career in cybersecurity, and creating meaningful professional connections.

Alongside this, the hosts candidly discuss the challenges faced in launching and running the podcast, key lessons learned, and the genuine value brought to both guests and listeners. Whether you’re a cyber security professional, tech leader, startup founder, or investor, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert tips to help you navigate today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape. Tune in to gain inspiration and strategies to grow your influence, stay ahead of industry changes, and thrive in the world of cyber security and technology.

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SECURE | CYBER CONNECT COMMUNITY - UPDATES

We’re excited to launch SECURE | CYBER CONNECT LIVE on July 2nd

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