As digital risks intensify, the role of business leaders in cybersecurity has become integral not just to an organization’s technological infrastructure but also to its overall success and growth. Cybersecurity today demands a shift from being a reactive, technical function to a strategic asset that enables business resilience, innovation and long-term sustainability. Effective cybersecurity leadership requires balancing visionary thinking with practical risk management, ensuring that security initiatives are aligned with broader business objectives.
Business leaders like Belda Landu, a Cybersecurity Leader as well as the Managing Director and Founder of EMERALD AND PARTNERS, emphasize the transition from traditional, reactive security models to more proactive and anticipatory strategies. Belda notes, “We must move the leaders from just reacting to incidents to proactively forecasting emerging threats, assessing risks and protecting strategic assets.” This proactive stance helps organizations stay ahead of cyber threats, which are growing more sophisticated and faster by the day.
Central to this shift is the creation of a cybersecurity-aware culture across all levels of the organization. Belda advocates for an environment where not just security teams, but also executives and operational staff, are educated on their role in maintaining security.
Apart from internal education, successful cybersecurity leaders collaborate closely with departments like IT, legal and compliance to ensure security is embedded in every aspect of the business. By integrating security into the organization’s strategic framework, these leaders help ensure that digital assets are protected while fostering growth and business agility.
Understanding the Role of an Information Security Consultant
Belda is a cybersecurity professional with over 14 years of experience, specializing in defending against cyber threats like data theft, ransomware and phishing. Holding dual roles as an Auditor and Information Security Consultant, he has completed over 150 missions across diverse sectors in Africa and Europe. Certified in CISA, ISO 27001 LI/LA, ISO 27005 RM, ISO 27031 LCM, ISO 27701 LI, ISO 22301 LI, ITIL v4, Ebios RM 2018, COBIT 5 and others, he offers a 360° approach to cybersecurity.
Their expertise spans technical audit, IT consulting, IT risk analysis, governance, GDPR, compliance (PCI DSS, DORA, HDS) and the development of ISMS, business continuity plans and training, ensuring comprehensive protection and risk management for organizations.
Strategies for Tracking Cybersecurity Trends Effectively
Belda emphasizes raising awareness of cyber risks and fostering a cybersecurity culture through a comprehensive approach. Key strategies include securing management commitment, training employees on cybersecurity practices and promoting continuous communication. He encourages shared responsibility across all employees, clear security procedures and the use of automated security tools.
Daily security routines, recognition programs and employee feedback help strengthen security efforts. He advocates for monitoring incidents, tracking cybersecurity trends and conducting regular audits to improve security practices. Ultimately, he believes that a collective commitment to cybersecurity reduces risks and builds organizational resilience.
The Importance of Compliance in Cybersecurity Strategies
Belda’s experience across banking, telecommunications, insurance, and mining has shaped a flexible cybersecurity approach focused on risk management, data protection and compliance. He emphasizes data security, compliance and advanced technologies like encryption and multi-factor authentication in banking. In telecommunications, they focus on service continuity, network protection and proactive monitoring.
In insurance, he prioritizes data confidentiality, risk assessment and business continuity planning. In mining, they specialize in securing OT systems, physical infrastructure and environmental safety. Their diverse expertise enables Belda to develop tailored security solutions, aligning with industry-specific needs and enhancing resilience against evolving cyber threats.
The IT Risk Strategies
Belda’s methodology for managing IT risks involves a structured process to identify, assess, mitigate and manage risks to critical systems and data. The steps include identifying critical assets and threats, assessing the probability and impact of risks and ranking them by priority. He evaluates existing security measures, implements mitigation strategies like risk avoidance or reduction and creates action plans for high-priority risks.
Continuous monitoring, employee training and regular reassessments ensure ongoing effectiveness. He documents all processes for transparency and compliance with regulations like GDPR and ISO/IEC 27001, ensuring the protection of systems and data within the organization.
The Local Adaptation in Cybersecurity
Belda’s strategy for deploying cybersecurity services in a new market involves assessing local needs, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR and ISO/IEC 27001 and adapting to the market’s technology, infrastructure and culture. He tailors services based on local cybersecurity maturity and risk profiles, offering advanced or basic solutions as needed.
The approach includes competitor analysis, strategic positioning, local support capacity, and adaptation of services. Belda also focuses on education, communication and partnerships to drive awareness and adoption. Continuous monitoring and risk management ensure that the strategy remains effective and aligned with evolving market conditions and regulatory changes.
The Role of Creativity in Cybersecurity Solutions
Belda values key qualities in cybersecurity professionals, including continuous learning, curiosity and proactivity in research. Critical thinking and risk prioritization are essential for effective analysis and decision-making. Adaptability, resilience under pressure and strong collaboration skills are crucial for success in high-stress situations.
Integrity, responsibility and confidentiality are highly regarded, along with creativity, innovation and attention to detail. He also values professionals who can educate others and empathize with end users, fostering good security practices. A long-term strategic vision, project management abilities and a focus on teamwork are critical for developing a committed, innovative cybersecurity culture.
Building Cybersecurity Awareness in Emerging Markets
Belda has identified key differences in cybersecurity strategies across African and European markets, influenced by technological maturity, regulations, culture and resources. In Europe, advanced technologies, strict regulations like GDPR and widespread cybersecurity awareness drive compliance and sophisticated solutions.
In contrast, Africa faces emerging cybersecurity adoption, limited regulations and a skills shortage, with large sectors progressing slowly. He advocates for a flexible, progressive approach in Africa, focusing on basic protections and training, while in Europe, strategies emphasize compliance, advanced technologies and skilled recruitment. Both regions require tailored, context-sensitive strategies to ensure long-term resilience and cybersecurity growth.
Enhancing Trust through Certifications
ISO/IEC 27001 provides a framework for creating an Information Security Management System (ISMS) to protect organizational information, focusing on confidentiality, integrity and availability. Certification offers strategic benefits such as regulatory compliance, competitive advantage, cost reduction, and operational improvement.
Belda recommends ISO 27001 certification to help organizations secure data and manage IT risks. The GDPR regulates personal data processing within the EU, applying to organizations targeting EU residents or operating within the EU. He advises clients to implement a continuous GDPR compliance strategy, aligning with business objectives and enhancing trust. ISO 27001 and GDPR certifications strengthen security, compliance and competitive positioning.
The Role of Ethics in Cybersecurity Consulting
For those looking for guidance in the field and starting a career as a cybersecurity consultant, Belda shares that it requires technical skills, communication abilities, adaptability, and continuous learning. Key steps include mastering fundamentals like networks, operating systems and security concepts, obtaining certifications (e.g., CISSP, CEH) and gaining practical experience.
Communication skills are vital for explaining complex issues to non-technical clients and adjusting language to different audiences. Specializing in emerging fields like cloud security or AI, understanding regulations (GDPR, PCI-DSS) and building a professional network is also important. Consultants must maintain ethics, act responsibly and stay resilient in the face of challenges. Adaptability and constant learning are essential for long-term success.
