Blog  9 Business Leaders Share Barriers to Meeting Cybersecurity and Compliance Goals

Cybersecurity and compliance are no longer optional in today’s interconnected digital landscape — they are essential for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining customer trust. And yet, the challenges that confront many organizations are nonstop; from evolving threats to complicated regulatory obligations, these businesses struggle to meet their most pressing goals. 

We at TrustNet surveyed 12 corporate executives to learn what is most commonly keeping their companies from succeeding in cybersecurity and compliance. 

Barriers to Achieving Cybersecurity and Compliance Goals 

— Balance Security and User Convenience  

“The predominant hurdle in meeting cybersecurity and compliance goals today is the balancing act between security protocols and user convenience. As a SaaS business owner, I see the implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA) as essential, yet the pushback comes from perceived user inconvenience. Many executives struggle with getting their teams to adopt stringent security measures because they fear impacting productivity or employee satisfaction.   

To address this, I focus on communicating the importance of security in protecting both the business and its customers, highlighting real-world implications of breaches. By emphasizing the critical role of MFA in safeguarding sensitive information, I aim to foster a culture where security is seamlessly integrated into daily operations, overcoming resistance and ensuring comprehensive compliance.” 

Valentin Radu, CEO & Founder, Blogger, Speaker, Podcaster, Omniconvert  

— Bridge Knowledge Gap Between Teams  

“The biggest hurdle C-suite executives and compliance managers face in meeting cybersecurity and compliance goals is the knowledge gap between technical teams and leadership. This gap often results in poor decision-making and ineffective implementation of cybersecurity measures. While the IT team might have the technical know-how, translating this into actionable strategies for the leadership team can be challenging.   

Fostering an environment where there’s consistent, clear communication between these groups can significantly bridge this gap. Establishing regular workshops or sessions where technical teams can simplify and present core cybersecurity issues to executives can enhance awareness and understanding, leading to more informed decisions. 

Leadership must be well-versed in the basics of cybersecurity threats and the importance of compliance to prioritize them effectively. To tackle this, consider developing a tailored cybersecurity training program for executives. This isn’t about turning them into tech experts but empowering them with the necessary knowledge to recognize risks and validate strategies from a business perspective. With improved understanding, executives can assess and support tech solutions more robustly, ensuring that cybersecurity efforts align with the broader business objectives and compliance standards.” 

Casey Meraz, CEO, Juris Digital  

— Adapt to Evolving Technology and Regulations  

“Here at our company, one of the bigger hurdles in meeting our cybersecurity and compliance goals has been the quick evolution of technology and regulations.   

Keeping ahead of new threats and adapting to updated compliance frameworks is a constant challenge. As tech advances, so do the strategies of cyber attackers, pushing us to continually refine our defenses and sometimes completely update our protocols. 

Additionally, aligning our cybersecurity initiatives with compliance mandates can be intricate, as ensuring that updates satisfy all regulatory requirements isn’t always straightforward. This environment requires our team to be exceptionally agile and visionary—making sure the security and compliance of our data and that of our customers.”

Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO, Online Games  

— Overcome Resource Constraints  

“Lack of resources is often one of the biggest problems that come up when trying to meet safety and compliance goals. Cybersecurity needs a lot of money to be spent on both tools and technology, as well as trained workers who can handle threats, set up controls, and ensure that rules are always followed.  

Another big problem is that rules and regulations change quickly. As privacy and safety standards change, it can be hard to keep up with new laws and industry-specific standards. This can put a strain on both time and money.  

There aren’t enough trained cybersecurity experts, which makes it hard to put together a strong team. Companies have a hard time meeting the strict requirements of modern safety and compliance programs without having staff with the right skills. Because of this talent gap, businesses often have to either use their own resources too much or depend on third-party solutions a lot.” 

Arvind Rongala, CEO, Edstellar  

— Stay Ahead of Digital Threats  

“In my experience as CEO of a technology-based company, the largest barrier to achieving our cybersecurity and compliance goals is the rapidly-evolving nature of digital threats. Cybercriminals are always advancing their methods, making it challenging to maintain robust protection. For instance, when we transitioned to advanced automated production lines, ensuring the security of our proprietary technology was a primary concern.   

Also, internal compliance can be another roadblock, particularly in a multinational setting with varying regulatory landscapes. A lesson I’ve learned over the years is to adopt a proactive approach by investing in continuous R&D and employee training. This way, we can stay ahead in understanding and responding to imminent threats timely and efficiently.” 

Tony Chen, CEO, Srlon  

— Integrate Security into Daily Operations  

“Honestly, one of the biggest barriers to meeting cybersecurity and compliance goals is the disconnect between security teams and business operations. Security is often implemented piecemeal in terms of the technical side, without taking into account the day-to-day workflow and productivity implications. And so, whenever something new is put in place, there’s resistance because it is disruptive or unworkable for those implementing it. It isn’t that people don’t want better security; it’s that they don’t want to put unnecessary burdens on their day-to-day tasks.  

For instance, multi-factor authentication (MFA). You need it for security, but if it’s configured to slow down entry for employees who need to bounce between systems, frustration and even workarounds can be used to undermine security. My advice? Bring representatives from all departments on board to ensure security objectives are realistic and integrate seamlessly into daily operations. When security is more a part of the workflow than a barrier, compliance objectives and buy-in from across the organization are much more likely to happen.” 

Thomas Franklin, CEO, Swapped  

— Keep Pace with Cyber Threats  

“In my experience, the biggest barrier to meeting cybersecurity and compliance goals lies inherently in the fast-changing nature of the technology and cyber-threats space. The rapid evolution and complexity of cyber threats can outpace traditional security measures, leaving a business exposed to potential threats. 

For instance, we faced this issue when hackers targeted us with a sophisticated ransomware attack. Our reliable security measures were ineffectual against such modern threats, leading to a severe risk scenario. The second challenge is the constantly changing regulatory standards. Adapting to new regulations requires considerable resources and time, leading to conflicting priorities.   

However, we overcame these barriers through continuous investment in cutting-edge cybersecurity technology and regular staff training. On the regulation front, engagement with compliance experts to stay abreast and implement regulatory changes in time was also instrumental.” 

Mark Agnew, CEO and Founder, Eyeglasses.com  

— Integrate Security in Project Planning  

“For a growth strategist like myself, the most significant barrier often stems from resource allocation. Balancing the demands of business growth with the necessary security measures can be daunting. When working on video-marketing strategies for clients, I need to ensure that our data-handling processes are both effective and compliant.   

For example, while developing a campaign that involves collecting user data, we had to ensure compliance with GDPR and other privacy laws. This meant investing time in creating robust data-protection protocols while also managing client expectations for rapid turnaround times. I’ve learned that it’s crucial to integrate security measures into the early stages of project planning to avoid scrambling later. But still, finding that balance requires ongoing vigilance and commitment from the entire team.” 

Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt  

— Address Skill Gap in Cybersecurity  

“In my experience, the biggest barrier preventing executives from meeting cybersecurity and compliance goals today often boils down to the rapid pace of technological change and a corresponding skill gap within the organization. As a driving force in a technology-oriented enterprise, I’ve noticed that evolving technologies frequently outpace regulations, making compliance an ever-moving target. For instance, the introduction of AI and IoT in various applications heralded a new era of uncertainties in data privacy and security protocols.  

Moreover, many organizations are facing a skill gap in comprehending and implementing the latest cybersecurity compliances. During a project implementation, we noticed a disparity between the technological know-how of our team regarding a newly introduced cybersecurity directive. We had to initiate extra training sessions to bridge this gap, demonstrating how even technology-driven companies can struggle with these rapidly evolving norms. Therefore, my advice to ensure smoother navigation through this landscape is continuous team education and cultivating a proactive approach to adopting new security measures, especially considering the looming threats in today’s digital age.” 

Ant Liang, CEO, Promax 

How TrustNet Addresses These Barriers 

We get it — cybersecurity and compliance can feel overwhelming and figuring out where to start can be tough. At TrustNet, we’re here to cut through the noise with our expertise and comprehensive services. 

Cybersecurity Services 

Our cybersecurity solutions target vulnerabilities and strengthen your defenses. Here’s how we help organizations stay ahead of evolving threats: 

• • Penetration Testing: Simulating real-world attacks to expose weaknesses and improve your security posture.
  • Cyber Risk Assessment: Identifying potential threats and assessing the impact to guide smarter risk management.
  • Vendor Risk Management: Helping you ensure that third-party relationships don’t become security liabilities.
  • Security Awareness Training: Educating your team to recognize threats and reduce risks from human error.
  • Managed Security: Offering continuous monitoring and support to protect your systems around the clock. 

Compliance Services 

Meeting industry and global compliance standards is a major challenge for organizations. TrustNet simplifies this with expert guidance across a wide range of regulatory frameworks, including: 

• • SOC (System and Organizations Controls) 
  • PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) 
  • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) 
  • CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) 
  • HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) 
  • HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) 
  • CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) 
  • ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) 
  • CSA STAR (Cloud Security Alliance Security, Trust, Assurance, and Risk) 
  • And more. 

Our tailored cybersecurity and compliance solutions equip you to meet today’s standards effectively while avoiding costly fines and reputational damage. 

The Importance of Pricing and Investment in Compliance 

Pricing in cybersecurity and compliance isn’t just about cost — it’s about value. Choosing the least expensive services could sound alluring, but doing so might expose organizations to potentially more significant costs, from penalties and fines and even damage to reputation. 

TrustNet takes pride in offering straightforward pricing that aligns with the quality and expertise we bring to the table. At the heart of our services is Accelerator+, a methodology built to deliver results.

At the heart of our services is Accelerator+, a methodology built to deliver results. 

• • Advisory: We carefully examine your systems to identify any flaws or issues that can leave you vulnerable to non-compliance or breaches. 
  • Audit: We utilize continuous monitoring and reviews to ensure you’re not just meeting today’s standards but remaining resilient to tomorrow’s challenges. 
  • Automation: We decrease manual procedures and streamline operations by using cutting-edge tools and technology. 

TrustNet’s Proactive and Trustworthy Approach 

At TrustNet, it all starts with relationships — real, meaningful ones. We’re not interested in cookie-cutter solutions or one-size-fits-all strategies. Instead of a superficial approach, we dedicate ourselves to understanding you (and your business) and the elements that truly hold significance for you. 

We also pride ourselves on staying ahead of the game. Whether it’s spotting trends before they become problems or preparing for the next big regulatory change, we’re always looking forward. However, this extends further than simply being proactive — it is about making sure that all of our efforts are in harmony with your unique needs and objectives. This method not only reinforces our commitment to collaboration and trust but also enhances the overall effectiveness of our partnership.  

Why TrustNet Is the Partner You Can Count On 

Cybersecurity and compliance are no easy feat. But with TrustNet, you don’t have to do it alone. We bring expertise, a proactive approach, and personalized solutions that fit your goals. By understanding what matters most to your business, we build trust and give you the tools and support to overcome and succeed in a competitive digital world. 

Disclaimer: Throughout this article, insights from CISOs, CEOs, and other executives are provided for illustrative purposes. These people may or may not be connected to TrustNet. 

It’s time to see how TrustNet can make a difference. Contact us today and take the first step toward a more secure and resilient future.