Survey results illustrate that cybersecurity has become a key factor in business growth
Eighty-five percent of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) state that the cyber security is essential for business growth, according to research by Gartner, Inc. The search Gartner CEO and Senior Business Executive, conducted with 456 CEOs and other senior business executives around the world, was conducted from June to November 2024.
The survey also found that 61% of CEOs are concerned about threats to cyber security, driven largely by the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business and political debates about the origin and use of advanced technologies. As risk thresholds shift, they see cybersecurity as a critical factor.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just about protection; it is a key driver of business growth,” says David Furlonger, Vice President Distinguished Analyst and Gartner Fellow. “With 85% of CEOs recognizing its importance, security leaders have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the value of cybersecurity investments not only in protecting assets, but also in enabling strategic business objectives.”
“Effective communication is key,” Furlonger adds. “CEOs should highlight the role of security leaders in both protecting the business and enhancing cybersecurity to drive growth. This includes, for example, assessing risks in foreign markets and protecting intellectual property. Security leaders are positioned to have a significant impact on value creation and should communicate how cybersecurity helps the company grow.”
Cybersecurity capabilities are essential to driving business growth 
Source: Gartner (April 2025)
Topics like this and others that explore the evolving landscape of risks and strategies, as well as insights practical on how to deal with the challenges of increasingly complex cyber environments will be highlighted in Conference Gartner Security & Risk Management, which will be held on August 5th and 6th, in São Paulo. More information is available at: https://www.gartner.com/pt-br/conferences/la/security-risk-management-brazil
Gartner customers can read more at “2025 CEO Survey – The Year of Dynamic Capacity”. Additional details can also be found in the free Gartner webinar “CIOs: 4 Key Elements to Accelerate Your CEO's 2025 Growth Agenda”.
About the Gartner Security & Risk Management Conference
Gartner analysts will present the latest research and advice for security and risk management leaders at the Security & Risk Management Conference, which will be held June 9-11 in National Harbor (United States), July 23-25 in Tokyo (Japan), on August 5th and 6th in Sao Paulo (Brazil) and from September 22 to 24 in London (UK). Follow the news and updates from conferences on X using #GartnerSEC.
About Gartner for Cybersecurity Leaders
O Gartner for Cybersecurity Leaders equips security leaders with the tools to help reframe roles, align security strategy with business objectives, and build programs to balance protection with business needs. Additional information is available at https://www.gartner.com/en/cybersecurity/products/gartner-for-cisos. Follow the news and updates of Gartner for Cybersecurity Leadersnode X and LinkedInusing #GartnerSEC.
About Gartner
O Gartner, Inc. delivers objective, actionable insights to executives and their teams. Gartner’s expert guidance and tools enable faster, smarter decisions and stronger performance on enterprises’ mission-critical priorities. To learn more, visit www.gartner.com
