Read the full post here: How NISTIR 8286 Connects Cybersecurity and Business Risk
Let’s say your team is dealing with a security issue — maybe a weak login system or an exposed API.
Most times, that risk stays within the IT or security team. But what if it leads to lost users or downtime?
That’s not just an IT problem. That’s a business risk.
What NISTIR 8286 Says
NISTIR 8286 basically says: “Hey, cybersecurity risks should be treated just like any other business risk.”
It helps you bring those technical threats into the bigger picture — the one your leadership team actually cares about.
Why It’s Useful
If your service goes down, or someone gets unauthorized access, it’s not just embarrassing — it could mean fines, lost customers, or public trust issues.
By tracking those risks properly, you’re more prepared. You’re also showing the company what’s really at stake.
How to Use It Without Overthinking
- List the cyber risks your team is already aware of
- Write how each one could affect the business (money, users, operations)
- Note what you’re doing to fix or monitor them
No fancy tool needed. Google Sheets works. A shared doc works. The point is to treat security risks the same way you treat supply issues, cash flow gaps, or legal threats.
It’s Not About More Paperwork
You’re not trying to create more red tape. You’re just being real about how tech issues connect to business outcomes.
That’s what NISTIR 8286 is trying to do. It gives teams a shared language so risk doesn’t stay trapped in one department.
Real Talk
If your CTO and CFO can look at the same risk report and both understand what’s going on — that’s a win.
Start small. Pick one system. Map a few risks. Talk about it in the next planning meeting. That’s enough.
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