CISOs Call for Streamlined Global Cyber Rules

A group of chief information security officers representing 45 global enterprises is urging world governments to simplify and align cybersecurity regulations, reports Cybersecurity Dive. In a joint letter sent to leaders of the G7 and the OECD, the CISOs ask for more consistent application of current rules, coordinated planning on future regulations, and improved avenues for collaboration between public and private sectors. The goal is to ease the growing burden of compliance while strengthening global cyber defense.

The move highlights a long-standing issue: enterprises must often demonstrate adherence to the same security controls under different, sometimes conflicting, national frameworks. This leads to duplicated assessments, audits, and reporting — consuming time and resources that could be better spent on actual defense measures. The letter suggests that better harmonization could help unlock those resources and improve both compliance efficiency and risk management.

The call for alignment has been met with interest from policymakers. In the U.S., both the current and prior administrations have shown support for cutting back regulatory duplication. Similar sentiments have been echoed by other governments, with the understanding that inconsistent frameworks can hinder international cooperation, including the timely exchange of threat intelligence.

The letter also proposes practical next steps, including the use of the OECD as a platform to organize recurring public-private dialogues, create action plans, and track progress. It suggests reciprocity agreements and the use of common international standards to reduce friction. With signatories ranging from AWS and Mastercard to Siemens and Danske Bank, the message is clear: regulatory simplification is not just an industry preference — it’s a shared necessity for strengthening global cyber resilience.