A few years ago, cybersecurity was the concern of the IT department. In 2026, that boundary has disappeared.
Finance teams now find themselves at the centre of cyber threats, as they process payments, supplier data, contractual information and sensitive financial data. That is precisely why they have become the primary target for attacks.
And the scale of the problem can no longer be ignored. The Netwrix report showed that more than half of organisations experienced a security incident in the last 12 months. Phishing remains the most widespread threat. Deepfake invoices, cloned voices and automated phishing campaigns are no longer rare occurrences.
What is changing for CFOs
CFOs must now respond to cyber threats by strengthening approval chains, adding real-time verification steps and working closely with IT and compliance teams. The role of the finance professional is expanding from managing money to protecting it.
And this is not simply about security. It is about reputation, investor trust and business stability. A company that fails to protect its financial data will lose clients and partners.
What this means for managers and finance professionals
The market requires specialists who understand not only the numbers, but the risks surrounding them. Risk management, compliance and cybersecurity are becoming part of financial competency — and that is precisely what distinguishes a manager who is trusted.
That is why training under ACPM standards includes risk management as a dedicated area of study. With practical tools that can be applied from day one, with the right strategy and solution.
Source: Netwrix Cybersecurity Trends Report 2025 · Rydoo Finance Trends 2026
