What Is the Greater Purpose of Cybersecurity? Insights from Dr. Adrian M. Mayers

Organizations that manage large volumes of sensitive data carry significant responsibility. Cybersecurity protects systems, yet it also protects trust, leadership credibility, and operational continuity.

In his spotlight article, “Security: a greater purpose and a never-ending fight,” Dr. Adrian M. Mayers, Chief Information Security Officer at Premera Blue Cross, explains why cybersecurity serves a broader mission. His perspective reinforces a clear message: security programs protect more than infrastructure. They contribute to long-term organizational and national stability.

This post highlights key themes from his article and explains why purpose-driven cybersecurity matters for leadership teams.

Why Does Cybersecurity Carry a Broader Responsibility?

Dr. Mayers states that every company holding sensitive data has a primary duty to protect it. This responsibility extends beyond clients and partners. It contributes to national security.

“We’re contributing to a larger narrative,” he says. “It’s a call to action.”

Cybersecurity connects data protection, identity access management, and threat intelligence into one coordinated effort. When these elements work together and reduce friction inside the organization, security strengthens overall resilience.

Security becomes a leadership function rather than a standalone technical task.

What Does Purpose-Driven Cybersecurity Look Like in Practice?

At Premera Blue Cross, which serves approximately 2.4 million members nationally, cybersecurity programs focus on continuous visibility and improvement.

Key components include:

• Behavior analytics to establish baselines and flag anomalies.

• A dedicated threat intelligence and response team that investigates telemetry and emerging threats.

• Use of the MITRE ATT&CK framework to map capabilities and identify gaps.

• Identification and cataloging of geo-based attacks and indicators of compromise shared across trusted networks.

These actions create measurable oversight. They allow leadership teams to understand risk exposure and adjust controls based on real-world intelligence.

“You want to make sure that the right people are connecting to the right things at the right time and place,” Dr. Mayers explains. Security must protect assets while enabling employees to perform their work effectively.

How Do Leadership Principles Strengthen Cybersecurity Programs?

Dr. Mayers anchors his program in core guiding tenets aligned with Premera’s values:

• Identify with the customer.

• Act with urgency.

• Strive for excellence.

• Challenge convention through innovation.

• Do the right thing for members and the organization.

• Work together internally and externally.

“The work that we do absolutely demands the highest level of integrity and honesty,” he says.

Collaboration supports maturity. External partnerships strengthen threat visibility. Focused reviews maintain control effectiveness and risk awareness.

Complex cybersecurity programs require precise assessments in specific areas. Dr. Mayers describes Asureti’s contribution to these efforts as bringing “surgical precision” to strategic cybersecurity planning, controls assessments, and risk management.

Why Is Cybersecurity a Continuous Commitment?

Cybersecurity does not conclude at a milestone. Threats evolve. Regulations change. Technology shifts. Programs require consistent review and refinement.

Dr. Mayers also highlights the human component. Security protects people, operations, and mission outcomes.

“It’s looking at the 1s and 0s to fulfill the human mission, focus and objective,” he explains.

Purpose-driven cybersecurity aligns controls with leadership priorities and long-term stability. It reinforces accountability across the organization.

Continue the Conversation

Dr. Adrian M. Mayers’ full perspective is available in his spotlight article, “Security: a greater purpose and a never-ending fight.”

Organizations that treat cybersecurity as a leadership function maintain stronger visibility, accountability, and resilience. If your team is evaluating how security strategy aligns with governance and risk priorities, connect with Asureti to continue the discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the greater purpose of cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity protects more than systems. It protects trust, supports leadership accountability, and strengthens organizational and national stability.

Why should cybersecurity align with business leadership?

When cybersecurity aligns with leadership priorities, programs support strategic growth, operational continuity, and regulatory responsibility.

How does threat intelligence improve cybersecurity programs?

Threat intelligence provides visibility into evolving risks. It helps organizations identify gaps, strengthen controls, and respond to emerging threats with measurable action.

Why are external partnerships important in cybersecurity?

External partners provide independent assessments, expanded threat visibility, and strategic guidance. These inputs strengthen program maturity and long-term oversight.

‍