Data-driven Cybersecurity Can Transform CEOs Into Strategic Leaders, Says AI Business Analytics Expert

Oluchi Chibuzor

A US-based Nigerian professional specializing in business analysis and artificial intelligence, Jane Onwuchekwa, has urged chief executive officers to move beyond treating cybersecurity purely as a compliance issue.

Instead, she recommends adopting a data-driven strategy that can transform cybersecurity into a competitive advantage.

Speaking during an interview with journalists recently, Onwuchekwa explained that organizations integrating data intelligence into their cybersecurity frameworks not only defend against threats more effectively but also build long-term trust and resilience.

“Cybersecurity is no longer just the responsibility of IT — it has become a strategic priority at the board level. Forward-looking CEOs must realize that strong digital protection is essential to staying competitive in today’s connected economy,” she said.

Onwuchekwa noted that data-driven cybersecurity helps companies make more informed business decisions by quantifying cyber risk in financial terms.

This, she argued, allows security investments to align with broader growth strategies. “That is how CEOs can transform risk management into strategic planning,” she added.

She emphasized that integrating business analytics into cybersecurity empowers leaders to act quickly and decisively. For example, predictive models using machine learning can estimate the likelihood of attacks and simulate their consequences, giving organizations a crucial advantage in response planning and business continuity.

“With applied AI, we can detect emerging threats that traditional tools might miss,” she explained. “This translates into faster reaction times and better containment before incidents become large-scale breaches.”

Onwuchekwa further highlighted that cybersecurity has a direct impact on customer trust and loyalty.

According to her, consumers today expect a secure and transparent experience and will abandon brands that fail to provide it.

“Customers aren’t just buying a product anymore — they’re buying confidence in a secure digital environment,” she said.

She also challenged the perception of cybersecurity as merely a cost center. Onwuchekwa argued that demonstrating the connection between security and innovation can reposition cybersecurity as a driver of growth.

According to her, “You can’t innovate if you are constantly worried about threats,” she said. “With data-driven systems, companies can innovate with confidence.”

In today’s crowded market, she believes that businesses embracing this data-driven mindset will have a significant advantage.

“The enterprises that succeed are those that move quickly and with clarity. Data-driven cybersecurity provides both,” she stated.

Onwuchekwa’s perspectives are gaining traction among technology leaders, corporate boards, and policymakers as Nigeria — like many countries — faces a surge in cyber threats. Her work suggests that the next frontier for corporate leadership lies in mastering data intelligence to protect, grow, and lead effectively.