Balancing efficiency and security: The role of voluntary standards and emerging technologies in cyber risk management framework in the global space

ALOZIE, CHISOM ELIZABETH and OKAFOR, UZOAMAKA (2025) Balancing efficiency and security: The role of voluntary standards and emerging technologies in cyber risk management framework in the global space. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 26 (2). pp. 2411-2433. ISSN 2581-9615

This research investigates the evolving balance between operational efficiency and security controls in global cyber risk management frameworks. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative survey data from 183 organizations across 27 countries and qualitative insights from 42 in-depth interviews with cybersecurity leaders, the study examines how voluntary standards and emerging technologies shape contemporary risk management practices. Findings reveal that organizations achieving optimal security-efficiency balance demonstrate three key characteristics: integrated risk governance structures, dynamic adaptation of voluntary frameworks, and strategic implementation of automation technologies. The research identifies significant variations in framework adoption across different regions, with harmonization challenges stemming from regulatory fragmentation, organizational maturity disparities, and technological capability gaps. A novel "Adaptive Security-Efficiency Model" is proposed, offering organizations a structured approach to calibrating security controls with operational needs while remaining responsive to evolving threat landscapes. This study contributes to both scholarly understanding and practical implementation of balanced cyber risk management in an increasingly complex global environment.