Trust is the most powerful force underlying the success of every business—but it can be shattered in an instant. Internationally recognised trust researcher and Harvard Business School professor Sandra J. Sucher talks about her latest book, The Power of Trust: How Companies Build It, Lose It, Regain It (Public Affairs, July 2021).

The 17th edition of the Global Risks Report identifies tensions that will result from diverging trajectories and approaches within and between countries and then examines the risks that could arise from such tensions. This year’s report also highlights the implications of these risks for individuals, governments and businesses.

Ours is proving to be the century of cyber insecurity, yet few organizations have made sufficient progress in protecting information assets.

Companies are moving to a risk-based cybersecurity stance. The approach recognises that not all assets are created equal, nor can they be equally protected in today’s all-encompassing digital environment. Some assets are extraordinary—of critical importance to a company and its business. The digital business model is, in fact, entirely dependent on trust. If a company’s customer interface is not secure, the risk can become existential. Safeguarding such assets is the heart of an effective strategy to protect against cyberthreats.