EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The CISO career path is as exciting as it is fraught with perils. Modern CISOs exist at the intersection of technology, security and business strategy. The stakes are high and the simplest of initiatives can easily command commendation or crumble and collapse, ending in highly visible, catastrophic failures.
Succeeding within a CISO role requires a unique skill set and a unique blend of industry perspectives. In this article, we’ll highlight essential approaches for both aspiring and seasoned CISOs to pursue in setting themselves up for success.
CISO career path insights
Regardless of where you are along your CISO career path, enrich your everyday with these pragmatic insights. Ensure that you maintain and emphasize:
1. Agility in an evolving landscape
Cyber threats and technologies evolve at a mind-bending pace. For instance, as artificial intelligence and deepfake technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent, hackers are identifying new tactics that enable them to leverage the tools to disrupt new targets, at-scale. To that effect, enterprise CISOs need to adapt in conjunction with trends — all the while, taking resource availability and changing business needs into consideration.
2. Data-driven decision-making
As a CISO, you’re not only a guardian of data; you’re also a steward of resources. In turn, it’s imperative to communicate the return on investment (ROI) of security initiatives to senior management and stakeholders. Showcase how security measures have not only protected assets, but how they have also contributed to compliance and have positively shaped other aspects of the business.
3. Strategic communication
CISOs must be able to translate technical jargon into language that non-technical stakeholders can grasp. The ability to articulate the utility of security investments, corresponding risks and risks associated with lack of action is critical. It means a higher probability of gaining support and the resources required to truly advance security.
4. Cross-functional partnerships
Strong CISOs work cross-functionally with other departments, including IT, the legal department, and human resources, among others. In so doing, CISOs help ensure that cyber security initiatives are integrated into the fabric of the organization, rather than languishing as isolated efforts. This approach also increases overall business resilience.
5. Continuous learning
Ensure that you’re a member of any and all relevant information security trade associations and training organizations. For instance, the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE) and The Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE) can serve as good starting points. See a comprehensive list of cyber security industry associations here.
In addition to formal trade group participation, CISOs should maintain less formal channels for ongoing education purposes. CISOs should pursue industry publications, attend webinars, participate in cyber security conferences, and make connections with other people. For cyber security professionals, staying updated on emerging threats, technologies and regulations is a non-negotiable.
Further information
A savvy CISO not only secures networks and workloads, but also secures their own future. With that in mind, aim for personal growth, work to achieve extraordinary outcomes, and become an inspiring leader who can guide the next generation through effective CISO career path development.
For more CISO career path insights, please see our past coverage. Lastly, discover more timely insights and analyses when you sign up for the cybertalk.org newsletter.