Chief information security officers (CISOs) stand atop the cybersecurity career ladder. Only the most educated and experienced professionals reach this level of the field to oversee large cybersecurity teams, systems, and operations.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, cybercrime losses approached $7 billion in 2021 alone. Cyberattacks can ruin organizations and lives as the attackers become more intelligent and better equipped. Companies need security specialists who can develop, manage, and adapt their security infrastructure and strategy.
While becoming a chief information security officer can be a long and arduous process, these professionals enjoy the many perks of an executive occupation. Here, we examine the role in detail, along with the necessary steps to get there.
You must learn to be a team player and to lead. The best advice I can give is to slow down, gather your team around you, and let them own a piece of the struggle (and the success), and you’ll see results that far outweigh anything you could achieve on your own.
Steve Tcherchian
CISO and Chief Product Officer
XYPRO Technology
The CISO role varies by organization and industry. These professionals oversee information security architecture and operations. They aim to protect their organization’s assets while supporting technological endeavors. CISOs implement security technologies to identify vulnerabilities and develop strategies to overcome them.
Depending on the organization, CISOs may lead cybersecurity teams and collaborate with the chief information officer (CIO), chief technology officer (CTO), or chief security officer. CISOs also provide regular input on security risks and the implications of all digital business decisions to chief executive officers (CEOs) and other stakeholders.
