CISOs must distinguish between “good risks” that promote innovation and “bad risks” that could jeopardize business operations.
The role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has become increasingly complex, evolving beyond technical oversight into a strategic leadership position. Modern CISOs must safeguard digital assets, manage cyber threats, and ensure data integrity while aligning security goals with business objectives. Their responsibilities demand a mix of technical expertise, risk management, and strong communication skills to bridge the gap between technical teams and executive stakeholders.
CISOs today face challenges stemming from rapid digital transformations, such as the adoption of cloud services and emerging technologies. They must work closely with technology vendors and other stakeholders to ensure security is embedded in the organization’s processes. Effective CISOs prioritize scenario-based thinking, adapt to evolving risks, and foster agility in their teams to keep pace with business demands and external pressures.
Building relationships across the organization is critical for managing risks effectively. CISOs must distinguish between “good risks” that promote innovation and “bad risks” that could jeopardize business operations. This balancing act involves maintaining trust and constant communication across departments. Additionally, agility, adaptability, and a culture of continuous learning are essential for managing change and organizational resilience.
To communicate effectively with boards and non-technical audiences, CISOs should tailor their messages using relevant examples and simple metaphors. Understanding the audience’s background and aligning cybersecurity discussions with their perspectives fosters clarity and trust. This skill is increasingly crucial as CISOs work to align security strategies with broader organizational goals and rapidly changing regulatory landscapes.
Unlocking Cybersecurity Excellence: How vCISO Services Empower SMBs
In today’s digital landscape, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face an ever-growing array of cybersecurity threats. From tech startups to e-commerce platforms, healthcare providers to financial services, and even manufacturing firms – no sector is immune. But what if there was a way to access top-tier cybersecurity expertise without breaking the bank? Enter the world of virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services.
The SMB Cybersecurity Dilemma
Picture this: You’re a passionate entrepreneur, pouring your heart and soul into growing your business. Suddenly, you’re hit with a data breach that brings everything crashing down. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. SMBs often find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to cybersecurity:
💰 Limited budgets that can’t accommodate a full-time CISO
🧠 Lack of in-house expertise to navigate complex security landscapes
📜 Regulatory compliance headaches that keep you up at night
🎯 Evolving threats that seem to always stay one step ahead
But fear not! vCISO services are here to turn the tables in your favor.
The vCISO Advantage: 5 Game-Changing Benefits
1. Cost-Effectiveness: Big Security, Small Price Tag
Imagine having a seasoned cybersecurity expert at your fingertips without the hefty salary. vCISO services offer precisely that. You get:
Access to top-tier expertise at a fraction of the cost
Flexible engagement models that adapt to your budget
No need for expensive training or certifications
“We saved over 60% on cybersecurity costs while improving our overall security posture,” shares Sarah, founder of a thriving e-commerce startup.
2. Access to Expertise: Your Personal Security Guru
With vCISO services, you’re not just getting a consultant – you’re gaining a partner invested in your success. Benefits include:
Seasoned professionals with diverse industry experience
Up-to-date knowledge on the latest threats and best practices
Tailored strategies that fit your unique business needs
Dr. Johnson, a healthcare provider, notes, “Our vCISO brought insights from multiple industries, helping us stay ahead of emerging threats in ways we never imagined.”
3. Scalability: Security That Grows With You
As your business evolves, so do your security needs. vCISO services offer unparalleled flexibility:
Easily scale services up or down based on your requirements
Adapt to seasonal fluctuations without long-term commitments
Access specialized expertise for specific projects or challenges
4. Compliance Management: Navigate the Regulatory Maze
Feeling lost in the labyrinth of compliance requirements? Your vCISO is your guiding light:
Stay on top of industry-specific regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, etc.)
Implement robust compliance frameworks
Prepare for audits with confidence
“Our vCISO transformed compliance from a headache into a competitive advantage,” beams Michael, CEO of a fintech startup.
5. Risk Reduction: Sleep Soundly at Night
With a vCISO by your side, you can focus on growing your business, knowing your cybers
Contact us to explore how we can turn security challenges into strategic advantages.
Why Companies Turn to Virtual CISOs The need for a virtual chief information security officer (vCISO) often arises from specific scenarios, such as expanding security strategies, responding to breaches, or navigating mergers and acquisitions. Managed security service providers (MSSPs), incident response firms, venture capitalists, and cyber insurers increasingly recommend vCISOs to help businesses establish robust security practices. By providing expertise and consistency, vCISOs assist companies in developing and managing comprehensive security programs while offering a fresh, big-picture perspective.
Cost-Effective Security Leadership Hiring a full-time CISO is challenging and costly due to the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. A vCISO offers a flexible alternative, delivering part-time leadership tailored to the company’s needs. Unlike consultants, vCISOs provide continuity and align with an agreed-upon strategy, bringing specialized knowledge in areas like operational technology or regional regulations. This approach makes vCISOs an attractive option for companies looking for expert guidance without the overhead of a full-time executive.
Strategic Security Planning A vCISO can help organizations develop long-term security strategies, particularly in response to regulatory requirements, industry standards, or competitive pressures. They offer actionable plans and ensure companies are not merely meeting the minimum requirements, such as those for cyber insurance. By addressing evolving threats and regulatory landscapes, vCISOs guide businesses in staying proactive and prepared.
Bridging Capability Gaps While vCISOs provide strategic direction, companies may also need operational support to execute these plans. In cases where internal capabilities are insufficient, vCISOs can assess and recommend managed security services to fill the gaps. This dual role—strategy and evaluation—helps businesses align their security programs with realistic goals and resources.
Specialized Expertise for Emerging Threats vCISOs are especially valuable for addressing emerging challenges, such as new technologies or shifts in the threat landscape. Their specialized expertise allows them to pinpoint and address gaps that internal teams may lack the capacity or knowledge to handle. This makes vCISOs an invaluable resource for companies seeking to strengthen their risk profiles and adapt to an ever-evolving cybersecurity environment.
The article discusses how recent regulatory actions, such as those by the FTC and SEC, are reshaping the reporting responsibilities of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). These regulations, alongside high-profile legal cases like SolarWinds, have heightened CISO accountability. A YL Ventures report, based on 50 interviews with cybersecurity executives across various industries, highlights increased scrutiny from boards of directors on cybersecurity leadership. CISOs are now more frequently held personally accountable for their company’s cybersecurity posture, leading to more rigorous reporting and oversight requirements.
Currently, the cyber security approach for MSP clients includes steps like End User Security Awareness, Patching, EDR, Access Control, Vulnerability Management, and SIEM implementation—essentially throwing various tools at the problem.
However, what if we’ve had it backwards? Shouldn’t we start by asking why each control is necessary and if it matches the client’s risk profile? Clients are seeking change and are tired of outdated methods.
Instead of merely adding services, we should start with vision, foresight, and leadership, embodying the principles of a vCISO. It’s about building a foundation of strategic brilliance, not just following the continuum but redefining it. Rethink Cybersecurity—Start with Vision, Start with vCISO.
MSP, or Managed Service Provider, plays a crucial role in safeguarding businesses from cyber threats by managing information asset risks and delivering Information Security Management services, acting as a vCISO at both tactical and strategic levels.
Helping maintain compliance:Â MSPs can help organizations maintain compliance to various standards and regulations.Â
MSPs can help reduce the burden on internal IT/InfoSec teams.Â
Enhancing cyber resilience:Â MSPs can help enhance overall maturity of InfoSec program.Â
The report analyzes the dynamics among C-suite executives to better understand issues that prevent risk reduction, stall or complicate compliance, and create barriers to cyber resilience.
CISOs pressured with AI, cybersecurity risk tradeoffs, and budget
While CISOs are often responsible for technology implementation, they are not getting the support they need at a strategic level. Researchers found that 73% of CISOs expressed concern over cybersecurity becoming unwieldy, requiring risk-laden tradeoffs, compared to only 58% of both CIOs and CTOs.
Additionally, 73% of CISOs feel more pressure to implement AI strategies versus just 58% of CIOs and CTOs. These pressures pair with the fact that 66% of CISOs believe reactive budgets cause a lack of proactive cybersecurity measures, compared to 55% of CIOs and 53% of CTOs feeling the same way.
C-suite alignment could clarify cybersecurity priorities
Effective cybersecurity strategies require top-down leadership and alignment with the perspectives of non-C-suite professionals directly involved in technology development, security implementation, and operational support.
CISOs expressed more concern about cybersecurity’s operational and strategic challenges. The missing component is alignment among the different interests represented by the other roles: CTOs were concerned with the impact of compliance on innovation and competitiveness, aligning with their focus on technology development. Conversely, CIOs balance broader strategic perspectives, encompassing risk management, compliance, and adopting new technologies.
Based on roles, it is not surprising most CIOs (92%) are more inclined to embrace uncertainty concerning cyber threats, compared to 81% of CTOs and 75% of CISOs. These differences in tolerance are important to discuss when creating a cybersecurity strategy that considers business priorities.
“Understanding the C-suite’s business priorities is critical for shaping effective cybersecurity strategies,” said Theresa Lanowitz, Chief Evangelist of LevelBlue. “Identifying how these essential roles look at the business helps to ensure alignment among CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs, as well as the teams that report into them. It’s a key first step towards bolstering cyber defenses, especially with the CEO and Board support.”
External pressures
CTOs view compliance as an obstacle to innovation. 73% of CTOs (compared to 55% CIOs and 61% CISOs) are concerned about regulations hindering competitiveness and are more likely to perceive compliance as an obstacle to innovation. In contrast, CIOs and CISOs view compliance as an integral component of risk management and operational stability, essential for maintaining a secure and reliable organizational environment.
The supply chain has hidden risks, and the importance of those risks varies. Nearly three in four CIOs (74%) and CISOs (73%) find it challenging to assess the cybersecurity risk from their supply chain, compared to only 64% of CTOs. This suggests that CIOs and CISOs are more involved in evaluating external risks and dependencies, while CTOs focus more on internal technology infrastructure.
C-Suite alignment on cloud computing supports cybersecurity resilience. There was little difference in the perception of cloud computing’s ability to provide cybersecurity resilience among CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs, with 83%, 82%, and 80%, respectively, acknowledging its benefits. This consensus indicates a shared recognition among these executive roles of cloud solutions’ value in enhancing cybersecurity.
What key factors have contributed to increased personal liability risks for CISOs?
The role of the CISO has evolved significantly over the past year. The notable shift toward increased personal liability is largely the result of three factors:
First, organizations are at greater cybersecurity risk than ever. Attackers and their wares are growing more advanced by the day. At the same time, for all their benefits, new technologies, such as AI, often result in increasingly complex digital infrastructures that may hide security vulnerabilities ripe for the picking.
Second, the evolving regulatory landscape. Laws such as the Digital Operations Resiliency Act (DORA) in Europe and various new regulations from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) legally place personal responsibility for data breaches squarely on the shoulders of the CISO.
Finally, broader public awareness of security lapses. The SEC now requires publicly traded companies to disclose material cybersecurity incidents within four days. This is on top of the Strengthening American Cybersecurity Act that requires entities that own or operate critical infrastructure to report cyber incidents and ransom payments within 24 to 72 hours.
How have high-profile cyber incidents influenced the perception and reality of personal liability for CISOs?
Even if many organizations are now required to disclose cybersecurity incidents in a timely manner—as I just mentioned—that doesn’t mean all of those incidents become common knowledge. In fact, relatively few do. High-profile cybersecurity breaches—the incidents that most affect the general public—are those that drive intensified public scrutiny. As these incidents grab headlines, customers demand change. Unfortunately for the CISO, in these cases, perception is reality, and they often become the sacrificial lamb even if a broader set of executives and board members should share liability.
What proactive steps can CISOs take to mitigate the risk of personal liability?
As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So, first and foremost, do your core job by strengthening your organization’s cyber resilience. Ensure your team has the resources, skills and guidance to maintain visibility into all of your assets; properly configure perimeter defenses; protect business-critical data and apps with a robust backup and recovery strategy; enforce strong security policies for things like passwords, the principle of least privilege and remote and personal device access; conduct effective employee cybersecurity awareness training; and finally, test and rehearse, test and rehearse, test and rehearse.
It also helps to fight fire with fire. Cybercriminals are using AI to improve their tactics. Implementing AI-powered technology to improve the effectiveness of each of the above cyber resilience steps will help ensure you stay one step ahead of bad actors and avoid the risk of being held personally liable for a successful breach.
Another key is establishing clear lines of communication with other executive leaders and board members. Be completely transparent and avoid the temptation to paper over emerging and potential issues you don’t quite yet understand or have the resources to deal with. It’s much better to be able to say, “I told you so,” than, “should have, could have, would have.”
How effective are directors and officers insurance policies in protecting CISOs from personal liability?
Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance can offer some protection for the CISO, but its effectiveness in the dynamic realm of cybersecurity is not 100% certain. These policies typically cover legal fees and damages resulting from lawsuits against executives for decisions made in their professional capacities, but regulations that include personal accountability for cybersecurity failures might challenge the scope and limits of traditional D&O coverage. Insurance providers may need to adjust their policies to address the specific risks faced by CISOs. While this will lead to more effective, tailored coverage, it could also potentially lead to higher premiums or so many exclusions that it becomes impractical.
How can organizations better support their CISOs to ensure they are not unfairly held liable for cyber incidents?
Organizations need to develop a culture of welcomed transparency. If the CISO is afraid to bring hard truths to the executive leadership team and board, there’s a problem. On our team, we tend not really even talk about the things that are going well. Instead, we focus almost exclusively on what we need to improve. Red flags aren’t something we avoid, but embrace, so everyone is aware of risks and potential vulnerabilities.
Just as important, even the best security team will fail if not given necessary resources. This includes not just ongoing budgetary support to execute the above cyber resilience strategies, but also the authority to implement critical security measures. If security recommendations are consistently overridden or ignored by other parts of the organization, the CISO’s efforts become futile.
What advice would you give to current and aspiring CISOs in navigating the complexities of personal liability?
The biggest area of improvement needed for most CISOs is communication skills. As I stated, transparency is just as important as anything else in avoiding cybersecurity breaches and the resulting risk of personal liability, and transparency requires effective communication. Not only that, but negotiating for the resources you need to execute the cyber resilience strategies that will protect both your organization and you also requires effective communication. Lastly, effective communication plays a key role in your ability to get organization-wide buy-in to cybersecurity best practices by positioning cybersecurity as a business enabler rather than hindrance.
A virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) service or (CISOaaS) may be appropriate for a variety of scenarios, including:
Your clients, collaborators (partners) and some regulatory requirements anticipate the presence of an individual fulfilling the position of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Companies without an in-house CISO: Small and medium-sized companies may not have the budget or need for a full-time CISO. A vCISO service can provide these companies with access to a seasoned cybersecurity professional without having to hire a full-time employee.
Companies experiencing rapid growth or change: Companies that are growing quickly or undergoing significant changes, such as mergers or acquisitions, may benefit from the expertise of a vCISO to help them navigate the cybersecurity implications of these changes.
Companies with limited cybersecurity resources: Some companies may have an IT team but lack dedicated cybersecurity resources. A vCISO can help fill this gap by providing strategic guidance and oversight of the company’s cybersecurity program.
Compliance requirements: Companies in regulated industries, such as healthcare or financial services, may require a CISO to meet regulatory requirements. A vCISO can help these companies meet compliance requirements with standards (ISO 27001) and regulations (PCI, HIPAA, NIST CSF, etc.) without having to hire a full-time CISO.
Cybersecurity incident response: In the event of a cybersecurity incident, a vCISO can provide expertise and guidance to help the company respond effectively and minimize the impact of the incident.
Overall, a vCISO service can be a cost-effective way for companies to gain access to the expertise of a seasoned cybersecurity professional without having to hire a full-time employee.
Which organizations may need vCISO services:
Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs):
These businesses may not have the resources to hire a full-time CISO but still require expert guidance to manage their cybersecurity needs.
Large companies with existing security teams may use vCISO services for additional expertise, specific projects, or temporary coverage to assist in house CISO.
Industries: Finance, healthcare, manufacturing, utilities, telecommunications, etc.
Non-Profit Organizations:
These organizations often need to protect sensitive donor and beneficiary information but might lack the budget for a full-time CISO.
Examples: Charitable organizations, educational institutions, and research entities.
Government Agencies:
Small to mid-sized government entities may utilize vCISO services to bolster their cybersecurity posture and comply with regulations.
Examples: Local municipalities, state agencies, and public health departments.
Regulated Industries:
Companies in heavily regulated industries need to adhere to strict compliance standards and may require specialized cybersecurity expertise.
Industries: Healthcare (HIPAA), finance (GLBA, SOX), and retail (PCI-DSS).
Organizations Undergoing Digital Transformation:
Businesses that are adopting new technologies, moving to the cloud, or modernizing their IT infrastructure may need vCISO services to manage the associated security risks.
Examples: Companies implementing IoT, AI, or big data solutions.
Businesses Experiencing Rapid Growth:
Fast-growing companies may face evolving cybersecurity challenges and can benefit from the strategic oversight of a vCISO.
Examples: Tech startups, e-commerce platforms, and fintech companies.
Companies Preparing for Mergers and Acquisitions:
Businesses involved in M&A activities need to ensure that cybersecurity due diligence is performed and that their security posture is strong to protect sensitive data.
Examples: Investment firms, private equity groups, and merging corporations.
Organizations Recovering from a Security Incident:
Companies that have experienced a breach or other security incident may hire a vCISO to help with incident response, recovery, and the implementation of stronger security measures.
Examples: Any business recovering from ransomware attacks, data breaches, or significant cybersecurity incidents to mitigate risk to an acceptable level and improves security posture
DISC InfoSec can offer tailored cybersecurity solutions that align with the specific needs and constraints of different types of organizations.
Organizations committed to prioritizing security encounter the difficulty of locating a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) possessing the appropriate skills and knowledge. It becomes necessary for someone to take charge of the security and compliance strategy, but this requirement often surpasses the expertise possessed by operational IT/CIO.
What is CISOaaS? Chief Information Security Officer-as-a-Service (CISOaaS) provides information security leadership from an appropriate pool of expertise. CISOaaS provides security guidance to senior management and drives the organization’s information security program.
Cert-In issues new guidelines for government bodies, mandates appointment of CISO, Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dKcdHMtP
The benefits of our CISOaaS
Gain access to a diverse pool of highly experienced and specialized senior cyber security professionals.
Rapidly access valuable resources and eliminate the necessity of retaining talent.
Reduce your expenses by paying solely for the necessary support, effectively minimizing costs.
Based on CISOaaS being engaged for four days a month annually at current prices.
Based on your requirements, you can hire a vCISO 5-10 hours a week or per month.
Mitigate your risk by strengthening your cyber and information strategy through the implementation of a clearly defined roadmap, thereby enhancing your overall security posture.
Acquire valuable experience in effectively educating and presenting to board members, and non-technical senior staff across functional diverse backgrounds.
Leverage our independent perspective and established credibility to secure comprehensive cross-business support and successfully accomplish your information security objectives.
Are you Ready? DISC InfoSec offers a free consultation to evaluate your security posture and GRC requirements, providing you with an actionable plan that starts here…
Deura InfoSec Partners with Ostendio to Streamline Compliance & Security Offerings
Strategic Partnership: Ostendio and Deura InfoSec have formed a partnership to enhance compliance and risk management services for Deura InfoSec clients using Ostendio’s GRC platform.
Efficiency Gains: Deura InfoSec will leverage Ostendio’s platform to streamline compliance processes, significantly reducing the time clients spend on information security management by up to 50%.
Client Benefits: The partnership allows Deura InfoSec to overcome the challenges of fragmented security and simplify the processes and costs of delivering complex cybersecurity programs.
We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is here to help, and we’re always looking to improve our services. You can reach us by email at info@deurainfosec.com or through our website.contact form.
We offer discounted initial assessment based on various industry standards and regulations to demonstrate our value and identify possible areas for improvement. Potentially a roadmap for the to-be state.
The term “digital trust” has gained traction in the business landscape, but many people hear “digital trust” and equate it to avoiding cybersecurity incidents.
In reality, security leaders hold a significant role in this mission, but building digital trust requires much more than a high-performing security team.
Viewed in this broader sense, digital trust is defined by ISACA as the confidence in the relationship and transactions among providers and consumers within the digital ecosystem, including the ability of people, organizations, processes, information and technology to create and maintain a trustworthy digital world.
Customers expect a reasonable degree of digital trust from every organization with a digital footprint – at least the ones with which they will be willing to do business. Although they might not consciously frame it in these terms, these fundamental elements of digital trust serve as the foundation upon which consumers base their judgments about an enterprise’s trustworthiness:
Quality: Quality must meet or exceed consumer expectations.
Availability: Consumers need to be able to access accurate information in a timely manner.
Security and privacy: Consumers need assurance that their data and information are safe and protected.
Ethics and integrity: Enterprises should live up to their promised values.
Transparency and honesty: Consumers should be informed about how their information is being used. If personal information has been compromised, consumers should know how the enterprise is addressing the current situation and preventing it from happening again.
Resiliency: Enterprises must provide assurances that they are stable and can withstand adverse circumstances while simultaneously evolving to leverage new technologies and advancements.
Although commonly associated with cybersecurity, digital trust extends far beyond that realm. It can be thought of as the invisible thread that establishes a common goal and focus among several distinct organizational roles.
Within the domain of security, one question that often arises is whether zero trust equates to digital trust. The answer is no, however, zero trust can be used as a technique to reach digital trust. It is a building block or a thread that is woven throughout the digital trust ecosystem. Digital trust allows individuals and businesses to engage online with confidence that their data and digital identity are safeguarded.
Implementing zero trust processes contributes to the protection of such information.
In the context of the modern business environment, how well companies manage customers’ data and the extent to which they can securely and responsibly implement emerging technology are key steps toward delivering digital trust.
Trust: The Core of All Interactions
Throughout human history, trust has formed the fundamental basis of nearly every human interaction we experience. This significance is particularly pronounced in our rapidly evolving, digitized world, where multiple parties frequently do not have in-person interactions to exchange the sensitive and confidential information necessary for transactional purposes.
Therefore, every interaction must reinforce that the organization cares about – and has instituted effective practices in – all areas of digital trust.
Trust is not a one-time achievement; it must be consistently earned, effectively communicated and actively reinforced. This creates a fertile environment to conduct business, which in turn fuels innovation, drives economic expansion and, ultimately, generates value for all parties engaged in the interactions. Trust becomes the bedrock upon which successful and mutually beneficial relationships are built.
Edelman, which has studied trust for 20 years, puts it this way: “Trust is the foundation that allows an organization to take responsible risk, and, if it makes mistakes, to rebound from them. For a business, especially, lasting trust is the strongest insurance against competitive disruption, the antidote to consumer indifference, and the best path to continued growth. Without trust, credibility is lost and reputation can be threatened.”
Consider any consumer-driven sector and you’ll likely recognize the significant advantage that major, well-known brands have due to the trust they have painstakingly cultivated with customers. Think about how frequently you have been willing to pay a higher price for a purchase because you trust the provider to deliver on their promises, especially when compared to various competitors with less established reputations.
This trust factor often becomes a compelling driver of consumer choices, reflecting the value of a well-earned reputation for reliability and quality.
A digitally trustworthy organization understands the importance of upholding customer trust. Digital trust must be instilled throughout the organization, and initiatives should be built with digital trust in mind. This trust accrues over time. Establishing digital trust is an ongoing process that involves the continuing efforts not only regarding the creation but the maintenance of the larger ecosystem.
“Digital trust is the logical progression on the digital transformation path”
The Business Benefits of Digital Trust
Digital trust is the logical progression on the digital transformation path – in fact, three quarters of respondents to ISACA’s State of Digital Trust 2023 research indicate that digital trust is very or extremely important to digital transformation.
As businesses undergo digital transformation, customer expectations are evolving accordingly. While IT plays a pivotal role in this transformation, the shift toward prioritizing digital trust is largely being driven by businesses to benefit businesses.
Given its paramount importance to consumers and overall brand reputation, digital trust should be a central consideration across all facets of an enterprise. According to the State of Digital Trust research, the top benefits of digital trust include a positive reputation, fewer privacy breaches, fewer cybersecurity incidents, more reliable data, stronger customer loyalty, faster innovation and higher revenues.
With a list of benefits this impactful, digital trust should command the attention of boardrooms across all industries and geographies.
Digital trust involves all of us as stakeholders – including security leaders responsible for preventing data breaches that undermine trust, IT professionals who support information and systems integrity, marketing professionals who champion and promote an organization’s brand, and third-party providers upon whom the organization is reliant.
Digital trust serves as a significant catalyst for consumers’ decisions which will ultimately manifest – for better or worse – in a company’s financial performance.
Leadership’s Responsibility in the Trust Ecosystem
Leadership plays a crucial role in establishing digital trust through a concerted, organization-wide push. As with most elements that dictate a company’s success, leadership matters.
Everyone in the organization has a role in building and maintaining digital trust, but the responsibility for setting the direction and governance needs to start with senior executives.
Organizational leaders set and communicate the culture, priorities and expectations of digital trust through policies and structures, which are disseminated throughout the organization. From a governance perspective, either the full board of directors or a board committee needs to be given responsibility for governance and oversight of digital trust.
It is critically important that a focal point is created for the management team to provide updates on the advancement of digital trust to the board, similar to the practices of cybersecurity or IT audit teams. In doing so, a connection point is established for the management team to report in on digital trust progress at the board level, much like how cybersecurity or IT audit teams operate.
A Digital Trust Executive Council is a valid option to ensure proper direction and control over digital trust efforts. This would serve as a management council that should report into the executive management team and then ultimately to the board or designated committee that oversees digital trust.
The purpose of the digital trust council is to address the needs of an organization’s digital product and service consumers through the appropriate evaluation, prioritization and direction of digital trust activities, funding and programs that ultimately contribute to a trusted relationship. Consider this council the expert review panel and point of contact on digital trust decisions, measurements, guidance and alignment with the organization’s goals and objectives.
This governance connection is critically important. If organizations merely give superficial acknowledgment to the pursuit of digital trust without a governance structure and framework that is accountable to the board, then they are deceiving themselves into believing that they are making any meaningful efforts toward establishing genuine digital trust.
This is reminiscent of the old days when many companies were convinced that they were doing a great job on security without anything in the organization having a true security focus or investment – it was really just IT personnel running the show. We have learned and evolved a great deal since then, and digital trust will have to go through a similar transformation.
The role of security leadership is also crucial in establishing digital trust as a business imperative. To be effective, today’s CISOs must demonstrate their capability to wield influence and make a meaningful impact across the business.
“I think that’s the most important trait right now, because there are many security jobs that are technical analysis or coding, but to be a CISO, you have to be business-focused and be an executive leader because you’re going to be interfacing with the board, CEOs and other executives,” wrote 2021 CISO of the Year, Brennan P. Baybeck, VP & CISO for Customer Services, Oracle.
“You can’t just be talking about compliance and security all the time. You have to be helping to drive the business and directly aligning the security strategy activities to the business strategy, with a focus on enabling business,” he added.
Digital trust serves as a significant avenue for security leaders, especially CISOs, to break away from the perception that they are solely engrossed in cybersecurity with limited perspective. CISOs can effectively achieve this by championing a cross-functional digital trust team (more on this below) and ensuring that the team is resourced and supported appropriately.
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) hold a critical and challenging role in today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Here are the common security challenges CISOs face…
As organizations increasingly rely on technology to drive their operations, CISOs face complex security challenges that demand their expertise and strategic decision-making.
These challenges arise from the constant emergence of sophisticated cyber threats, the need to protect sensitive data, and the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.
The role of a CISO requires balancing proactive risk mitigation with the ability to respond swiftly to incidents and breaches.
This article will delve into the top challenges CISOs face, including protecting digital assets, managing security incidents, ensuring compliance, dealing with insider threats, and the relentless pursuit of cyber resilience.
By understanding these challenges, CISOs can develop robust cybersecurity strategies and lead their organizations toward a secure and resilient future.
Who is a CISO?
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing and administering an organization’s information security plan.
A CISO’s primary responsibility is safeguarding the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of an organization’s information assets and systems.
They are accountable for creating and enforcing strategies, policies, and procedures to defend against cyber threats, protect sensitive data, and mitigate security risks.
CISOs play a crucial role in maintaining an organization’s security posture by establishing and enforcing security standards, conducting risk assessments, and implementing appropriate security controls.
They collaborate with other executives, IT teams, and stakeholders to align security initiatives with business objectives and ensure that security measures are integrated into the organization’s operations.
In addition to their technical expertise, CISOs often engage in risk management, incident response planning, security awareness training, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
They stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies to address emerging risks and implement appropriate security measures effectively.
The role of a CISO has become increasingly important as cyber threats evolve in complexity and frequency.
CISOs are responsible for safeguarding the organization’s sensitive information, maintaining the trust of customers and stakeholders, and ensuring business continuity in the face of cybersecurity challenges.
What are all the Roles and Responsibilities of CISO?
Developing and Implementing Information Security Strategy: The CISO is responsible for developing and implementing an overarching information security strategy aligned with the organization’s business objectives. This includes setting security goals, defining security policies and procedures, and establishing risk management frameworks.
Leading the Security Team: The CISO manages and provides leadership to the security team, including hiring, training, and supervising security personnel. They ensure the team has the necessary skills, resources, and support to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Overseeing Security Operations: The CISO oversees day-to-day security operations, including incident response, vulnerability management, threat intelligence, and security monitoring. They ensure appropriate controls, technologies, and processes are in place to protect the organization’s assets.
Risk Management: The CISO is responsible for identifying and assessing security risks to the organization’s information systems and assets. They develop and implement risk management strategies to safeguard critical data and systems, including risk mitigation, transfer, and acceptance.
Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: The CISO ensures that the organization complies with relevant security regulations, industry standards, and legal requirements. They stay updated on emerging regulations and ensure appropriate controls and processes are in place to meet compliance obligations.
Security Incident Response: The CISO leads the organization’s response to security incidents, including data breaches, malware attacks, and other security breaches. They establish incident response plans, coordinate efforts, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, such as legal, PR, and law enforcement agencies.
Security Awareness and Training: The CISO promotes a culture of security awareness throughout the organization. They develop and deliver security awareness programs and training initiatives to educate employees on security best practices and minimize human-related security risks.
Vendor and Third-Party Risk Management: The CISO assesses and manages security risks associated with third-party vendors and partners. They establish vendor security requirements, conduct due diligence, and monitor compliance with security standards and contractual obligations.
Security Governance and Reporting: The CISO provides regular reports and updates on the organization’s security posture to executive management, board members, and other relevant stakeholders. They ensure that security metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) are established to measure the effectiveness of security programs.
Incident Investigation and Forensics: In the event of security incidents, the CISO oversees the investigation and forensic analysis to identify the root cause, assess the impact, and prevent future occurrences. As required, they collaborate with internal and external resources, such as forensic experts and law enforcement agencies.
CISOs face various common security challenges as they strive to protect their organizations’ digital assets and information. Perimeter 81 Guide helps CISOsto prevent their network from being at Risk. Some of the key challenges they encounter include:
Sophisticated Cyberattacks: CISOs must defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, including advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware attacks, social engineering, and zero-day exploits. These attacks can bypass traditional security measures and require constant vigilance and adaptive security strategies.
Insider Threats: CISOs need to address the risks posed by insiders, including employees, contractors, or partners who have authorized access to systems and data. Insider threats can involve accidental data breaches, negligence, or malicious intent, requiring a balance between enabling productivity and implementing controls to prevent unauthorized access or data leakage.
Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: CISOs must ensure their organizations comply with industry-specific regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or SOX, and evolving privacy laws. Navigating complex compliance requirements and maintaining a robust security posture to meet these standards can be a significant challenge.
Cloud Security: As organizations increasingly adopt cloud services and infrastructure, CISOs must address the unique security challenges associated with cloud computing. This includes securing data stored in the cloud, managing access controls, and ensuring the security of cloud service providers (CSPs) and their environments.
Security Skills Gap: CISOs often need more skilled cybersecurity professionals. The industry’s rapid growth and evolving threat landscape have resulted in high demand for cybersecurity talent, making recruiting and retaining qualified professionals challenging.
Third-Party Risk: Organizations rely on third-party vendors and suppliers, introducing potential security risks. CISOs must assess the security posture of third parties, establish contractual security obligations, and monitor their adherence to security standards to mitigate the risk of breaches through these external connections.
Security Awareness and Training: Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity incidents. CISOs must promote a strong security culture, provide regular training and awareness programs, and educate employees about cybersecurity best practices to minimize the risk of social engineering, phishing attacks, and other user-related vulnerabilities.
Incident Response and Recovery: CISOs must develop and test robust incident response plans to manage and recover from security incidents effectively. This involves identifying and containing breaches, conducting forensic investigations, and implementing remediation measures to minimize the impact and prevent future incidents.
Emerging Technologies: Adopting technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain introduces new security challenges. CISOs must understand the security implications of these technologies, assess risks, and implement appropriate controls to protect against potential vulnerabilities and attacks.
Budget and Resource Constraints:Â CISOs often face budget limitations and the need to prioritize security initiatives. Balancing the allocation of resources to address immediate security needs while investing in long-term security capabilities can be a significant challenge.
What are the Security Compliance CISO Should Follow
As a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), there are several security compliance frameworks and regulations that you should consider following, depending on the nature of your organization and its operations. Here are some of the key security compliance frameworks and regulations:
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): If your organization deals with the personal data of individuals in the European Union (EU), GDPR sets requirements for the protection, processing, and transfer of personal data. It includes principles for data minimization, consent, data breach notification, and the rights of individuals.
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS): PCI DSS applies to organizations that handle credit card information. It sets requirements for securing payment card data, including network security, encryption, access controls, and regular vulnerability assessments.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): HIPAA applies to organizations in the healthcare industry that handle protected health information (PHI). It establishes requirements for the privacy and security of PHI, including access controls, encryption, risk assessments, and breach notification.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): SOX applies to publicly traded companies in the United States. It sets requirements for financial reporting and establishes controls and processes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial statements. While not solely focused on security, it includes provisions for protecting financial data.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework: The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides guidelines and best practices for managing cybersecurity risks. It covers risk assessment, security controls, incident response, and continuous monitoring.
ISO 27001: ISO 27001 is an international standard that provides a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS). It covers various aspects of information security, including risk management, access controls, incident management, and security awareness.
Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA): FISMA applies to U.S. federal agencies and sets requirements for securing federal information and systems. It mandates risk assessments, security controls, incident response planning, and continuous monitoring.
Security Challenges CISOs Face to Manage Security Team
Managing a security team as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) requires effective leadership, communication, and coordination. Here are some key aspects to consider when managing a security team:
Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each team member to ensure everyone understands their specific duties and areas of expertise. This clarity helps streamline operations and avoid confusion.
Set Goals and Objectives: Define strategic goals and objectives for the security team aligned with the organization’s overall security strategy. Communicate these goals to the team and regularly track progress to ensure everyone is working towards the same objectives.
Provide Guidance and Mentorship: Offer team members guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Encourage skill development, certifications, and staying up-to-date with the latest security trends and technologies—support team members in their career growth.
Foster Collaboration and Communication: Promote a collaborative and open communication culture within the team. Encourage knowledge sharing, cross-functional collaboration, and effective communication channels. Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and updates are valuable for aligning efforts.
Support Decision-Making: Empower team members to make decisions within their areas of responsibility. Provide guidance and support when needed, but encourage autonomy and ownership in decision-making. Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable taking calculated risks.
Establish Incident Response Procedures: Develop clear incident response procedures and ensure the team is well-prepared to handle security incidents effectively. Conduct regular drills, tabletop exercises, and simulations to test and improve the team’s incident response capabilities.
Stay Informed and Adapt: Stay up-to-date with the latest security threats, industry trends, and best practices. Encourage continuous learning and professional development for the team. Adapt security strategies and measures as the threat landscape evolves.
Collaborate with Other Departments: Work closely with other departments, such as IT, legal, HR, and executive management, to ensure security initiatives are aligned with business objectives and integrated into overall organizational operations. Build relationships and foster a culture of security awareness throughout the organization.
Regularly Evaluate and Improve: Regularly evaluate the team’s performance, processes, and procedures. Collect feedback from team members and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. Implement changes and adjustments as necessary to enhance the team’s effectiveness and efficiency.
Lead by Example:Â Demonstrate strong leadership skills, integrity, and a commitment to security best practices. Lead by example in adhering to security policies and procedures. Encourage a positive and supportive work environment.
CISOs face many common security challenges as protectors of their organization’s digital assets and information.
From sophisticated cyberattacks and insider threats to compliance requirements and resource constraints, these challenges highlight the complex and evolving nature of the cybersecurity landscape.
CISOs must navigate these challenges by adopting a proactive and strategic approach to security, leveraging advanced technologies, fostering a strong security culture, and collaborating with stakeholders.
To overcome these challenges, CISOs must stay abreast of emerging threats, continuously evaluate and improve their security measures, and prioritize investments in critical security capabilities.
They must also foster strong partnerships with internal teams, third-party vendors, and industry peers to collectively address security challenges and share best practices.
While the security challenges CISOs face may seem daunting, they also present opportunities for innovation and growth.
By effectively addressing these challenges, CISOs can enhance their organizations’ security posture, safeguard critical assets, and instill confidence in customers and stakeholders.
Ultimately, the role of a CISO requires a comprehensive and adaptable approach to cybersecurity, where staying one step ahead of threats and continuously improving security measures are paramount.
By embracing these challenges, CISOs can help shape a secure and resilient future for their organizations in an increasingly interconnected and threat-filled digital landscape.
In the leadership and communications section, Proactive Boards Enable More Reliable Cyber Governance, CISO Best Practices for Managing Cyber Risk, The Evolution of Work: How Can Companies Prepare for What’s to Come?, and more!
Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/bsw for all the latest episodes!
Todd Fitzgerald, co-author of the ground-breaking (ISC)2CISO Leadership: Essential Principles for Success, Information Security Governance Simplified: From the Boardroom to the Keyboard, co-author for the E-C Council CISO Body of Knowledge, and contributor to many others including Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK, COBIT 5 for Information Security, and ISACA CSX Cybersecurity Fundamental Certification, is back with this new book incorporating practical experience in leading, building, and sustaining an information security/cybersecurity program.
CISO COMPASS includes personal, pragmatic perspectives and lessons learned of over 75 award-winning CISOs, security leaders, professional association leaders, and cybersecurity standard setters who have fought the tough battle. Todd has also, for the first time, adapted the McKinsey 7S framework (strategy, structure, systems, shared values, staff, skills and style) for organizational effectiveness to the practice of leading cybersecurity to structure the content to ensure comprehensive coverage by the CISO and security leaders to key issues impacting the delivery of the cybersecurity strategy and demonstrate to the Board of Directors due diligence. The insights will assist the security leader to create programs appreciated and supported by the organization, capable of industry/ peer award-winning recognition, enhance cybersecurity maturity, gain confidence by senior management, and avoid pitfalls.
The book is a comprehensive, soup-to-nuts book enabling security leaders to effectively protect information assets and build award-winning programs by covering topics such as developing cybersecurity strategy, emerging trends and technologies, cybersecurity organization structure and reporting models, leveraging current incidents, security control frameworks, risk management, laws and regulations, data protection and privacy, meaningful policies and procedures, multi-generational workforce team dynamics, soft skills, and communicating with the Board of Directors and executive management. The book is valuable to current and future security leaders as a valuable resource and an integral part of any college program for information/ cybersecurity.
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is vital for safeguarding an organization’s digital assets. They oversee sensitive data security, combat cyber threats, and uphold data integrity. The CISO devises security strategies, partners with stakeholders, and addresses vulnerabilities. The Help Net Security roundup showcases insights from experts through recorded videos, highlighting the pivotal responsibilities and challenges that characterize the role of CISOs.
Complete videos
Josh Yavor, CISO at Tessian, offers a personal perspective on dealing with burnout as a CISO.
Kaus Phaltankar, CEO at Caveonix discusses how in today’s complex multi-cloud landscape, the role of CISOs is more crucial than ever.
Daniel Deeney, CEO at Paladin Cloud, discusses how companies face difficulties identifying security threats within cloud environments.
Chris Groot, General Manager of Cove Data Protection at N-able, discusses enterprise CISOs’ challenges with disaster recovery.
The frequency of cyberattacks is increasing, particularly targeting smaller businesses. However, most small and mid-size companies cannot afford a full-time security professional. To address this, they are turning to vCISO (virtual Chief Information Security Officer) services offered by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). These services provide access to external cybersecurity experts at a lower cost than hiring an in-house CISO.
A report by Cynomi, based on a survey of 200 executives in the U.S. and Canada, shows the rising demand for vCISO services among SMBs and how MSPs and MSSPs are responding to this demand. The report reveals that 84% of those not currently offering vCISO services but plan to do so by the end of 2024. The number of providers offering these services has been consistently growing, with 8% in 2022, 28% in 2023, and a projected 45% in 2024.
MSPs and MSSPs are motivated to offer vCISO services due to anticipated increased revenue, higher margins, easy upselling of other cybersecurity services, and enhanced client engagement. Although they foresee challenges such as limited in-house security knowledge and a lack of skilled cybersecurity personnel, vCISO platforms help mitigate these concerns.
Cynomi, a leading vCISO platform provider, aims to conduct annual studies on the growing trend of the vCISO role. They have also created a directory of prominent vCISO service providers to help SMBs find trusted security partners, offering details about services and technology platforms used by each provider.
In the provided article, the author, who is a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), discusses the challenges and strategies related to maintaining technical expertise while effectively communicating complex cybersecurity issues to stakeholders in a comprehensible manner.
The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the intricacies of technology in order to secure it effectively. This philosophy has driven the author to stay up-to-date with technology trends, collaborate with other security experts, and maintain a deep connection with their technical teams. The author also highlights the value of using simple metaphors to explain complex concepts, leveraging their strong technical background to convey information in a way that is easier for non-technical stakeholders to grasp.
In the context of managing cyber resilience efforts across an enterprise, the author draws parallels to managing different types of risk, categorizing them as good and bad risks. Good risks are those that contribute to business growth and innovation, while bad risks are associated with lacking proper planning and security measures. Balancing these risks requires strong relationships across the organization and constant communication.
The article also discusses the impact of digital initiatives and rapid digital transformation on the CISO’s role. While digital transformation can enhance efficiency and lower risks, challenges arise when new technologies like cloud or SaaS services are introduced without a clear understanding of their security implications. Collaboration between technology vendors, cybersecurity companies, and leadership teams is essential to address these challenges.
In the face of external events that test organizational resilience, the author presents four key principles for effective leadership: communication, agility, constant learning, and adaptability. These principles help leaders navigate uncertainties, learn from experiences, and handle change more effectively.
For a newly appointed CISO tasked with explaining complex cyber regulations to the board, the author suggests researching the backgrounds and industries of board members to tailor explanations to their perspectives. Comparisons to regulations in related industries or significant news events can help the board better understand the issues and recognize the CISO’s commitment to understanding the regulatory landscape.
In summary, the article underscores the need for CISOs to balance technical expertise with effective communication, employing metaphors to simplify complex concepts, and building strong relationships to manage cyber risks across the enterprise. It also highlights the challenges and strategies associated with digital transformation, organizational resilience, and succinctly communicating complex regulations to the board.
How CISOs can succeed in a challenging landscape Reimagining operational resilience and recovery in 2023
#CISOs face mounting demands to develop information security strategies that effectively safeguard their organizations against an ever-evolving threat landscape. A strong information security stance is imperative, but the requirements for security and risk management are intricate and distinct for each organization. The alignment of business priorities and suitable solutions may not always be apparent, while swift results and cost-effective measures are crucial.
In your opinion, what are the key characteristics of an effective CISO? How do you balance technical expertise and leadership skills?
A CISO needs to wear many hats across the business and juggle many competing priorities. They need to be a customer support representative, a product partner, a manager, a visionary, a strategist, and of course, a security expert.
I have found that some of the most important characteristics are to be friendly, honest, and emphatic. Being a friend to the organization and people you work with, rather than leading with just policies and demands, is critical to getting more done and the success of your team.
It may sound counterintuitive, but a good CISO must get out from behind the technology and understand the people they are serving. Of course, you must maintain a high level of technology knowledge, but if you find yourself only sitting in front of a firewall console, you’re probably in the wrong job.
Given the rapid rate of technological change, how should CISOs approach building an organization’s security posture?
With the more-rapidly-than-ever changing environment, you can rarely rely solely on multi-year strategies or multi-quarter roadmaps. You must be ready for constant change and quickly adapt to it.
CISOs must create a security strategy built around anticipating outcomes and a feedback loop to gather information during incidents, assessments, threat analysis, and research. The information gathered should then be turned into metrics which will give insights into if the strategy is working, and, if necessary, how to evolve the strategy.
In today’s business environment, a CISO must communicate complex security issues. How can you ensure you’re understood by all stakeholders, including those who aren’t as tech-savvy
Though CISOs play a lead role in managing an organization’s security posture, it is important that cybersecurity efforts manifest as a shared responsibility across an organization. From new hires to the C-suite, cybersecurity should be a communicated priority for all employees. Everyone should care about security, and if they don’t do it, it’s because they don’t understand something about the situation or ask.
Just as much as a CISO needs to learn about the business, they must also educate other business leaders on what’s out there and the landscape of evolving threats. Then, it’s important to connect these threats and the solutions back to the goals of that part of the business so teams can fully understand the role they can play in mitigating risk.
With declining trust in institutions, how can CISOs help organizations build and maintain trust among customers, employees, and stakeholders?
It’s important to prioritize security and proactively communicate initiatives with stakeholders. However, building and maintaining trust isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. CISOs must possess the ability to effectively communicate and educate all stakeholders about the specific cyber risks relevant to their organization while also proactively outlining how it is prepared to address those risks. Implementing robust, proactive security measures and emphasizing the protection of sensitive data will reassure customers, stakeholders, and employees alike that their information is secure. Swiftly acting on emerging and existing security threats also reinforces trust and demonstrates an organization’s proactive efforts in addressing threats before they become detrimental.
The role of a CISO encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including compliance, disaster recovery, and stakeholder management. How can a CISO effectively manage such a diverse portfolio of tasks?
There are three ways I manage competing priorities: Focus, transparency, and accountability. A CISO must focus on the tasks that have the biggest ROIs, and not get distracted by the noise. Leading with transparency will make it clear to everyone within the organization why we are making changes or asks. And finally, security posture and response can only be improved when accountability is clear. And not just accountability of the security team, but accountability from across the organization where everyone understands the responsibility.
By making data-driven decisions and conducting continuous risk assessments, CISOs can strategically allocate resources to high-priority tasks. The delicate balance lies in leading these various aspects while leveraging the expertise of a skilled team to ensure comprehensive security protection across the organization. By staffing a knowledgeable team of security experts and empowering them to take ownership of their day-to-day responsibilities, CISOs can focus their time on providing strategic and executive-level oversight on key issues.
Given the constantly evolving threat landscape, how can a CISO maintain its technological expertise while focusing on leadership and collaboration?
From a leadership standpoint, the CISO is so much more than just security. It’s truly a business leader position, they are collaborating with the other business leaders to share the same resources. CISOs must understand the organizational goals, the customer needs, and the capacity of each team to prioritize security in collaboration with product management, IT leaders, CTO, etc.
CISOs must maintain fundamental technology knowledge but rely on the team’s subject matter expertise for deeper technical aspects. It’s important to find the right training, like CISSP, and vendor-specific certifications, without overwhelming yourself.
Superstar CISOs stand out from the rest due to their acute understanding of the growing threat landscape and the shortage of cybersecurity skills. However, they refuse to succumb to despair and instead leverage their existing assets effectively, notably by recognizing an overlooked security resource: their development teams.
In the era of DevSecOps hype, it’s common to say that security is everyone’s responsibility. But there are limits to what untrained and unmotivated workers – especially those who don’t work in IT – can do to make their organization more secure against cyberthreats.
For example, in the real world, travelers at a busy airport should feel responsible for reporting an unattended bag sitting alone in a suspicious location. However, they aren’t trained to inspect that bag to look for threats or empowered to take any actions on their own. At a company, it’s one thing to make everyone aware of cybersecurity, and another to educate them to make their organization more secure within the context of their role or to use the defensive tools they already have in place to counter threats and squash vulnerabilities.
For that, companies need to invest in upskilling. It’s far better, and oftentimes easier, to invest in the talented, loyal staff that are already a part of your organization than to try and hire new people from the outside. But even then, putting those learning resources in the best place to get the required results is key.
Developers already understand IT since they write much of the code for the programs being used by their organizations. And they are often ready, willing, and able to upskill in cybersecurity to help make them even more amazing at their jobs. Smart CISOs are tapping into that enthusiasm and providing developers with the education pathways they want and need, with the payoff being a reduction in common vulnerabilities (not to mention less pressure on overworked AppSec personnel).
Making sure developers get the right upskilling and support
The best CISOs know that upskilling is critical to success. But not just any training will do, especially for the development community who already have a good baseline understanding of IT. A “check-the-box” program won’t offer much return on investment and will likely frustrate developers into poor performance and a lifelong hatred of working with security teams.
Likewise, any solution that impedes their workflow, fails to stay agile with enterprise security goals, or cannot deliver the right education at the right time in an easily digestible format, is unlikely to result in foundational security awareness or skills.
Other secrets of superstar CISOs
Exemplary CISOs are also able to address other key pain points that traditionally flummox good cybersecurity programs, such as the relationships between developers and application security (AppSec) teams, or how cybersecurity is viewed by other C-suite executives and the board of directors.
For AppSec relations, good CISOs realize that developer enablement helps to shift security farther to the so-called left and closer to a piece of software’s origins. Fixing flaws before applications are dropped into production environments is important, and much better than the old way of building code first and running it past the AppSec team at the last minute to avoid those annoying hotfixes and delays to delivery. But it can’t solve all of AppSec’s problems alone. Some vulnerabilities may not show up until applications get into production, so relying on shifting left in isolation to catch all vulnerabilities is impractical and costly.
There also needs to be continuous testing and monitoring in the production environment, and yes, sometimes apps will need to be sent back to developers even after they have been deployed. A great CISO, with a foot in development and security, can smooth out those relations and keep everyone working as a team.
Getting other C-suite executives onboard with better security might be an even more difficult challenge, with leadership outside the CISO and CIO normally looking at business objectives and profits before anything else. To counter that, superstar CISOs know how to show a direct correlation between better, more mature cybersecurity and increased revenue, and how it can even provide a competitive advantage against the competition.
It’s not easy being a CISO, and certainly more challenging than at any other point in history. But those CISOs who master that adversity are becoming true superstars within their companies and communities. They competently employ agile developer upskilling, champion security culture, streamline relationships between the traditional rivals of development and AppSec teams, and encourage leadership to foster a security-first approach from the top down.
In today’s evolving digital landscape, the role of a chief information security officer (CISO) is critical. These professionals defend against the rising tide of daily cyberthreats. Yet we’re seeing a trend: Many CISOs are leaving or considering leaving their jobs, a phenomenon coined the “Great CISO Resignation.”
This trend seems to reflect the intense pressure CISOs endure. They face a constant stream of complex cyberthreats, manage compliance issues and struggle with a talent deficit in cybersecurity. Paired with high expectations, many reconsider their roles, which can lead to a leadership gap.
However, this situation opens a strategic opportunity for innovation. As the founder and president of a company that offers virtual chief information security officer (vCISO) services, I’ve seen this model gaining momentum.
Understanding The vCISO Model
A vCISO is an outsourced security practitioner or provider who offers their expertise to businesses on a part-time or contractual basis.These professionals provide many of the same services as a traditional CISO, such as developing and implementing security strategies, ensuring compliance with regulations, training staff and managing a company’s cybersecurity posture. The key difference is that vCISOs offer these services remotely and often to multiple companies at once.
This model brings flexibility and scalability, allowing businesses to tailor cybersecurity leadership to their specific needs. It also provides access to a breadth of expertise that is often unaffordable in a full-time, in-house CISO.
Leveraging The vCISO Model Amid The CISO Exodus
With the current trend of CISOs leaving their positions, the vCISO model offers a practical solution to maintain cybersecurity leadership. Here are some ways businesses can take advantage of this model:
Plug Leadership Gaps Quickly
When a CISO departs, they leave a leadership void that’s hard to fill quickly, especially considering the shortage of cybersecurity talent. By leveraging a vCISO, businesses can plug this gap swiftly, ensuring continued oversight and direction in their cybersecurity efforts.
Access A Broader Skill Set
vCISOs, often being part of a larger team, can bring a wide range of experiences and skills. They are exposed to diverse security landscapes across industries, which can provide a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to your security challenges.
Cost Efficiency
Hiring a full-time CISO can be prohibitively expensive for some companies. vCISO services, on the other hand, can be scaled to fit budgetary constraints, giving businesses access to top-tier security leadership without as much of a hefty price tag.
Flexibility And Scalability
As your business grows and evolves, so too can your cybersecurity needs. A vCISO’s flexible engagement model means you can scale cybersecurity leadership to match your changing requirements.
Deciphering The vCISO Selection: A Strategic Perspective
Selecting the right virtual chief information security officer is pivotal to the success of your cybersecurity strategy, especially in the wake of the “Great CISO Resignation.” You’re essentially recruiting an outsourced leader who can help guide your organization’s information security infrastructure and strategy, so you need to ensure that they not only have the expertise but that they also align with your organization’s culture and values. Here are some strategic suggestions for identifying the perfect vCISO for your business:
Evaluate Their Background And Experience
Start by examining the vCISO’s professional background. This includes their level of experience in your specific industry, as well as their familiarity with the size and type of businesses like yours. Their past roles and achievements can provide valuable insight into their ability to handle the unique cybersecurity threats and risks your business may face. Don’t hesitate to ask for a detailed track record of their experience and successes.
Assess Their Expertise
Probe into their knowledge of current cybersecurity trends, their ability to create a cybersecurity strategy, their understanding of regulatory requirements that are relevant to your industry and their experience in managing security incidents. You should also ask about their experience with various cybersecurity tools and technologies. A vCISO’s expertise should encompass not only tactical but also strategic thinking and planning.
Understand Their Approach
Get a sense of their management style, communication skills and approach to problem-solving. Cybersecurity is a team effort, so the vCISO needs to effectively work with and guide your in-house team. Are they able to communicate complex security concepts in a way that everyone in your organization can understand? Can they foster a security-first culture within the company?
Determine Alignment With Business Goals
The right vCISO should understand your business strategy and align security strategies to business objectives. They should be able to strike a balance between the necessary security measures and the operational needs of your company.
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