29 Feb CISO: Chief Information Security Officer

In a world where innovation and technology prevail, the role of the Chief Information Security Officer – CISO – is gaining more and more relevance. In fact, taking into account the continuous evolution of cyber threats, the CISO represents a fundamental figure for corporate IT security, especially in light of the new European regulations for the protection of data, networks and information systems: the GDPR and the NIS2 directive. The presence of an information security manager correctly included in the company organization chart should avoid the risk of a data breach.
Let’s take a look at what the CISO role entails, and which skills are needed to become one.

The CISO carries responsibility for all aspects and the implementation of an organization’s information security policy that protects the company’s systems and data and is therefore in charge of the following activities:

• managing risk
• ensuring that the organization’s security dispositions are aligned with its business goals
• maintaining regulatory compliance
• implementing security policies and procedures
• understanding the network and preparing for potential attacks ad threats
• continuous monitoring and assessment of security threats and system vulnerabilities
• continuous training in order provide the right solutions and the necessary countermeasures to tackle each new and unknown type of attack
• overseeing staff training programs and spreading information security awareness
• implementing the organization’s incident response plan and the disaster recovery planning
• working with external experts and legal authorities
• understanding the network and preparing for potential attacks ad threats
• collaborating with other business leaders to ensure compliance with data privacy and security regulations in all the different departments of the organization
• staying on top of new technical development and tools (i.e. AI)

Being a CISO requires a broad range of both technical and management skills such as:

• Self development and training
• Consultancy skills
• Leadership skills
• Educational background in computer science, information technology, engineering or cybersecurity
• Risk management skills
• Solid knowledge of data governance and understanding of compliance structures
• Experience in working with information assets
• Ability to work under pressure
• Specific certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Information Security Manager or Cybersecurity Analyst Certification

Is your organization making use of large amounts of data? Legal and reputational consequences of a potential breach would be particularly severe? Do not underestimate the need of a CISO and start looking for one as the internet of things and new technologies are constantly bringing new danger and you have to protect your company.

Gaia Urati