The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has never been more critical. With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, increasing regulatory requirements, and the growing importance of digital transformation, having the right CISO is a pivotal factor in safeguarding an organization’s assets and reputation.
But what’s the difference between a good CISO and a great one, and why should your business prioritize finding the right one? We’ll explore the evolving responsibilities of a CISO, the distinctions between a CISO and a CIO, and how to attract the best talent to this essential position.
CISO responsibilities: How have they changed in the modern era?
The traditional role of the CISO has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, CISOs were often seen as technical experts responsible for firewall management and network security. But today, their scope of responsibility has expanded into strategic and business-critical areas.
Evolving threat landscape
The rise of advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware, and nation-state cyberattacks means that CISOs must constantly adapt. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs are predicted to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This staggering figure highlights the importance of proactive threat intelligence and incident response strategies, both of which fall under the modern CISO’s purview.
Compliance and regulation
With regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) in the U.S., compliance is a growing part of the CISO’s portfolio. Today’s CISOs must make sure their organizations not only meet regulatory standards but also integrate compliance into broader security frameworks.
Business alignment
A modern CISO must bridge the gap between technical security measures and business objectives. This involves crafting security strategies that support innovation, enable digital transformation, and maintain customer trust. Additionally, the CISO often serves as an advisor to the executive team, translating complex cybersecurity concepts into actionable business insights.
CISO vs. CIO: What does your business need?
While the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) roles may seem similar, they serve distinct and specific purposes within each organization. Understanding these differences can help businesses identify which role (or combination of both) is essential for their needs.
CISO vs CIO
| CIO | The CIO focuses on leveraging technology to improve business operations and drive innovation. Their responsibilities include IT strategy, infrastructure management, and optimizing technology investments to support business goals. |
| CISO | The CISO is focused on protecting the organization’s information assets. Their primary responsibilities involve identifying security risks, implementing safeguards, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. |
Collaboration vs. independence
While the CIO and CISO should collaborate closely, a clear distinction in their responsibilities helps to avoid conflicts of interest. For instance, a CIO’s emphasis on performance and efficiency may sometimes clash with a CISO’s focus on stringent security controls. Organizations must make sure these roles are complementary and aligned to achieve a balance between innovation and security.
Do you need both?
For smaller organizations, hiring a CIO who oversees both IT operations and security may suffice. But, for enterprises operating in high-risk industries such as finance, healthcare, or critical infrastructure, a dedicated CISO is vital.
Attracting the right CISO
Recruiting the right CISO is no easy task. The demand for cybersecurity professionals far outpaces the supply, with the (ISC)² 2022 Cybersecurity Workforce Study reporting a global shortage of 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals. Finding a candidate who has both the technical expertise and the soft skills needed to communicate with the rest of the C-suite and the board is a significant challenge.
What does it mean to be an effective CISO?
- Technical proficiency: A deep understanding of the latest cybersecurity technologies and threat landscapes is non-negotiable.
- Strategic vision: The ability to align cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives ensures that security is not just a cost center but a value driver.
- Communication skills: An effective CISO can translate complex cybersecurity concepts into clear, actionable insights for the board and other non-technical stakeholders.
- Leadership qualities: Building and managing a high-performing cybersecurity team requires exceptional leadership skills.
To attract the right CISO for your business, it starts with the basics; offer competitive compensation packages, foster a culture that prioritizes cybersecurity, and provide opportunities for professional growth.
But how can you take it that step further to make sure you’re attracting exactly what your business needs? Start by clearly defining the scope and expectations of your CISO, making sure they have the authority and resources needed to succeed. This means providing direct access to the board of directors, allowing them to contribute to high-level strategic discussions, and making sure cybersecurity is viewed as a critical business function rather than just a technical necessity.
Finally, highlighting the organization’s commitment to innovation and resilience in cybersecurity can make the role more attractive to the best CISOs who are looking to make a meaningful impact in a forward-thinking environment.
CISOs and board buy-in
One of the larger challenges facing CISOs today is securing buy-in from the board. Despite the growing prevalence of cyber threats, many boards still view cybersecurity as a technical issue, rather than a strategic imperative.
Why board buy-in matters
Without board support, CISOs can struggle to secure the funding and resources needed to implement effective security measures. Board-level engagement is also critical for making sure cyber security is integrated into broader business strategies. That’s why it’s so important that CISOs speak the language of business, presenting cybersecurity risks in terms of their financial and operational impact. This could look like highlighting the potential revenue loss associated with downtime, instead of discussing the technical details of a ransomware attack. Boards are often more receptive to investments that promise a clear return, so CISOs should emphasize how cybersecurity measures can reduce costs, such as avoiding breach-related fines and reputational damage.
Have you found the right CISO?
In 2025, the importance of a skilled and visionary CISO cannot be overstated. From navigating complex regulatory environments to managing evolving threats, the right CISO is an invaluable asset to any organization. By understanding the nuances of the CISO role and prioritizing collaboration with other executive leaders, businesses can build a robust cybersecurity framework that protects their data and their future.
At Intaso, we understand the challenges of finding the perfect CISO. We specialize in identifying and recruiting top-tier cybersecurity talent, meaning your organization is equipped to navigate the complex threat landscape we find ourselves in. Contact us today to learn how we can help you find your next CISO.
