The role of CISO under major Transformation

The role of the chief information security officer (CISO) has undergone a major transformation in recent years. CISOs are no longer just the guardians of technology; they are now strategic business partners who play a critical role in helping organizations achieve their goals.

The CISO is responsible for making sure technical security controls are designed and implemented appropriately, and changes are properly managed, with security in mind from the very start. CISOs must embrace digital transformation, get to know the advantages of the new technologies, and understand the step change they introduce to security practices of a time long ago.

CISOs are no longer just the guardians of technology; they are now strategic business partners who play a critical role in helping organizations achieve their goals. To be successful in their new role, CISOs need a blend of technical and business skills. They also need to be able to overcome a number of challenges.

A number of factors have contributed to the changing role of the CISO. These include:

· The increasing sophistication of cyber threats

· The growing importance of data privacy and security

· The adoption of new technologies such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT)

· The need for better alignment between security and business strategy

The new responsibilities of CISOs?

In addition to their traditional responsibilities, CISOs are now expected to:

· Develop and implement a comprehensive security strategy

· Build and manage a security team

· Assess and manage security risks

· Communicate security risks to senior management

· Comply with data privacy and security regulations

· Stay up-to-date on the latest cyber threats

· Evangelize security culture within the organization

To be successful in their new role, CISOs need a blend of technical and business skills. They need to be:

· Technically proficient in security technologies

· Strong communicators and persuaders

· Able to think strategically

· Able to manage risk

· Able to build and lead teams

Challenging time ahead for the CISOs? CISOs face a number of challenges in their new role. These include:

· The ever-changing threat landscape

· The need to balance security with business needs

· The shortage of qualified security professionals

· The increasing complexity of technology

The future of the CISO role is going to become more important in the future. As cyber threats continue to evolve and organizations become more reliant on technology, CISOs will play an increasingly critical role in protecting their organizations from harm.

Going forward, with the ever-changing threat landscape and there is need to balance security with business needs. The future of the CISO role is bright, and CISOs who can adapt to the changing landscape will be in high demand.

S Mohini Ratna, Editor, VARINDIA