A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is an IT executive with expertise in information security (sometimes called computer security or cybersecurity). An organization’s CISO understands the enterprise’s business vision, mission, and strategy and translates those goals into a program that ensures and assures the enterprise’s information and operational technology is safe and secure from human, non-human, and environmental threats by protecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems.
A CISO is a thought leader, visionary, and planner. As cybersecurity subject matter experts they can envision the information security program’s future and how it enables and adds value to the business. They plan projects that advance the business’ goals.
The main job of a CISO is a communicator who can effectively articulate risk of action or inaction when developing IT solutions. They use risk management techniques to evaluate information security risks and develop recommendations for remediation and mitigation. Chief Information Security Officers are able to communicate highly complex technical topics to all levels of the organization. They do not use fear, uncertainty, or doubt to motivate action. Instead, they present thoughtfully reasoned, and rational data to inform decision-making.
A CISO is a trusted partner. They are not self-serving or biased. They understand that the enterprise’s information security program that they lead exists for one purpose: to benefit and further the mission and business of the organization. After all, if there were no business to conduct, there would be no need for an information security program.
Need to talk with a Chief Information Security Officer? Aspis cybersecurity consulting is based out of Kansas City, MO. We also have offices in Duluth, MN, and Washington D.C. When it comes to cybersecurity, our business is securing your business. If you would like to learn more, you can head to our website or check out our other blogs. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.