The Changing Role Of The CISO 

Uploaded on 2024-04-03 in NEWS-Cybersecurity News, JOBS-Careers, FREE TO VIEW

A CISO, or Chief Information Security Officer, is a senior-level executive who oversees an organisation's information, cyber, and technology security. The CISO's responsibilities include developing, implementing, and enforcing security policies to protect critical data. Now, Check Point Software and IDCcollaboration with IDC have published a joint survey titled: “The Changing Role of the CISO”. 

The Check Point Software study reveals a strategic shift with security decision-makers moving from a stance of fear to a growth mindset, aligning cyber security strategies with business goals. 

This comprehensive analysis not only highlights concerns over economic slowdown and budget constraints, but also showcases how CISOs are becoming increasingly business aware, indicating a significant evolution from traditional roles to strategic business enablers. Frank Dickson, Program Vice President, Cybersecurity Products at  IDC, commented "The survey clearly demonstrates the dynamic and evolving role of CISOs in today’s digital-first organisations. Amidst economic pressures and rapid technological changes, CISOs are not just security leaders but crucial drivers of business innovation and growth."

The survey reveals key insights:   

  • Economic and Budgetary Pressures:   With the looming economic slowdown, CISOs are under pressure to deliver effective cybersecurity without compromising on business growth initiatives. Organisations are looking to modernise IT infrastructures as a foundation for digital transformation, pointing to a need for security strategies that support rather than hinder progress. 
  • Security as a Business Enabler:   The survey underscores a transformation in the role of CISOs, who are now more business-aware than ever. This shift is characterised by a move from traditional fear-based security postures to growth-oriented strategies that align with overall business goals.  This evolution is supported by Check Point's emphasis on simplifying and consolidating security solutions to address cost and management inefficiencies effectively. 
  • The CIO-CISO Relationship:   Highlighting the complex dynamics between CIOs and CISOs, the survey indicates both alignment and divergence in priorities. While 94% of CIOs express satisfaction with CISO functions, there is an evident need for better collaboration to align IT and security priorities, particularly around business resilience and digital initiatives. 
  • Digital Transformation and Security Initiatives:   A significant focus on modernising IT to meet new security challenges is evident, with 65% of organisations planning to allocate 1-9% of their IT/security budgets to generative AI in the next 18 months. This investment reflects the critical role of CISOs in steering IT modernisation to achieve better business outcomes and highlights the importance of environmental sustainability in these efforts. 
  • Growth Mode vs. Economic Concerns:   Despite economic concerns, the survey reveals that organisations remain in growth mode, focusing on significant and fast growth through digital initiatives. This indicates a pivotal shift for security teams from a fear-based approach to adopting a growth mindset that enables digital initiatives and business expansion. 

According to Kristin Owens, VP Corporate Marketing at Check Point , the survey "illuminates the evolving landscape where economic concerns, digital transformation, and the need for greater security efficacy converge."

Image: Ideogram

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