Security is a constantly evolving, complex area of technology. It's a major issue for all industries. Threats to the security of data are rising and organizations are constantly battling with the changing security landscape and rules. Data breaches and security incidents are commonplace in the current business environment. Businesses are recognizing the need for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), responsible for security. It is also important for an executive to be who is responsible for making security decisions and educating the management team on the risks. Surprisingly, few companies have an devoted CISO who is responsible for security within the organization. These are just a few of the frequent questions I've been asked as a security consultant who works with numerous businesses to highlight the importance and value of the role of a CISO.

What's the role of the CISO

The CISO assists the executive team about how the company must meet the security requirements for doing business in their given industry. The office of the CISO oversees a team that together has an eye on the risks facing the enterprise and establishes the security tools and procedures to reduce risks to the organization. She is empowered to convey risks to decision makers and to make decisions on their own when necessary. She is a champion for investments and resources to ensure that security practices are given the proper attention.

The role grows in importance as each security breach vulnerability, or event that happens. In the past few years security threats have become more insidious and range from hackers to criminal organisations.

What are the qualities an CISO require?

Executive Presence: The CISO must have an executive presence to effectively represent the company's views on security of information, and also the capacity to influence executive decision-makers. They must be able identify and assess threats and translate them into language executives can understand.

Business understanding: The CISO must be able to understand business operations and protect critical data. She needs to view business operations from a security versus security perspective and put in place controls to limit disruptions to business operations and the risks.

Security Knowledge: A CISO must be capable of understanding the complex security configurations and reports from a technical point of view, and be able to translate pertinent technical information into a language that other executives can comprehend.

What is the job of the CISO?

The following tasks would be given to the CISO, but the specific duties would be determined by the size of the business and the maturity.

Executive Management and Reporting Communication: Create reports, present them and provide advice to top executives on security issues.

Risk Assessment: To determine the vulnerability of each asset within an organization, you must conduct a risk assessment.

Strategic Security Roadmap: Develop a plan and budget with scaled, sequential, and prioritized initiatives.

Program for Risk Management Assess and provide advice on security risks as well as maintaining a risk register with corrective measures.

Audits & Regulatory Compliance: Document high-level requirements for compliance in order to ensure that strategic goals are achieved within an environment that is secure and controlled.

Vendor Management: Responsible for overseeing vendors and ensuring that they are doing their due diligence.

Policy & Procedure Management: Creation and adherence to security procedures and policies.

Asset Assessment Classify assets based on their value to the business and importance.

Security Architecture Study security architecture in new applications and projects.

Awareness and Training: Keep/update the training material and awareness plan.

Management of incidents: Coordinate, communicate and plan a response security events/incidents.

Do all companies require a CISO?

Every company should have at least a CISO in the ideal world. The crucial role of a CISO is vital to the success of any company, regardless of its size or field of operation. However, a smaller or mid-sized company might not be able to justify having a dedicated office of the CISO. It might be a good idea to have the CIO to assume the duties of CISO and employ external consultants to provide targeted advice and assistance.

What are the common pitfalls when you are hiring a CISO to oversee your business?

Many companies are using existing internal IT experts who are focused on operational issues. They are not experienced in conducting risk assessments, and then implementing suggestions to address complex business related problems. The CISO really needs to understand the risk of business, not just the IT risk.

An integrated security strategy is crucial for success. This holistic approach must take into account people, process technology, as well as business. It must also take an approach that is risk-balanced and based on business. The success of an information security plan has much to do with the process and people as it does with technology.

It is essential that you have a security team that is responsible for overseeing and managing information security. A well-trained CISO is a key component of a complete strategy for protecting your business and crucial data.

Reasons You Need To Be A CISO