The expanse of online business and transactions has made cybersecurity adoption indispensable for organizations across borders. Today, the world is suffering from exploding numbers of cybersecurity attacks that damage the core of a business and ruin its reputation. Organizations across sectors are actively seeking cybersecurity experts to safeguard their digital assets. This is why demand for certified cybersecurity specialists is at an all-time high worldwide.

This is where the entire universe of cyber-generated threats can be curtailed. Either hire the best talent in cybersecurity or lead the global organizations with massively talented and cybersecurity skills-equipped Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Reaching the capacity of a specialized cybersecurity leader is a must to guide organizations with the most suited business decisions. Deploying the right cybersecurity strategy from the top means the world; when it is empowered with the most suited cybersecurity courses. Let us understand how can you become a CISO and what are the popular skills and technologies to master to honor the role.

Who is a CISO?

The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior-level executive who manages an organization’s information security. They oversee an organization’s information, cyber, and technology security. They develop, implement, and enforce security policies to protect critical data.

Why is a CISO important for an organization?

A Chief Information Security Officer plays a critical part in upholding the cyber health of an organization. They are key in many aspects; some of the core responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing security policies and procedures
• Use security framework as a guide
• Managing security staff, which involves overseeing diverse security teams at larger organizations
• Understanding network activity and preparing for potential threats
• Overseeing incident response and disaster recovery planning
• Coordinating the response and recovery efforts in the face of a security breach
• Reporting to the designated hierarchy, which includes CIOs, CEOs, and the board of directors

  

Biggest Challenges Faced by CISO:

• Challenges in security management
• Skill shortages and management complexity
• Timely alert response in the Cyber Threat landscape
• Security practices evolution amid digital transformation
• Effective communication and compliance balancing
• Asset management
• Alert fatigue

5 Steps to becoming a CISO:

1. Start with Self-analysis and gauge your suitability for the role progression
2. Begin by earning a relevant degree in computer science or information technology
3. Gain practical experience by working in diverse information security roles such as Security analyst, or network administrator
4. Obtain a trusted cybersecurity certification such as Certified Senior Cybersecurity Specialist (CSCS™), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and equivalent
5. Develop strong leadership and management skills including effective communication, team leadership, and strategic decision-making.

As in majority of the global organizations, CISO is a C-suite level position; which means the most powerful and influential officials in the company; reporting directly to CEOs. This is why this position and critical role commands high respect and expects highly from you as the industry’s leading chief information security officer (CISO).

Core Skills Expected of a CISO:

• Expertise in business management
• Working knowledge of security risk management and cybersecurity strategies and technologies
• Expertise in Linux, virtualization, and networking concepts
• Understanding of the industry security standards including NIST, ISO, SANS, COBIT, CERT
• Familiarity with the latest data privacy regulations
• Top skills and expertise in Secure SDLC and DevSecOps or security automation
• Understands and communicates business and profit impact of infosec operations across the organizations

Salary Expectation and Future:

Payscale reveals the Chief Information Security Officer can earn a whopping salary in the pay slab of USD 110,000 to USD 239,000 annually. This creates massive traction for the role and hence, demands highly from the cybersecurity specialist hired in an organization.

However, a Chief Information Security Officer’s role should not be confused with that of a Chief Information Officer (CIO). Both are senior-level executive positions in a company that focuses on technology and cybersecurity. CIO is responsible for the organization’s IT strategy; while CISO protects the organization’s information assets from cybersecurity threats. CIO is concerned with data quality and management; while CISO focuses on implementing robust safety measures to protect the organizational data. however, the two job profiles work strongly in the domain of network architecture.

Beginning your career as a seasoned cybersecurity specialist demands high precision and sheer skillsets in cybersecurity strategies and guidelines formulation. Build your way up the ladder with the most promising career opportunities in cybersecurity at the prime levels of an organization with top-ranking cybersecurity specializations and requisite experience gracing your portfolio. A largely fulfilling career in cybersecurity awaits you!