Why You Should Be A Chief Information Security Officer

Security is a rapidly-evolving, complex area of information technology. It's a major concern for every industry. The threats to the security of data are growing and companies are constantly battling with changing security requirements and regulations. Security incidents and breaches of data are commonplace in the current business world. Companies are becoming aware of the necessity of having a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and is responsible for security. The CISO is accountable for security decisions and training of the management team. Surprisingly, few companies have a designated CISO who is accountable for security in the company. These are just a few of the frequent questions I've been asked as a security consultant working with numerous companies to explain the importance and value of an CISO.

What's the function of a CISO?

The CISO gives guidance to the executives on how to ensure that the company meets security standards to conduct business within their sector. The chief information security officer supervises a team of people who collectively have an eye of the risk to the business and develop the security technology and processes that will minimize those risks. She is able to report any potential risks to decision-makers and take independent action if necessary. She is a champion for investments and resources to ensure security practices are properly addressed.

Every time a security breach, vulnerability or breach that happens the significance of this role is increasing. Over the last couple of years security threats have become more insidious and range from hackers to criminal organizations.

What are the qualities a CISO need?

Executive Presence: The CISO should be able to present the organization's information security position and influence executive decision-makers. They must be able to identify and assess risks, and then translate the risks into terms executives can understand

Business Knowledge: The CISO has to be aware of business operations and the critical data that organization is trying to protect. She must be able examine business operations from an operational and security perspective and also implement controls to minimize disruptions and risk.

Security Awareness: The CISO must comprehend the complicated security configurations from a technical point of view and translate the information into a form that can be comprehended by other executives.

What do you think are the main responsibilities of the CISO?

The following tasks would be assigned to a CISO, but the specific responsibilities would depend upon the organization's size and maturity.

Reporting and Executive Management Communication: Developing reports as well as presenting them, and providing advice to the top management team on security issues in general.

Risk Assessment: Perform an assessment of risk to determine the general vulnerability of any specific asset in the company.

Strategic Security Roadmap: Develop an outline and budget that includes scaled, sequential and prioritized initiatives.

Risk Management Program: Evaluate and offer advice on the emergence of new security threats while maintaining an inventory of risks and a the corrective action plan.

Audits & Compliance with Regulatory Compliance: Document high-level requirements for compliance to ensure strategic goals are achieved within a controlled and secure environment.

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

Policy and Procedure Management: Development and adhering to security policies and procedures.

Asset Assessment Classify assets based on their business value and criticality.

Security Architecture: Examine the security architecture of new applications and projects.

Training and Awareness: Update or maintain training and awareness plan and training materials.

Management of Incidents: Coordinate, share information and coordinate a response to security incidents and events.

Are all companies required to employ a CISO

Every company should have an CISO in the ideal world. The job of CISO has become critical to the success of organization, regardless of its size and industry. A small or medium-sized business might not be able afford a dedicated office of the CISO. In those cases, it could make sense for the CIO to take on the role of a CISO and leverage external consultants to provide targeted advice and assistance.

What are the most common mistakes when hiring a CISO to oversee your business?

Companies often have existing internal IT professionals who focus on operations. They do not have the experience of conducting an assessment of risk and then making suggestions to address complex business related issues. The CISO must be aware of the risks facing business and not only IT.

A holistic security strategy is essential for the success of. This approach must take into account the process, people and technology of information security, while implementing an approach that is risk-balanced and business-oriented. The success of an information security program is much to do with people and processes as it does with technology.