Securing the Future: Empowering CISOs in the Realm of Cybersecurity

The Authority and Influence of the CISO in Corporate Environments

The Challenge of Empowering the CISO

The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) within corporate organizations has always been a topic of discussion. According to a recent report, only 5 out of the Fortune 100 companies consider the head of security as part of their top management. This raises questions about the authority and clout of the CISO and their ability to stop risky decisions made by line-of-business executives. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the limited influence of CISOs within the CEO’s inner circle, which can hinder their ability to effectively shape cybersecurity strategies.

LinkedIn Discussion Highlights Concerns

A recent LinkedIn discussion initiated by Derek Andrews, the director of cybersecurity operations and incident response for a large nonprofit, shed light on these concerns. Andrews expressed his view that the CISO is often seen as the person who takes the fall when security breaches occur, rather than being a proactive leader within the organization. He questioned why every business unit is allowed to make decisions about cybersecurity risks, rather than granting the CISO the authority to assess and mitigate such risks.

Misalignment of Authority and Responsibility

The fact that enterprises give CISOs less power than other C-level executives not only undermines the overall cybersecurity strategy but also has the unintended consequence of reducing the security posture. CISOs may become hesitant to challenge risky decisions if they believe they will be overridden, leading to the approval of efforts they know should not be approved. This misalignment of authority and responsibility puts both the organization and the CISO in a vulnerable position.

The Influence of Market Forces

Barak Engel, CEO of security firm EAmmune and author of “Why CISOs Fail,” argues that this issue is partly influenced by market forces, particularly Wall Street. When major security breaches happen, there may be a temporary dip in stock prices, but they usually recover quickly. This creates the perception that security breaches do not have long-term negative impacts. CEOs may then undervalue the importance of cybersecurity, leading to skepticism when CISOs emphasize its significance.

Engel suggests that one key reason for this skepticism is the failure of CISOs to effectively communicate in business terms. CISOs need to shift their approach and align their cybersecurity concerns with financial considerations, such as cash flow, to resonate with CEOs. By adopting the language of the business, CISOs can enhance their ability to effectively communicate the importance of cybersecurity.

The Newness of Cybersecurity in CEOs’ Strategic Thinking

Another factor contributing to the diminished authority of CISOs is the relative newness of cybersecurity as a strategic concern. CEOs have had decades of experience dealing with risks and uncertainties in various business units, such as legal, financial, HR, and compliance. However, cybersecurity poses unique challenges and is not universally agreed upon or fully understood by all CEOs.

Dirk Hodgson, the director of cybersecurity for NTT Australia, suggests that the discrepancy in expectations between cybersecurity and other business units contributes to the issue. Until there is a shared understanding of cybersecurity risks and effective communication between CISOs and CEOs, this disparity in importance will persist.

The Crisis-Driven Nature of Cybersecurity

Oliver Tavakoli, CTO of Vectra AI, highlights another key challenge: cybersecurity is often only addressed during a crisis. CISOs regularly provide memos to top executives about security issues, but their concerns are often ignored until a security emergency occurs. This makes it difficult for CISOs to build rapport and influence the rest of the C-suite. They may be seen as heroes within the cybersecurity community, but their impact on the organization as a whole may be limited.

Brian Walker, CEO of the Cap Group, a cybersecurity consulting firm, emphasizes the importance of authority and respect. Even if CISOs have the authority to make decisions, it is crucial that they receive support from their superiors. Without backing from CEOs, the authority of the CISO may lack substance.

Empowering the CISO and Enhancing Cybersecurity

To address these challenges and empower CISOs to effectively fulfill their role, several steps can be taken:

1. Communication and Business Alignment

CISOs must prioritize effective communication with CEOs and business unit heads. They need to adopt the language of the business and frame their cybersecurity concerns in terms of financial impact, risk management, and business continuity. By clearly articulating the potential consequences of cybersecurity breaches and aligning them with the overarching goals of the organization, CISOs can enhance their influence and secure executive buy-in.

2. Education and Awareness

CEOs and other C-level executives should be provided with regular education and training on cybersecurity. This will help them develop a better understanding of the risks and challenges associated with cybersecurity, as well as the potential impact on the organization. By increasing awareness and knowledge, CEOs can make more informed decisions and prioritize cybersecurity as a crucial aspect of their overall business strategy.

3. Integration of Cybersecurity as a Strategic Priority

CEOs need to integrate cybersecurity as a key strategic priority, on par with other business functions such as finance and legal. By elevating cybersecurity to the same level of importance within the organization, CEOs can signal to the entire company that security is a shared responsibility. This cultural shift will help empower the CISO and ensure that cybersecurity risks are appropriately addressed at all levels.

4. Reporting Mechanisms and Accountability

Establishing clear reporting mechanisms and lines of accountability is vital to empower the CISO and ensure their recommendations are taken seriously. By defining the roles and responsibilities of the CISO and providing them with direct access to the CEO, organizations can reinforce the importance of cybersecurity and enable the CISO to provide strategic guidance that is supported at the highest levels.

5. Regular Collaboration and Feedback

CEOs should actively seek input from the CISO and encourage collaboration between cybersecurity teams and other business units. By involving the CISO in strategic discussions and decision-making processes, CEOs can harness their expertise and ensure that cybersecurity considerations are integrated into all relevant business initiatives. This collaboration will also help foster a culture of shared responsibility and enhance the overall cybersecurity posture of the organization.

Conclusion

Empowering the CISO and enhancing the influence and authority of cybersecurity leaders within corporate environments is a crucial step in ensuring the protection of sensitive data and mitigating the risk of cyber threats. By prioritizing effective communication, aligning cybersecurity concerns with business goals, and integrating cybersecurity as a strategic priority, organizations can create a culture where cybersecurity is valued and decision-making is informed by a comprehensive understanding of risks. The role of the CISO should evolve to become a trusted advisor to the CEO and other C-level executives, enabling them to make informed decisions that effectively protect the organization from emerging cyber threats.