Becoming a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is an ambitious career goal perused by many, and to help those aspiring to lead an organization’s cybersecurity efforts, this article which is a summary from the webinar 'Path to CISO', highlights five key areas for those looking to become a CISO:
- Necessary experience
- Certifications/training, business acumen
- Relationship-building skills
- Cultural fit
- Pragmatic aspects of the CISO role
The webinar included a panel of three CISOs, featuring Randall Frietzsche, CISO at Denver Health, Andrew Wilder, CSO at Community Veterinary Partners, and Sue Bergamo, CISO at BTE Partners, who shared their insights, providing aspiring and current cybersecurity professionals with actionable advice and strategic guidance.
1: Necessary Experience
The panel unanimously underscored the importance of possessing a solid foundation in Information Technology (IT) as a prerequisite for aspiring CISOs. While technical proficiency alone may not suffice for the role of a CISO, a comprehensive understanding of IT systems, networks, and architecture is indispensable. This foundational knowledge equips CISOs with the requisite acumen to effectively liaise with their teams, fostering clear communication and facilitating informed decision-making pertaining to cybersecurity strategies and implementations.
The panel also emphasized the significance of hands-on experience in cybersecurity-related roles. Experience in areas such as incident response, vulnerability management, risk assessment, and compliance not only hones technical skills but also provides invaluable insights into the nuances of cybersecurity operations, thereby preparing individuals for the leadership challenges inherent in a CISO position.
Each panelist's path to becoming a CISO was unique. Frietzsche's journey began in law enforcement, which naturally inclined him toward cybersecurity as a way to continue "fighting the bad guys" in a digital realm. His experience highlights how a protective mindset and an aptitude for IT can translate effectively into cybersecurity leadership.
Wilder, who spent 18 years at Nestlé in progressive leadership roles, emphasized the importance of experience in various aspects of IT and security. His career progression involved increasingly larger teams and greater responsibilities, which equipped him with the necessary skills to handle the multifaceted challenges of a CISO.
Bergamo brought a different perspective as someone who transitioned from being a global CIO to a CISO. She recognized early on that cybersecurity was becoming a crucial aspect of IT and decided to specialize further, even pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity with a focus on international terrorism. Her story illustrates how a proactive approach and continuous learning can open doors to new opportunities in cybersecurity.
2: Certifications/Training
When considering the value of certifications, there was a consensus on the importance, though opinions varied on their role. The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) was highlighted as a valuable credential that remains a gold standard in the cybersecurity industry. It not only enhances credibility but also offers a broad understanding of cybersecurity across multiple domains, making it essential for those aspiring to be a CISO.
However, a contrasting view emphasized that while certifications like the CISSP are important, they should be seen as part of a broader skill set. Experience and practical knowledge are equally critical, if not more so, in achieving competency in a CISO role. A certification alone does not guarantee success; it must be complemented by extensive hands-on experience and a deep understanding of both people and processes.
Additionally, staying abreast of emerging technologies, evolving threat vectors, and industry best practices is essential for cybersecurity professionals aiming to ascend to the role of CISO. Continuous learning through webinars, workshops, conferences, and self-paced online courses not only augments technical proficiency but also cultivates critical thinking skills and a proactive approach to addressing cybersecurity challenges in real-world scenarios.
3: Business Acumen and Building Relationships
The panel discussed business acumen in augmenting the efficacy of cybersecurity initiatives and aligning security objectives with the strategic goals of the organization. Understanding the business processes, regulatory requirements, financial constraints, and risk appetite of the organization is imperative for a CISO to formulate cybersecurity strategies that are not only technically sound but also congruent with the broader business objectives.
Building robust relationships with key stakeholders, including C-suite executives, department heads, regulatory bodies, and external partners, is vital for garnering support, driving stakeholder engagement, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness across the organization. Effective communication, stakeholder management, and the ability to translate technical jargon into business terms are essential skills that can amplify the impact of cybersecurity initiatives and enhance organizational resilience against cyber threats.
4: Cultural Fit
In the discussion about cultural fit, the conversation emphasized that it's not only about whether the CISO fits into the organization but also whether the organization aligns with the CISO's own values and expectations.
This reciprocal approach to cultural alignment is crucial, particularly in senior leadership roles like that of a CISO. The panelists agreed that understanding the organization’s true values—beyond what is written in their mission statements—is essential.
A CISO needs to ensure that the company’s practices and culture are in sync with their personal ethics and professional standards to avoid conflicts that could arise from misalignment. This mutual fit is vital for long-term success and satisfaction in the role, as misalignment could lead to ethical dilemmas or dissatisfaction, ultimately affecting both personal and organizational performance.
5: The Reality of a CISO Position
The panel shared candid insights into the realities of the CISO role, shedding light on the challenges and responsibilities that accompany the position. CISOs often grapple with escalating cyber threats, constrained resources, regulatory compliance mandates, and the continuous evolution of technologies and best practices. The ability to navigate these challenges with resilience, agility, and foresight is paramount for CISOs seeking to safeguard their organizations against cyber risks and maintain a robust cybersecurity posture.
All three of the CISOs emphasized the importance of cultivating a proactive cybersecurity culture within the organization, instilling a sense of ownership and accountability for cybersecurity across all levels of the workforce. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, threat awareness, and incident response readiness, CISOs can engender a cyber-resilient organization that is adept at thwarting cyber threats and safeguarding sensitive data assets.
You can still watch the OnDemand recording of the webinar, simply register to start watching ‘The Path to CISO’ today!
