Chief Information Security Officer, or CISO, is a C-level position that usually sits on the board and reports directly to the CEO. They’re responsible for overseeing the entire organization’s information security plan. A CISO decides how to use his or her company’s information security resources, and should be an expert in information security with extensive leadership experience and advanced educational attainment.
If you want to become a CISO someday, you should understand what a CISO’s responsibilities are so you can prepare yourself to take them on. Your career path should begin with an entry-level position in cybersecurity, programming, or security analytics. Then you can work towards building the management and leadership experience, as well as the advanced education and certifications, you need to become a CISO.
CISO Responsibilities
A CISO functions as the head of any given organization’s information security operations. They’re tasked with determining how to use the company’s infosec resources, including how to apportion them to the company’s different departments and business groups. It’s the CISO’s job to manage everyone in the information security department and to engage with the heads of other departments as well. A CISO’s primary duties may include directing employee security training, developing secure practices, identifying security goals and determining how to measure progress toward those goals, selecting and buying security products, and enforcing the company’s compliance with infosec regulations.
An organization’s CISO also serves as the representative of that organization’s cybersecurity operations. The CISO may have to interact with the public, manage government oversight of the organization’s information security, and engage with enforcement agencies, law enforcement, and policymakers.
Education
You need at least a bachelor’s degree in information security, computer science, or a related field to become a CISO. A bachelor’s in business administration can also serve you well in the field, as long as you have the right work experience and certifications to back it up. Although CISOs are in high demand, you will find it easier to get a job as a CISO if you have at least a master’s degree in security analytics, cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field. If your undergraduate degree is in an infosec discipline, you can hone your business skills by getting an MBA with a focus on cybersecurity, information security, or security analytics.
You’ll also need a heap of industry certifications in order to make CISO. Some relevant certifications employers look for include Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager, and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Make sure you join relevant trade associations, too, like the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE) and the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE).
Career Path
You will need extensive hands-on experience in information security as well as extensive experience in leadership in order to qualify for CISO roles. Once you get your bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, security analytics, computer science, or information security, you can start your career with an entry-level role in security analysis or programming. Work this job for a few years before you go back to school for a master’s degree in business, information security, or computer engineering. You may want to go back to school online so you can continue to work, especially if your company offers tuition reimbursement.
Once you have a master’s degree under your belt, you need to move on to a job as a security analyst. You will need several years of hands-on experience in this role. Plan to work at this level for at least five years, if not longer – five years is the absolute minimum. Take any opportunity to manage a team that is presented to you. Work on getting additional cybersecurity certifications and training.
Final Words
Your next goal, after working in a security analytics role for at least five years, is to secure a leadership role. You need to manage a security team. You’ll need at least seven years of experience leading a team, but many CISO roles may require more – seven years is the minimum. Keep you with your certifications and training during this time. Join trade associations and subscribe to trade publications. At this point in your career, you may want to consider going for a doctorate in information security in order to qualify for CISO roles. A master’s degree may be sufficient for many roles, but a doctorate will make you stand out from the crowd. Once you have plenty of leadership experience and a strong grasp of the field, it will be time to start looking for CISO roles.
Becoming a CISO isn’t easy, but with the right experience and education, it’s definitely an attainable role. Work hard towards your goal, and someday you could be in a C-suite, too.
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