CISO

The CISO is the company’s lead information security officer—responsible for strategy, policies, and incident response in cybersecurity.

 

 

What is CISO?

CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) is a senior executive responsible for managing and overseeing information and cybersecurity across the organization. Their job is to protect the company’s data, systems, and operations from threats—through both technical and organizational means. The CISO defines security strategies, sets policies, ensures compliance, and communicates with company leadership and external stakeholders.

 

What CISO does in practice

Examples of typical responsibilities:

  • Evaluates security risks and proposes measures to mitigate them.
  • Leads a team responsible for securing the IT infrastructure, cloud services, and end-user devices.
  • Establishes and updates security policies and standards (e.g., access rights, encryption, incident response).
  • Is responsible for the company’s response to cyberattacks and incidents – from detection to communication with management and partners.
  • Collaborates with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to standards such as ISO 27001, NIS2, or GDPR.
  • The CISO is not just an IT role – it’s a key position that connects security, business, and strategy. A well-functioning CISO not only helps protect the company but also builds trust with customers and partners.

 

CISO vs. related roles – What’s the difference?

  • CISO vs. CIO
    The CIO (Chief Information Officer) leads overall IT strategy. The CISO focuses specifically on security.
  • CISO vs. IT security manager
    Security managers typically handle operational tasks. The CISO operates at the strategic level and reports to top management.
  • CISO vs. DPO
    The DPO (Data Protection Officer) ensures personal data protection. The CISO covers a broader scope, including systems, operations, and cyber threats.

 

These roles often work closely together. In larger organizations, clearly defined responsibilities are essential to avoid overlap and gaps.

 

How to establish or evaluate the CISO in your company

Recommended steps:

  • Assess whether your company has clearly defined ownership of information security
  • If no formal CISO exists, assign this responsibility to a qualified person or team
  • Define reporting lines—ideally to the CEO, CIO, or board of directors
  • Involve the CISO in strategic decisions—security must be more than just IT operations
  • Ensure the CISO has authority to define and enforce security policies
  • Conduct regular reviews of your security strategy and recovery plans

 

Many companies rely on IT administrators but lack a dedicated security leader. The CISO is a critical role that enables early risk identification, agile threat response, and alignment between security posture, business growth, and regulatory demands. In today’s environment, the question isn’t if you need a CISO—it’s when and how seriously you start empowering one.

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