CSA: Should the CISO Role Be Split?

Nov 22, 2024

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Source URL: https://www.zscaler.com/cxorevolutionaries/insights/its-time-split-ciso-role-if-we-are-save-it
Source: CSA
Title: Should the CISO Role Be Split?

Feedly Summary:

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The article discusses the increasing challenges faced by Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), propounding the idea of splitting the CISO role to alleviate burdens and enhance specialization. It highlights the necessity to adapt organizational structures to improve risk management, compliance, and overall cybersecurity effectiveness amidst growing responsibilities and regulatory demands.

Detailed Description:
The article emphasizes the significant responsibilities faced by CISOs today, including:

– **24/7 Cybersecurity Management**: CISOs must oversee continuous cybersecurity operations, staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.
– **Regulatory Compliance**: They navigate a complex landscape of legislation, ensuring organizational compliance while facing burnout risks.
– **CISO Role Evaluation**:
– The traditional singular CISO role may no longer be sustainable, prompting discussions about potential restructuring.
– Splitting the CISO role into specialized positions could lead to enhanced focus and better risk management.

– **Proposed Structure**:
– Establishing several deputy CISO positions could allow specialization. Responsibilities could be divided such that:
– A deputy CISO for compliance can focus on data privacy regulations and laws.
– A deputy CISO for technology could manage cybersecurity technologies alongside existing CTO roles.
– A deputy CISO for operations could oversee daily management and incident response within the cybersecurity team.

– **Implementation Strategy**:
– Implementing this new structure would require careful consideration of factors such as company culture, recent cybersecurity incidents, and resource availability.
– Starting with a phased approach would allow organizations to assess effectiveness gradually before further role expansions.

– **NIST Cybersecurity Framework**: The article references the NIST’s cybersecurity framework, underscoring the need for governance in cybersecurity initiatives.

– **Challenges**:
– The practicalities of implementing a split CISO role could include recruitment difficulties for qualified candidates and the financial implications of supporting multiple senior positions.
– The article suggests initiating discussions at the C-suite level to align priorities effectively.

– **Conclusion**: The proposed changes aim to improve organizational responses to cybersecurity challenges, ensuring that actions in protection, defense, response, and compliance are effectively managed and communicated. By diversifying roles within cybersecurity leadership, organizations can adapt to the complexities of the digital age, potentially increasing their ability to safeguard assets and maintain stakeholder trust.

This discourse is particularly relevant for professionals across AI, cloud, and infrastructure security domains as it addresses the need for improved governance and structured leadership in the wake of evolving cybersecurity threats.

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