In a world where rampant cyber crime costs businesses and organizations millions of dollars every day, the chief security officer plays an essential role in protecting digital assets, information systems, intellectual property, and more.
Due to the high stakes and specialized set of skills needed to succeed in this extremely difficult role, one security expert has dubbed the Chief Security Officer (CSO) “the corporate rock star of the future” (advanced technical wizardry plus outstanding crisis management and communication skills).
Unfortunately, only the largest security breaches, which have become increasingly common since the rise of digital technology, make the news. Equifax, eBay, Yahoo, Target, Uber, the National Security Agency, the Internal Revenue Service, and countless other organizations have all been attacked by hackers in recent years.
Those who specialize in protecting computer systems and networks have become increasingly in demand as a result. This is the right industry to enter if you want a fast-paced, growing, and financially rewarding job. A company’s security posture is ultimately the responsibility of the chief security officer (CSO), who sits atop the information security food chain.
Executives in this position are highly valued, which is reflected in their high salaries (between $143,250 and $241,000 on average, according to the 2018 Robert Half Technology Salary Survey; however, many CSOs at the largest companies earn significantly more). However, what does a CSO actually do? How does a career as a chief security officer (CSO) compare to other fields? Can you tell me about the preferred background and training for this role?
Chief Security Officer (CSO) vs. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Every company has its own definition of what a “chief security officer” does. The term “chief security officer” can be used interchangeably with “corporate security officer” to describe the person responsible for the physical security of a company’s facilities and employees.
However, we will focus on the chief security officer’s (CSO) role as the first line of defense against hackers and protector of sensitive data. It’s also important to note that the position of CISO (chief information security officer) is widely used across industries.
Even though the terms “CSO” and “CISO” are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same. As an illustration:
- To ensure the safety of sensitive company data, some businesses designate a Chief Security Officer (CSO).
- Some businesses have a Chief Security Officer whose remit it is to oversee all aspects of security, while others assign the more technical duties of information security to a Chief Information Security Officer.
- Some businesses have a Vice President or Director of Corporate Security oversee physical security, while others have a Chief Security Officer (CSO) or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) handle cyber security.
What are the key responsibilities of a Chief Security Officer?
The chief security officer’s job responsibilities can be broken down into three broad groups: prevention, governance, and investigation.
Prevention
The CSO’s role is to oversee the company’s overarching security strategy. By conducting security risk assessments and implementing security policies, you can protect your organization from fraudulent data losses and identity theft. Updating security measures on a regular basis and countering new threats are essential parts of this role.
Governance
The Chief Security Officer (CSO) is the company executive in charge of all security-related matters. This includes things like making sure only authorized users can access sensitive information and systems, checking people out before letting them in, and other similar measures. Data confidentiality must be protected at all times, especially during organizational transitions.
Investigation
Responses to security incidents are coordinated by the Chief Security Officer (CSO). It’s up to you to deal with things like investigations, crises, disaster recoveries, and communications with other countries’ security services.
Who do Chief Security Officers report to?
The Chief Security Officer is responsible for coordinating all responses to security incidents (CSO). Your responsibilities will include handling investigations, crises, disaster recoveries, and communications with the security services of other countries.
The Chief Security Officer (CSO) may report to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Risk Officer (CRO), or even the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), depending on the organizational structure and security awareness (CEO).
To implement company-wide security policies, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) may consult with the Vice President of Security, the Chief Procurement Officer, and the Head of Human Resources, among others.
Together with other security directors, such as the CISO, a large company’s CSO may be in charge of the company’s overall security (CISO). If an organization does not have a designated CISO or CSO, the CTO or CIO may be responsible for security management.
Chief Security Officer: Skills and Experience
“The modern CSO is a pathfinder and problem-solver for the organization,” said Amanda Fennell, Relativity’s chief security officer, in an interview with CSOonline. She emphasized that CSOs should implement a comprehensive security strategy that takes into account the needs of sensitive data while also maintaining the trust of their company’s employees. “a passion for solving emerging puzzles that accompany information security is essential,” even though technical background can be a tremendous aid in making informed decisions.
More background is available in the same CSOonline report at:
In addition to the financial benefits, those who take on the role of chief security officer or chief information security officer in the field of cyber security can take pride in the fact that they are protecting people and businesses from the growing threat of high-tech crime in the digital age.
- Proven track record in both technical and functional competencies in security
- Experience with tools and systems that address disciplines like identity management and threat intelligence
- Background in SIEM (security information and event management) software
- High-level understanding of corporate governance, risk and compliance
- Understanding of white hat or ethical hacking (to help assess risk and combat threats)
- Experience in security initiatives that impact applications, infrastructure and external threats
- Experience managing security professionals
- Ties to the intelligence community and/or academia
- Knowledge of and contacts with security vendors
- Outstanding interpersonal and leadership skills to communicate the mission to all stakeholders
- Background in information security, specifically in a business or corporate context
- Superior communications skills
Many chief security officers (CSOs) have studied cyber security and earned relevant credentials. If you’re in the cyber security industry, getting certified is a great way to boost your salary, your marketability, and your career prospects.
Some universities have designed master’s degree programs and curricula to train future cyber security leaders in response to a severe shortage of qualified workers in the industry. The University of San Diego offers a Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering and a Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership.
Eighty-five percent of CISOs have a bachelor’s degree, and 40% have a master’s degree, according to research conducted by Digital Guardian. Chief security officers (CSOs) are expected to take on roles traditionally filled by other employees, such as crisis managers, communicators at the highest levels, and even politicians.
Cybersecurity expert Ted Schlein recently wrote in Forbes, “Technical skill and curiosity are necessary, but they are not enough.” To be successful in this role, the CSO must be politically astute. Controlling the security budget, swaying the opinions of other departments, and earning the trust of upper management all require strong organizational skills on the part of the Chief Security Officer (CSO).
In addition to the financial benefits, those who take on the role of chief security officer or chief information security officer in the field of cyber security can take pride in the fact that they are protecting people and businesses from the growing threat of high-tech crime in the digital age.