Navigating Cybersecurity Risk Management, Governance, and Compliance as a CISO

The role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is vital for businesses of all sizes and industries. CISOs are in charge of managing and overseeing an organization’s IT security program, ensuring that the company’s vision for how to protect its IT assets is successfully carried out.

The concepts of governance, cybersecurity risk management, and compliance are especially crucial for CISOs. These terms can be defined as follows:

• Governance: The framework and processes that ensure key decision-makers can effectively manage the organization’s IT security.
• Risk management: The act of identifying, prioritizing, and addressing the various cybersecurity risks that the organization faces.
• Compliance: The act of ensuring adherence to the cybersecurity laws, standards, regulations, and internal policies that apply to the organization.

Successful CISOs must be familiar with these ideas and understand how to implement them in their organizations. Below, we’ll explore how CISOs can navigate the issues of cybersecurity risk management, governance, and compliance.

The Importance of Governance and Risk Management in the Role of a CISO

Among the various CISO roles and responsibilities, the most important one is protecting the organization’s IT environment from attack and harm. A chief information security officer must, therefore, be well-versed in cybersecurity risk management and governance.

Governance offers a structured approach to defining and maintaining a company’s cybersecurity policies and practices. By establishing a successful IT governance framework, CISOs ensure that organizations have clarity, consistency, and accountability and can align their cybersecurity objectives with the broader direction of the business.

Meanwhile, risk management is a proactive cybersecurity measure that helps neutralize threats and reduce the organization’s attack landscape. By evaluating the company’s unique combination of assets and vulnerabilities, CISOs understand which tools and techniques can help ward off attacks before they occur and safeguard the organization’s IT ecosystem.

Understanding Cybersecurity Governance

The major components of a successful cybersecurity governance program include:

• A governance framework that defines the various cybersecurity roles and responsibilities within an organization. This includes the chain of command and the processes for making decisions about IT security.
• A set of clear and comprehensive cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures. These documents define how the organization will safeguard its IT assets and mitigate risks. Policies offer higher-level guidance about IT security, while procedures offer step-by-step instructions for how to carry out policies (for example, responding to security incidents).

The Role of a CISO in Establishing and Maintaining Effective Governance Practices

The CISO plays a paramount role in establishing and maintaining effective governance practices. As the head of IT security, the CISO is responsible for designing and developing the organization’s cybersecurity governance framework. The CISO is also tasked with establishing and implementing the organization’s IT security policies, standards, and procedures.

Once the governance framework, policies, standards, and procedures are in place, the CISO is also in charge of overseeing them. This includes defining the right metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of these practices. These KPIs may include:

• Financial metrics that determine the economic impact of cybersecurity measures
• Metrics that evaluate the organization’s progress toward its business objectives
• Operational metrics that measure the performance of specific cybersecurity processes

Finally, CISOs also need to commit to continually improving the organization’s cybersecurity governance practices. This includes monitoring emerging cyber threats and keeping an eye on the latest industry trends. CISOs should periodically revise their frameworks, policies, standards, and procedures in light of new developments and make recommendations for ways to improve and enhance cybersecurity governance.

Understanding Cyber Risk Mitigation and Management

Every business with a digital presence faces a certain amount of cybersecurity risk. Organizations need to assess the level of risk they face and formulate strategies for mitigating and managing these risks and vulnerabilities over time.

The various activities involved in cyber risk mitigation and management include:

• Risk identification: Organizations first need to detect the potential and actual security flaws and weaknesses in an IT ecosystem. This encompasses tasks such as vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
• Risk assessment and prioritization: After compiling a list of cybersecurity risks, businesses assess the severity of each one and decide which ones to prioritize. This involves considering the risk of financial, legal, and reputational damages.
• Risk mitigation: Businesses develop strategies to mitigate the various cyber risks they face, either by resolving them or reducing their impact. The techniques used here include user authentication, access controls, data encryption, network segmentation, incident response, and software patching and updates.

The Responsibilities of a CISO in Identifying, Assessing, and Mitigating Risks

CISOs are the head of IT security, and so CISO responsibilities also incorporate identifying, assessing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks. The role of a CISO includes cybersecurity risk mitigation strategies such as:

• Working with stakeholders such as IT teams and managers to identify cyber risks
• Leading the process of risk assessment to determine the most critical priorities
• Recommending and implementing solutions to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities
• Developing and maintaining an incident response plan in the event of a cyber attack
• Conducting evaluations and audits of third-party partners’ and vendors’ security practices.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Depending on their industry and location, businesses may also face a number of regulatory compliance requirements related to cybersecurity. These include

• HIPAA ensures that U.S. healthcare organizations take adequate measures to protect the security and confidentiality of patient data. The law also requires organizations to notify affected individuals in the case of a data breach.
• GDPR safeguards the privacy of consumer data for companies operating in the European Union. It places limits on how businesses can collect, store, analyze, and share personally identifiable information.
• CCPA enhances data privacy and consumer protection for residents of California. Similar to GDPR, CCPA grants citizens of California the right to know what information businesses are collecting about them and allows them the right to request the deletion of this information.
• PCI DSS applies to businesses that handle payment card information. PCI DSS obligates companies to securely collect, transmit, and store data and protect it with techniques such as encryption and access control.

The role of a CISO includes being familiar with regulatory compliance issues surrounding data privacy and security. CISOs must ensure that the organization remains compliant with all applicable information security laws and regulations.

Communication and Reporting

Last but not least, CISOs must also define solid pipelines for communication and reporting about IT security issues among executives, managers, and other key decision-makers. CISOs need to provide regular updates about cybersecurity developments within the organization, including the effectiveness of security measures and controls. As such, CISOs serve as a bridge between the executive team and the IT security team.

Tools such as an information security management system (ISMS) can help CISOs communicate effectively. An ISMS is a framework for how organizations define and manage their cybersecurity policies and procedures. Common ISMS standards include ISO/IEC 27001, which provides guidelines for creating and managing an ISMS.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Unleashing Excellence: World-Class Security Executive Certification for CISOs

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is paramount. As organizations navigate through the intricate web of digital threats, having a certified and world-class CISO becomes a strategic imperative. In this article, we delve into the significance of achieving a Security Executive Certification for CISOs, exploring the unparalleled benefits that come with unleashing excellence in the realm of cybersecurity.

The Pinnacle of Cybersecurity Leadership

Elevating the CISO Role

The modern CISO is not merely a guardian of data; they are strategic leaders entrusted with safeguarding an organization's digital assets. A world-class Security Executive Certification empowers CISOs with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of contemporary cybersecurity challenges. This certification acts as a testament to their expertise, setting them apart as leaders capable of steering organizations through the ever-changing threat landscape.

Unparalleled Expertise

Achieving a Security Executive Certification is not just about acquiring a credential; it is a commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of evolving threats. CISOs armed with this certification possess unparalleled expertise in areas such as threat intelligence, risk management, and strategic cybersecurity planning. This expertise becomes a cornerstone in fortifying an organization's defense against sophisticated cyber adversaries.

The Journey Towards Certification

Rigorous Training Programs

To attain the coveted Security Executive Certification, CISOs embark on a journey of rigorous training programs designed to hone their skills. These programs cover a spectrum of cybersecurity domains, including ethical hacking, incident response, and security governance. The training equips CISOs with a holistic understanding of cybersecurity, preparing them for the multifaceted challenges they may encounter in their roles.

Practical Application

Unlike conventional certifications, a world-class Security Executive Certification emphasizes practical application. CISOs undergo simulated cyber-attacks and real-world scenarios, allowing them to apply their knowledge in a controlled environment. This hands-on experience ensures that certified CISOs are not just theoreticians but adept practitioners capable of translating knowledge into effective cybersecurity strategies.

Unrivaled Benefits for Organizations

Enhanced Cyber Resilience

Organizations led by certified CISOs experience enhanced cyber resilience. The strategic mindset and advanced skills acquired through the certification empower CISOs to proactively identify and mitigate potential threats. This proactive approach minimizes the impact of cyber incidents, safeguarding the organization's reputation and financial stability.

Regulatory Compliance

In an era of increasing regulatory scrutiny, organizations must adhere to stringent cybersecurity standards. A Security Executive Certification ensures that the CISO is well-versed in compliance requirements, positioning the organization to navigate the complex web of regulations seamlessly. This not only mitigates legal risks but also fosters a culture of trust among stakeholders.

The Competitive Edge

Outperforming Competitors

In the competitive landscape of today's digital economy, having a certified CISO provides a distinct advantage. Organizations led by certified CISOs are perceived as more trustworthy and capable of safeguarding sensitive information. This trust becomes a competitive differentiator, attracting clients, partners, and investors who prioritize security in their decision-making processes.

Future-Proofing the Organization

As cyber threats evolve, organizations must future-proof their cybersecurity strategies. A Security Executive Certification ensures that the CISO is equipped with the knowledge and foresight to adapt to emerging threats. This forward-looking approach safeguards the organization's digital assets, ensuring long-term sustainability in an ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

Conclusion

In the digital age, where cyber threats loom large, a Security Executive Certification for CISOs emerges as a beacon of excellence. This certification not only elevates the individual CISO but also fortifies the entire organization against the complexities of modern cyber threats. As we navigate the path towards a secure digital future, investing in world-class cybersecurity leadership becomes not just a choice but a strategic imperative.

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Building Information Security Core Competencies: A Guide for CISOs and C|CISO Candidates

What does a chief information security officer do, and what are the various CISO roles and responsibilities? As an organization’s most important IT security professional, the CISO is tasked with defending the business from external attackers and cyber threats.

Qualified CISOs must be familiar with many core information security competencies. Below, we’ll look at some essential IT security topics and how CISOs and C|CISO candidates can learn them.

The Fundamentals of Information Security

The IT security field stretches back decades, and organizations have settled on several information security fundamentals and best practices. Just a few of these are:

• Network security: The practice of network security focuses on protecting a company’s network infrastructure from cyber threats such as unauthorized access and data breaches. Solid network security measures include deploying firewalls, IDS/IPS (intrusion detection/prevention systems), secure protocols, and VPNs (virtual private networks). These solutions help safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of information and resources within the organization’s network.
• Encryption: Data encryption is crucial to protect sensitive information in transit and at rest. Effective data encryption relies on converting information into an encoded format using an encryption key; this information can only be decoded and understood with a corresponding decryption key (sometimes the same as the encryption key). Encrypting data ensures that it remains incomprehensible and unusable by anyone except the intended recipient(s), even if it falls into the wrong hands.
• Vulnerability management: It involves proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating the security vulnerabilities in an IT environment. This requires security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing to detect potential weaknesses an attacker can exploit. Organizations can then take preventive actions such as installing patches, software updates, and security solutions.
• Incident response: Organizations must have well-defined and effective plans for responding to security incidents when cyber defenses fail. Incident response involves formulating strategies for events and threats like data breaches or ransomware infections. Effective incident response plans define the roles and responsibilities of IT professionals during a security event and outline the steps to follow to restore normal business operations.

To be effective, CISOs must be familiar with these and other information security fundamentals. These skills and best practices collectively form a solid foundation for IT security, enabling organizations to establish robust defenses against malicious actors. Unfortunately, far too few CISOs measure up to this task: a Gartner study revealed that just 12 percent of CISOs are considered “highly effective.”

Risk Assessment in Information Security

Beyond the fundamental topics listed above, the practice of risk assessment in information security is a crucial component of the CISO job description. The good news is that most CISOs take the risk of cyber attacks seriously. According to a 2023 survey by Proofpoint, 68 percent of CISOs believe their organization is at risk of a cyber attack in the next 12 months, and 25 percent rate this event “very likely.”

The process of risk assessment involves steps such as:

• Identifying assets: The first risk assessment stage involves determining the assets and resources within an organization’s IT infrastructure. These may include hardware, software applications, network devices, data, and intellectual property. By determining the IT assets, CISOs can better prioritize their security efforts and protect the most vulnerable or valuable resources.
• Evaluating threats: The next stage of risk assessment in information security requires CISOs to evaluate the likely threats that their organization faces. Hazards to an IT infrastructure can come from external attackers, insider threats, human error, and natural disasters that can significantly disrupt business operations. CISOs must consider each threat’s nature, capabilities, and likelihood and develop appropriate countermeasures and incident response plans.
• Determining vulnerabilities: Risk assessment involves identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities and flaws within an IT environment. Malicious actors can find and exploit these weaknesses to launch an attack or extend their reach within the environment. This process involves conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to detect and address weaknesses before attackers discover them.

Conducting risk assessments at regular intervals is a crucial task for CISOs. The cyber security landscape constantly evolves, with new threats and vulnerabilities emerging.

The Operational Aspects of Information Security

Last but not least, the role of CISO—and the function of information security—requires a significant day-to-day operational aspect. The operational components of strong IT security include:

• Security monitoring: Security monitoring involves continuously observing an organization’s IT environment for suspicious events and potential security incidents. This includes monitoring and collecting logs on network traffic, user behavior, and other relevant data sources to identify unusual or unauthorized actions. Security monitoring is often performed by a security operations center (SOC), using tools such as SIEM (security information and event management) to achieve 24/7 visibility into an IT environment
• Incident detection: The goal of monitoring is prompt and accurate incident detection: finding security incidents and events as they occur. IT security professionals use manual and automated incident detection techniques, such as behavioral analytics and machine learning, to identify anomalous patterns and activities. As a result, security analysts can more effectively distinguish normal user activities and traffic from worrisome indicators of compromise (IoCs).
• Incident response: As discussed above, incident response responds to security events identified through incident detection. Incident response involves a series of coordinated, planned actions to contain the incident, mitigate or prevent its impact, remove the threat to the IT environment, and reestablish normal business operations. Effective CISOs create incident response plans for various security events with their IT security teams, including data breaches, malware infections, and denial of service (DoS) attacks.

The operational aspects of information security demand constant vigilance from CISOs. As security threats become more advanced and damaging, CISOs must ensure that security teams are prepared to handle these threats via methods such as training and education programs, simulated attacks and exercises, and penetration testing.

Continuous Professional Development for CISOs and C|CISO Candidates

The role of CISO demands a great deal of knowledge of and experience with information security. Moreover, with the cybersecurity landscape continuously shifting, CISOs must stay on their toes to be adequately prepared to address the latest threats and vulnerabilities.

This means that continuous professional development is key for CISOs and aspiring CISOs. Programs such as EC-Council’s Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO) certification offer IT professionals the fundamental skills and training to assume the mantle of CISO effectively.

The C|CISO curriculum has been developed by existing CISOs who know what it takes to serve as chief information security officers. C|CISO covers the five essential domains of CISO knowledge:

1. Governance and risk management
2. Information security controls, compliance, and audit management
3. Security program management and operations
4. Information security core competencies
5. Strategic planning, finance, procurement, and vendor management

Source: eccouncil.org

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Study Tips and Skills to Earn CCISO Certification

The CCISO Certification stands out as a top-tier initiative acknowledging the practical expertise essential for success in senior executive roles within information security. It integrates the vital elements crucial for C-Level positions: audit management, governance, IS controls, human capital management, strategic program development, and the financial acumen necessary to lead a highly successful information security program.

The role of the CISO is too crucial to rely on trial and error for learning. The CCISO seeks to close the divide between the executive management knowledge required by CISOs and the technical knowledge of current and aspiring CISOs.

The EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer program is crafted to elevate middle managers to executive leaders and refine the abilities of current InfoSec leaders. CCISO is not a technical program but a leadership course meticulously tailored for seasoned InfoSec professionals.

CCISO Certification Exam Information

Successful outcomes in the CCISO exam may vary between 60% and 85%, contingent on the complexity of the specific exam version given. The 2.5-hour examination comprises 150 scenario-based, multiple-choice questions encompassing the following five domains:

Governance, Risk, Compliance

Information Security Controls and Audit Management

Security Program Management & Operations

Information Security Core Competencies

Strategic Planning, Finance, Procurement, and Third-Party Management

Top Study Tips to Pass the CCISO Certificaton Exam

1. Creating a Study Schedule

Crafting a study schedule is fundamental to effective preparation. Start by prioritizing topics based on their difficulty level. Allocate dedicated time daily to focus on specific domains, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

2. Utilizing Official Resources

EC-Council provides official study materials that are indispensable for exam preparation. Dive into these resources to gain insights into the exam structure and content. Additionally, explore other reputable cybersecurity references to bolster your understanding.

3. Engaging in Practical Labs

There needs to be more than theory for success in the CCISO exam. Engage in practical labs to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Hands-on experience enhances your problem-solving skills, a critical aspect of the certification.

4. Joining Study Groups

Collaborative learning is a powerful tool. Joining study groups allows you to share knowledge and insights with peers. Discussing complex topics with others can provide fresh perspectives and deepen your understanding.

5. Taking Practice Exams

Simulating exam conditions through practice tests is invaluable. Identify official and reliable CCISO practice exams to gauge your preparedness. Analyze your performance to identify weak areas and refine your study focus accordingly.

6. Staying Updated with Industry Trends

The field of cybersecurity is dynamic, with constant advancements and changes. Stay abreast of industry trends and updates. Adjust your study materials to align with the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

7. Overcoming Common Challenges

Preparing for the CCISO certification exam comes with its set of challenges. Time constraints and stress management are common hurdles that candidates face. Develop strategies to tackle these challenges, ensuring a balanced and effective preparation phase.

Understanding the Responsibilities of a Chief Information Security Officer

The main objectives of CISOs involve supervising cybersecurity systems, procedures, and policies. Most, if not all, business and cybersecurity choices interconnect and influence each other. CISOs must assess these decisions, gauging their potential impact and evaluating associated risks.

CISOs usually manage a group of IT and cybersecurity experts. They work together and provide updates to other managers and top-level executives, such as CIOs, CTOs, and CEOs.

The significance of a CISO's career rises with the surge in cybercrime. Nevertheless, the rapid evolution of cybercrime presents numerous hurdles for cybersecurity professionals. They must adapt to emerging technologies, shifting targets, escalating sophistication, and the progressively decentralized nature of organizational structures.

Here, we outline specific skills that CISOs can develop to enhance their prospects of success in this intricate position.

Essential Soft Skills Every CISO Should Possess

Communication: CISOs must communicate with their teams and fellow managers for project completion. Additionally, they are required to articulate and convey cybersecurity issues in a clear and meaningful manner.

Leadership: CISOs frequently lead teams of IT professionals, necessitating the ability to adjust their leadership approach according to each individual. Additionally, they must possess the skills to supervise projects, budgets, and the implementation of policies.

Decision-making: CISOs must possess the capacity to comprehend intricate and sometimes contradictory information to make well-founded business decisions. Their decision-making process should encompass a range of factors and reflect the interests of stakeholders, staff, and consumers.

Problem-solving: CISOs face numerous cybersecurity challenges that require careful and thoughtful consideration. They must analyze these issues and devise practical solutions to prevent them from escalating.

Critical Hard Skills Every CISO Should Possess

Business operations: CISOs must comprehend the functioning of businesses and the way operations influence cybersecurity. Additionally, they should know how cybersecurity choices affect operations and understand stakeholders' priorities for business concerns.

Cybersecurity systems: CISOs require expertise in cybersecurity systems to engage in discussions with managers and stakeholders. They should be familiar with the capabilities of their systems, understand the trajectory of technology, and grasp the potential impact of system changes.

Security standards: CISOs should be acquainted with security best practices and standards to assess the alignment of their systems and processes. Familiarity with cybersecurity laws and regulations may also be necessary.

Risk Analysis: CISOs are required to assess business decisions for potential risks. They must evaluate and provide insights on how new business initiatives and systems align with the existing cybersecurity infrastructure.

Conclusion

Success in the EC-Council CCISO certification exam is achievable with a tailored and strategic study approach and acquiring the needed soft and hard skills. Candidates can significantly increase their chances of passing by creating a study schedule, utilizing official resources, engaging in practical labs, joining study groups, taking practice exams, and staying updated with industry trends.

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Associate C|CISO: The Next Step for a Certified Information Security Manager

In today’s workforce, information security workers are more important than ever. Most companies have undergone a digital transformation to stay competitive, and many business processes now take place online. Data is an asset, and security personnel represent the first line of defense. The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is valuable for professionals following a cybersecurity career path.

However, a CISM certificate may only take you so far. If you want to take your career to the next level, the Associate Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO) certification is a logical next step. This is especially true if you hope to become a Chief Information Officer (CIO) one day, as the Associate C|CISO prepares you for leadership.

A Career Path for Certified Information Security Managers

The Associate CCISO certification is a globally recognized credential that helps cybersecurity professionals prepare for a leadership role. If you are a CISM who hopes to make it to the C-suite one day, pursuing an Associate C|CISO cert is a strategic choice. The course is designed explicitly for the CIO career path — even if you don’t have the minimum five years of experience in three of the Certified CISO domains.

1. Transitioning Between Technical and Business Expertise

The Associate C|CISO certification goes beyond the technical aspects of information security and into business leadership. This well-rounded perspective equips the CISM-certified person with the skills required to articulate the value of information security to C-suite peers.

2. Preparation for Executive Leadership

Aspiring CIOs often face stiff competition when vying for upper management roles. The Associate C|CISO certification signals upper management that you possess the requisite leadership and strategic skills to thrive in an executive leadership position.

3. Learning How to Govern IT Effectively

If you’ve been through CISM training, you’re already well-versed in information security governance. The Associate C|CISO course builds upon this knowledge to show you how to create robust and effective IT governance frameworks. These skills can pay dividends as you move ahead on your career path.

4. Staying on Top of the Ever-Evolving Security Landscape

As an Associate Certified Information Security Officer, you’ll gain insight into emerging technologies and industry trends. Your new understanding of information security will help you stay ahead in our dynamic technology landscape. As you progress into management roles, you will be better prepared to make informed decisions about future cybersecurity tools and methodologies.

5. Demonstrating Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Earning the Associate CCISO certification demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development. It shows you are ready, willing, and able to learn complex information security topics and lead the organization into the future. This cert is also a stepping stone to many other career paths, including earning a Certified CISO certification or taking on management roles.

Starting a Path to Certified CISO Certification

If you want full Certified CISO status, the Associate C|CISO is your first step. While maintaining the Associate C|CISO, you must gain five years of experience in at least three of the five C|CISO domains. 

The next step is to fill out a form detailing your experience, which will be verified. After approval, you will take the C|CISO exam, with the option to retake training beforehand. Finally, you will be granted the Certified CISO certification after passing the exam.

The Benefits of a CISM Pursuing Associate C|CISO Certification

While there are many paths to the C-suite, if you want to build upon a CISM certificate and work up to a leadership role, the Associate C|CISO course offers some benefits you won’t get elsewhere.

First, an Associate C|CISO certification prepares you to work with other company leaders. The course emphasizes integrating information security with critical business functions like finance, legal, and operations teams. 

This holistic approach deeply explains how cybersecurity aligns with a company’s business objectives. Explaining technology’s strategic value is one of the most critical functions of a CIO (CIO Magazine, 2023). The course teaches you strong communication and interpersonal skills. This is key to helping you articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders in the C-suite and the rest of the company.

Your company’s security posture is part of what you have to share as a CIO (BuiltIn, 2023). The Associate C|CISO certification gives you valuable insights into risk management strategies and incident response planning. This knowledge equips you to proactively identify potential security threats and how to implement practical risk mitigation efforts with company buy-in.

Gaining that trust from your colleagues requires deep knowledge of the cybersecurity industry. An Associate C|CISO certification teaches you about compliance with industry standards and government regulations. This is essential for any organization that works with sensitive data, and having this knowledge shows the real value of a CISO. The Associate C|CISO course covers various compliance frameworks, providing you with the expertise to ensure your organization remains in line with customer and government requirements.

Holding the Associate C|CISO certification can lead to better salary and compensation packages. Today, more than ever, businesses are willing to invest in skilled cybersecurity professionals (Security, 2023). An Associate C|CISO credential carries a weight that can positively impact your career prospects.

Since cybersecurity is a significant concern for businesses today, there are many excellent job opportunities at various companies. Earning additional certifications after your CISM training shows you are an expert. Moreover, your Associate C|CISO certification signifies dedication to your cybersecurity career.

How to Get Started with the Associate C|CISO Certification

Candidates wanting to enroll in the Associate C|CISO program must have at least two years of technical or management experience in any of the following domains:

• Governance and Risk Management
• Information Security Controls, Compliance, and Audit Management
• Security Program Management and Operations
• Information Security Core Competencies
• Strategic Planning, Finance, Procurement, and Vendor Management

or

Hold any of the following certifications: CISSP, CISM, or CISA.

You can join the elite Certified Associate C|CISO community by Grandfathering as an Associate C|CISO.

The Associate C|CISO Grandfathering Program

Cybersecurity professionals with 5 years of cumulative experience in the Associate C|CISO domains can apply for the Associate C|CISO Grandfathering program to obtain the Associate C|CISO certification without needing to sit for the Associate C|CISO exam.

The Associate C|CISO process, through grandfathering, offers recognition and credibility, supporting candidates on their journey to take influential cybersecurity leadership roles.

Source: eccouncil.org

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5 New Cybersecurity Challenges Chief Security Officers (CSOs) Should Be Aware of in 2023

If you’re a chief security officer (CSO), chief information security officer (CISO), or other cybersecurity leader, your job is never dull. Technology is constantly evolving, as are the threats to an organization’s data and intellectual property. No chief security officer can rest on their laurels because each year brings new challenges. And 2023 is shaping up to be one of the most challenging years yet.

Here are five of the top new cybersecurity challenges for a chief security officer in 2023—and what you can do about them. If you’re not a cybersecurity leader yet but hope to be one someday, you can still enjoy this look at 2023’s top CISO challenges.

The 5 Most Recent Cybersecurity Threats That CSOs Need to Know About

From the cloud and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to data regulations, the top cybersecurity threats for a chief security officer in 2023 reflect current trends in technology and the world at large, including:

Security Control Gaps Due to AI and Cloud

2023 will likely go down as the year that AI went mainstream. The popularity of ChatGPT, Google Bard, and other interactive chatbots brought the power of AI, large language models, and machine learning to even non-technical users. While these developments have mostly been a net positive for the world, bad actors have also discovered the power of AI. With many cybersecurity tools and apps now using machine learning algorithms, it can be difficult to tell whether AI is good or bad for security professionals (Greer, 2023).

A chief security officer in 2023 can expect to see more realistic phishing emails and other social engineering attacks, thanks to machine learning’s ability to mimic human speech. The speed at which AI operates has also led to an increase in automated exploits. Hackers can simply input a few parameters, watch AI perform automated vulnerability scanning, and then generate custom code to exploit those weaknesses.

At the same time, the enterprise shift to the cloud has been accelerated ever since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased prevalence of remote work that started in 2020

is in full swing in 2023, creating another control gap for chief security officers. Cloud environments can be particularly vulnerable to data breaches if they are improperly secured. A cloud platform’s identity and access management (IAM) can suffer from weak authentication methods and misconfiguration. A chief security officer in 2023 must adapt modern tools and solutions to close gaps between AI and the cloud.

Multicloud Adoption and Cloud Data Breaches

The shift to the cloud is so accelerated that many CSOs are now faced with securing a multicloud environment. However, each new cloud app or platform is also a potential new attack vector, making cloud data breaches one of the most pressing concerns in 2023.

One of the bigger hurdles for multicloud infrastructures is the difficulty of enforcing policy across different cloud apps or platforms. Security teams also may not get proper training on each new service, potentially leading to an increase in cloud data breaches. Even in the best cases, meeting compliance requirements across multiple clouds can be complex and requires careful planning.

A chief security officer should always be heavily involved in the process of evaluating new apps and platforms. That way, they can understand the security implications of bringing new systems online. The CSO should ensure that security considerations are a part of any new project’s budget so that a multicloud adoption doesn’t mean added data breaches.

Threat of Litigation with New Governing and Data Norms

While each new cloud service or platform brings new cybersecurity threats, that may be the tip of the iceberg. In the years since the European Union passed the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), other governments have passed several information privacy laws. Employee or customer data exposed in a data breach could violate these regulations, leading to the threat of litigation.

For example, in early 2022, the United Kingdom government announced plans to update its cybersecurity framework. The revised legislation is expected to expand the type of cyber incidents that must be reported to regulators (Ivory et al., 2023).

This is especially concerning when you consider that cyber attacks are getting more sophisticated with the use of AI and machine learning algorithms, deep fake technology, and advanced phishing attacks. For companies with a presence in multiple jurisdictions, the chief security officer now has to become an expert in data security laws and evolving societal norms around data usage.

Catastrophic Weather Events Impacting the Business Continuity

Every year has its fair share of extreme weather events, but 2023 has had more than its fair share. From Cyclone Freddy in February to the unprecedented wildfires in Hawaii in August, not a month has passed without a catastrophic event (Rao, 2023). This shifts the chief security officer’s concern from the virtual world to the physical one. Each extreme

weather event disrupts power, cellular communications, and internet access, posing a grave threat to business continuity.

Beyond the disruptions lie other headaches for CSOs. Cybercriminals might even take advantage of the chaos around weather disasters and ramp up phishing and social engineering attacks. Data centers and off-site backup locations might become compromised, leading to serious concerns about data safety.

More than ever, CSOs must invest in disaster recovery, ensuring that cybersecurity and data availability plans are in place. Backup and redundancy for critical systems should be in place, with response plans tested. It also wouldn’t hurt for cybersecurity teams to add weather monitoring to the alerts that their teams already receive. Extra preparation time can make all the difference in the case of catastrophic weather events.

IoT and 5G Security Gaps

The rollout of the 5G network represented one of the most significant upgrades ever to global internet connectivity. The increased speed, bandwidth, and capabilities of 5G are all positive developments. The technology has also led to an increase in the number of connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The number of 5G IoT connections is expected to increase from 17 million in 2023 to 116 million by 2026 (Juniper Research).

However, IoT devices have their own set of security concerns. Many use unprotected APIs for easy sharing of data, but this creates potential risks for enterprise data. Weak authentication methods are common among lower-cost IoT devices. Even worse, some IoT devices are set up outside the IT department and still use default passwords, leaving them wide open to attackers.

As IoT installations become larger with the advent of 5G, it’s time for CSOs to start plugging the security gaps. Procedures should be implemented to keep firmware updated, and APIs should be protected with strong authentication. Security software vendors are also adding IoT-specific features to their packages, which security teams should investigate.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Expert Insights: Leading the Cybersecurity Charge – Perspectives from a Top 50 CSO, Marco Túlio Moraes

CISOs are tasked with the responsibility of designing and deploying security technology architecture and interacting with executives on a daily basis. In an age where a lot of regulatory compliances are deemed mandatory and technology is advancing rapidly beyond one’s imagination, CISOs are expected to work above and beyond, leading security teams in all enterprises to success. From policy development, governance, and compliance reporting, board member meetings, designing the cyber risk culture of businesses, and prioritizing budget allocations according to business objectives, it is a career that’s challenging and fulfilling but not easy. Today, we have the honor of having our esteemed guest, Marco Túlio Moraes, a highly acclaimed CSO, join us to shed light on the life of a CISO and more. 

Let’s dive into the questions.

1. What is the one key trait every CISO must have that you find is sometimes lacking in today’s times, basis your interactions with other CISOs?

Security executives are well prepared to face the technical challenge of the job but need to improve their management skills, such as strategic thinking, leadership, and coaching. Leadership is vital, mainly now, when we see mental health issues and a lack of talent in our industry. Besides, given the strategic cybersecurity value at organizations, Cyber Executives must be able to lead the role as a Business function and to prepare their team to take a new approach on this journey. It requires coaching and leading technical teams to transform them into business partners, risk advisors, and cultural change agents. They must prepare leaders to train more and more leaders for this mission. It takes work.

2. What were some of your critical career decisions toward becoming a security executive for a Fortune 500 company? What was the turning point or catalyst?

My first turning point to becoming a leader was when I was required to work as a manager and lead a security program, leading budget, people, operations, strategy, and third parties. Still, I was a very young and shy technical specialist with no management preparation, poor communication capabilities, and many other soft skills gaps. To get worse, I faced some critical life changes that made things a bit harder.

Performing an MBA to get trained in management skills, a theater course to enhance communication skills and better deal with shyness, and a coaching process to work on my soft skills gap, were some of the initiatives I took to enable my transformational journey as a manager and business leader.

3. Which are the top 3 cybersecurity books you recommend for cybersecurity professionals transitioning to managing and leadership positions?

Three books helped me understand the other aspects of being a security manager. The first one is “CISO Leadership – Essential Principles for Success” from 2007 and which speaks about business alignment, security as a business function, leadership, organizational culture, and Governance. It helps understand how to position the security function to provide value to organizations strategically.

Peter Drucker’s book “The Effective Executive in Action: A Journal for Getting the Right Things Done” provides practical reflections and actions that helped me with management practices.

The third one, “The Other Kind of Smart”, guided me in understanding emotional intelligence and how to leverage this critical component as a professional, peer, and manager.

4. What message from your professional career journey would you like to share with cybersecurity enthusiasts as a recipient of the honor of being in the top 50 CSOs by IDG?

We face, as security professionals, a challenging journey of ecosystem education, fixing technical debt, and deploying solutions to protect against very structured and advanced cyber-threat actors while managing crises and cyber-attack events. In general, there are many high risks, and we want to fix all of them immediately. Dealing with this challenge considering this mindset is stressful and unsustainable in the long term. This critical understanding is essential to not be frustrated, overwhelmed, get sick, or worse, cause all of that to your team.

Some of the awards that my team and I earned resulted from a complex and intense job that brought value to the companies I worked for, which I’m very proud of. On the other side, we could better manage expectations and the rush for some of the programs I led, creating a better rhythm and a more enjoyable walk. Security is a journey that takes time and many strategies to accept that your organization may not be prepared to absorb some of the stakeholders’ expectations, including ours. Driving the focus for that moment is necessary to make things sustainable in multiple aspects.

5. Given the global scope of your profile at work, what are some of the best practices in the LATAM region that can be applied globally in improving cybersecurity defense?

We have good competencies on the mission to protect organizations against fraudsters. Due to the fraudster’s skills in the region, good companies are providing world-class cybersecurity services and a sort of technologies that helps companies to be more protected against it, such as cyber-threat intelligence services and biometrics solutions.

Ethical hacking services, for example, have been doing a fantastic job of testing application business logic and simulating fraudsters’ behaviors. The security community is also committed to helping each other, sharing information, and collaborating. It is a cat and mouse play, of course, but there are a lot of good practices we can share.

6. What are the top cyber risks organizations are failing to address but facing in the 21st century?

The lack of capability to deal with the technical debt, where everything is built without security from the beginning. This snowball grows when emerging technologies and innovation bring more risks to the organization, such as AI/ML, IoT, Cloud, and Big Data.

Other relevant business risks are third-party and digital supply chain cyber-risks. Organizations have been transferring their operations and data to external business partners and need to know the cyber risk they accept when doing that.

7. We have seen a trend of CISOs taking a seat in the Boardroom. You have done this movement as well. What were your steps to achieve this, and what benefits can CISOs bring Board Members?

When I moved to a digital company some years ago, I realized that my profession needed to be more prepared to be a digital business enabler, moving from a “sheriff” mindset.

I started a transformational journey to become a much more business-centric executive. Through coaching, business mentoring, and Corporate Governance preparation, I had the chance to be an executive director and a board advisor, where I spoke about business strategy, risks and technology, and cybersecurity.

CISOs can be an excellent asset for the Boardroom. We bring technology, product, cyber, GRC, and digital risk competencies to the table. I have seen many security professionals being board members for digital companies while acting as executives in their companies. It is a strategy that brings a win-win situation for companies and executives.

8. How do you juggle family time as a CISO?

Being present. I spend quality time with my family by being really present. I’m there when cooking with my daughter, reading, singing, or in a park. The same with my wife, and I’m entirely present. I also love participating in the family routine, putting her to sleep, preparing her for school, and giving us time to play and talk about something. We are now living in a special moment with a new baby coming, and I try to participate in every phase of this moment.

The role of a CISO at organizations is usually stressful, but we always need to invest in the things we value, and it is not zero or one.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Essential CISO Learnings

With cyberattacks on the rise, it’s no surprise that many enterprises are searching for a CISO to mitigate their security risk and bolster their defenses. Between 2021 and 2025, the percentage of Fortune 500 company board members with cybersecurity experience is predicted to rise from 17 percent to 35 percent (Lake, S. 2022). A chief information security officer (CISO) is a senior executive in an organization who is in charge of the organization’s information security. These individuals are hired by security-conscious businesses that want to protect their valuable information assets.

The CISO must leverage both non-technical and in-depth technical skills to protect the organization’s IT systems. Much goes into the CISO learning process, and effective CISOs must draw on their knowledge and experience to keep data and assets safe. This article will discuss everything you must know about the CISO position: roles, responsibilities, skillset, and the qualifications and certifications needed to be a CISO.

CISO Learning: Roles and Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of a CISO will vary significantly between organizations. For example, a large enterprise with countless legacy on-premises systems and massive amounts of confidential data will have very different security concerns from a tiny startup using software as a service (SaaS) and cloud computing.

However, several typical functions tend to emerge when comparing the CISO job across businesses. Below are the most common roles and responsibilities you should be aware of during the CISO learning process:

1. Developing and implementing an IT security program: CISOs must establish policies, procedures, and standards to improve the security of the organization’s IT systems, networks, resources, and data.

2. Ensuring regulatory compliance: CISOs must verify that the organization is compliant with the relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, including any updates to these laws and regulations.

3. Protecting data and assets: CISOs must prevent malicious actors from gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data and IT assets, which would result in a cyberattack or data breach. To do so, CISOs implement security controls such as firewalls and data encryption to make it harder for attackers to steal information undetected.

4. Drafting incident response plans: After a security breach or other incident, the CISO is responsible for leading and coordinating the organization’s response, ensuring appropriate measures are taken to minimize and rebound from the event.

5. Managing IT security professionals: The CISO oversees other information security professionals in the organization. They set overarching goals and objectives for the IT security team and may be involved in hiring and training new team members.

6. Communicating with key stakeholders: The CISO acts as a spokesperson for information security concerns to senior leadership, such as other executives and the board of directors.

CISO Learning: The 5 Domains of a CISO

The field of information security is vast, so there’s a lot on your plate during the CISO learning process. For this reason, CISOs often obtain a cybersecurity management certification to prove their knowledge. To be effective in their jobs, CISOs should be familiar with the following five domains:

1. Governance, Risk, and Compliance

CISOs may be responsible for:

◉ Defining and implementing an IT governance program

◉ Establishing a framework for monitoring the governance program’s effectiveness

◉ Defining and implementing a risk management policy framework

◉ Assessing the organization’s risk profile

◉ Knowing compliance issues, laws, and regulations

2. Information Security Controls and Audit Management

CISOs may be responsible for:

◉ Implementing IT system controls that align with business processes and objectives

◉ Conducting regular testing and monitoring to evaluate these controls

◉ Understanding IT audit standards and successfully executing the audit process

3.  Security Program Management and Operations

CISOs may be responsible for:

◉ Developing the scope, schedule, budget, and resources for IT system projects

◉ Hiring, training, and managing IT security personnel and teams

◉ Establishing communications between IT teams and other personnel

◉ Resolving personnel and teamwork issues

◉ Negotiating and managing vendor agreements

◉ Measuring the effectiveness of IT systems projects

◉ Communicating project performance to key stakeholders

4. Information Security Core Competencies

CISOs may be responsible for:

◉ Implementing access control procedures to govern information access

◉ Understanding social engineering concepts and protecting against them

◉ Designing plans for defending against and responding to phishing attacks

◉ Creating standards and procedures for protecting physical IT assets

◉ Making plans for disaster recovery and business continuity to maintain operations

◉ Selecting and implementing firewalls, IDS/IPs, and network defense systems

◉ Identifying common vulnerabilities and attacks associated with wireless networks

◉ Protecting against viruses, Trojans, malware, and other malicious code threats

◉ Ensuring the use of secure coding best practices and securing web applications

◉ Hardening operating systems against common vulnerabilities and attacks

◉ Developing a strategy for encrypting data and assets

◉ Crafting a regimen of regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing

◉ Responding to security incidents and determining their cause with digital forensics

5. Strategic Planning, Finance, Procurement, and Third-party Management

CISOs may be responsible for:

◉ Defining a strategic plan for the enterprise’s IT security architecture

◉ Analyzing and forecasting the IT security budget

◉ Monitoring the costs and ROIs of IT security purchases

◉ Collaborating with stakeholders on procuring new IT security products and services

◉ Designing the process of selecting and assessing third-party partners

CISO Learning: CISO Key Skills

To fulfill the roles and responsibilities across the five domains listed above, you must draw on several technical and non-technical skills during the CISO learning process.

CISO Technical Skills

The technical skills of a CISO may include:

◉ Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the ISO 27001 standard

◉ Knowledge of best practices surrounding network security, cloud security, data encryption, identity and access management tools, and security protocols

◉ Experience in security testing methodologies, such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning.

The CISO learning process should impart a broad range of technical skills to move smoothly between tasks—everything from business analysis and budget management to security architecture and digital forensics. Before being a CISO, individuals often served in a technical capacity for many years. CISOs may have served in technical roles such as security engineers, security analysts, network engineers, and software developers.

CISO Non-Technical Skills

As a leadership role in the C-suite, the CISO must also have many non-technical skills. The CISO learning process should develop a candidate’s communication abilities since much of the work of a CISO involves making presentations to other executives and key stakeholders. CISOs should also be skilled at administration and conflict management, acting as leaders and mediators across the organization.

Source: eccouncil.org

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How Well Aligned Information Security Programs Help Business Grow

Information security is a top priority for businesses, but ensuring that information security aligns with business objectives can be a challenge. Many factors need to be considered when designing an information security strategy, such as the type of data being protected and the risks associated with its loss or unauthorized access. In order to ensure that information security aligns with business objectives, businesses need to take a holistic approach that considers all aspects of the organization. Here we’ll explore how information security can be aligned with business objectives and discuss some key considerations for doing so.

Why Information Security and Business Objectives Should Be in Sync

You don’t need to be a chief security officer to know that information security is crucial for businesses. But what many don’t realize is that aligning information security goals with business objectives can be hugely beneficial for an organization.

Read More: 712-50: EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)

When it comes to protecting your data and systems, you need to have a plan in place that covers all the potential threats. These include everything from malicious attacks to accidental data breaches. But if your information security strategy isn’t aligned with your business objectives, you could be missing out on opportunities to improve your overall security posture.

Here are a few reasons why information security and business objectives should be in sync:

1. Improves Security Posture

If you want to reduce the risk of a data breach or other security incident, you must take a holistic approach to information security. This means looking at all the potential threats and vulnerabilities and then implementing controls that mitigate those risks.

However, if your information security strategy isn’t aligned with your business objectives, you could be missing out on opportunities to improve your overall security posture. For example, you might implement a security control that doesn’t address a key vulnerability or fail to deploy a critical security update because it doesn’t fit with the organization’s business goals (Scalzo, C., 2018).

2. Plays a Key Role in Strategic Planning 

Information security is a critical part of any business, and you should include it in your overall strategic planning. However, many organizations fail to take information security into account when they’re developing their business plans. This can lead to problems down the road, such as a lack of response plans in the event of a data breach or other security incident.

Aligning your information security strategy with your business objectives can help you avoid these problems and ensure that information security is given the attention it deserves. Including information security in your strategic planning will allow you to develop effective response plans and make sure that all stakeholders are aware of their roles and responsibilities in the event of a security incident (BizzSecure, 2020).

3. Establishes a Security-Focused Company Culture

Organizations are made up of different departments, each with its own objectives and goals. However, if there’s a disconnect between the information security team and the rest of the organization, it can lead to problems. For example, the marketing department might launch a new campaign without involving the security team, which could result in sensitive data being exposed.

Aligning your information security strategy with your business objectives can help you ensure that all departments are working together towards a common goal. In addition, establishing a security-focused company culture can help everyone in the organization understand the importance of information security and their role in protecting the company’s data.

4. Helps Mitigate Risks at Touch Points

One of the most important aspects of information security management is protecting your data from unauthorized access. There are many ways that attackers can gain access to your data, and having controls in place can mitigate these risks. For example, you might implement a password policy or use two-factor authentication to make it more difficult for attackers to gain access to your systems.

Aligning your information security strategy with your business objectives can help you ensure that you’re taking all the necessary steps to protect your data. This includes identifying all the potential risks and implementing controls that will mitigate those risks.

In addition, you can avoid these problems and improve your overall security posture. Implementing an effective information security strategy can help you protect your data, attract and retain customers, and improve your bottom line. 

Source: eccouncil.org

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How Can Security Align with Business Objectives?

Information security is a top priority for businesses, but ensuring that information security aligns with business objectives can be a challenge. Many factors need to be considered when designing an information security strategy, such as the type of data being protected and the risks associated with its loss or unauthorized access. In order to ensure that information security aligns with business objectives, businesses need to take a holistic approach that considers all aspects of the organization. Here we’ll explore how information security can be aligned with business objectives and discuss some key considerations for doing so.

Why Information Security and Business Objectives Should Be in Sync

You don’t need to be a chief security officer to know that information security is crucial for businesses. But what many don’t realize is that aligning information security goals with business objectives can be hugely beneficial for an organization.

When it comes to protecting your data and systems, you need to have a plan in place that covers all the potential threats. These include everything from malicious attacks to accidental data breaches. But if your information security strategy isn’t aligned with your business objectives, you could be missing out on opportunities to improve your overall security posture.

Here are a few reasons why information security and business objectives should be in sync:

1. Improves Security Posture

If you want to reduce the risk of a data breach or other security incident, you must take a holistic approach to information security. This means looking at all the potential threats and vulnerabilities and then implementing controls that mitigate those risks.

However, if your information security strategy isn’t aligned with your business objectives, you could be missing out on opportunities to improve your overall security posture. For example, you might implement a security control that doesn’t address a key vulnerability or fail to deploy a critical security update because it doesn’t fit with the organization’s business goals (Scalzo, C., 2018).

2. Plays a Key Role in Strategic Planning 

Information security is a critical part of any business, and you should include it in your overall strategic planning. However, many organizations fail to take information security into account when they’re developing their business plans. This can lead to problems down the road, such as a lack of response plans in the event of a data breach or other security incident.

Aligning your information security strategy with your business objectives can help you avoid these problems and ensure that information security is given the attention it deserves. Including information security in your strategic planning will allow you to develop effective response plans and make sure that all stakeholders are aware of their roles and responsibilities in the event of a security incident (BizzSecure, 2020).

3. Establishes a Security-Focused Company Culture

Organizations are made up of different departments, each with its own objectives and goals. However, if there’s a disconnect between the information security team and the rest of the organization, it can lead to problems. For example, the marketing department might launch a new campaign without involving the security team, which could result in sensitive data being exposed.

Aligning your information security strategy with your business objectives can help you ensure that all departments are working together towards a common goal. In addition, establishing a security-focused company culture can help everyone in the organization understand the importance of information security and their role in protecting the company’s data.

4. Helps Mitigate Risks at Touch Points

One of the most important aspects of information security management is protecting your data from unauthorized access. There are many ways that attackers can gain access to your data, and having controls in place can mitigate these risks. For example, you might implement a password policy or use two-factor authentication to make it more difficult for attackers to gain access to your systems.

Aligning your information security strategy with your business objectives can help you ensure that you’re taking all the necessary steps to protect your data. This includes identifying all the potential risks and implementing controls that will mitigate those risks.

In addition, you can avoid these problems and improve your overall security posture. Implementing an effective information security strategy can help you protect your data, attract and retain customers, and improve your bottom line.

How the Certified CISO Program Helps

EC-Council’s Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO) program was developed in collaboration with top industry chief information security officers. The program focuses on the key domains of information security management and information security and business objectives.

The C|CISO program gives cybersecurity leaders the knowledge and skills they need to effectively lead their organizations in today’s ever-changing digital landscape.

EC-Council’s Certified CISO program is the only certification that covers all five domains of information security management:

◉ Governance

◉ Risk Management

◉ Asset Security

◉ Security Architecture and Design

◉ Security Operations

Businesses today are under more pressure than ever to protect themselves from a growing number of cyberthreats. Balancing the need for security with the demands of customers and partners can be a tough tightrope to walk, but it is possible to find alignment between these two competing interests.

By understanding your business objectives and using them as a guide, you can develop an information security strategy that meets your needs without sacrificing the agility or customer experience that your business depends on.

Source: eccouncil.org

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How to Become a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer)

The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is one of digital security’s most powerful and high-paying roles. As a CISO, you’ll have complete responsibility for all aspects of your organization’s data. You will also play a vital role in business strategy and help shape your company’s future.

Becoming a CISO is generally considered the final destination of one’s cybersecurity career path. However, it’s never too early to start planning a route that takes you all the way to the boardroom, even if you’re only taking your first steps in the world of information security.

Why Are CISOs in Demand?

CISO is a relatively new position in the C-Suite. However, numerous companies are deciding to appoint a dedicated director of security. Around 55% of all companies currently have a dedicated CISO on the board. Of those that don’t have a CISO, 58% say they will add this position (Navisite, 2021).

In the past, IT security was part of the remit of other senior IT leaders. The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or the Chief Information Officer (CIO) generally took responsibility for preventing cyberattacks. These executives would work with cyber security experts within the IT team to create robust digital defenses.

However, the sheer scale of cyberthreats mean security is now a leadership issue. According to the FBI, cyber fraud has increased by almost 500% in the last five years (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2021). The cost of a hack can run to USD 180 per individual file accessed (IBM Security, 2021).

Organizations are under constant threat from cybercriminals. That’s why it makes sense to appoint an experienced security expert who can offer guidance and support at a strategic level.

CISO is a well-paid position with an average salary of around USD 231,000 (Salary, 2022). However, executive remuneration can vary, depending on the company’s size and the job’s nature. In recent years, top-tier CISOs have commanded salaries of over USD 2.3 million (Melin, 2019).

What Does a CISO Do?

Chief Information Security Officer is an executive-level position. If you become a CISO, you will work directly with the organization’s other executives, including the CEO.

Your primary duty will be to protect your organization’s data. A Chief Information Security Officer’s responsibilities include:

◉ Developing a security infrastructure: You will work with a team of security managers and architects to build an operational security infrastructure. You will have a high-level overview of all groups, departments, and business units. You are also responsible for incident response and the disaster recovery plan. Keeping all these elements aligned will require excellent communication, delegation, and problem-solving skills.

◉ Supporting business strategy: Senior leaders spend most of their time talking about the future. What’s the smartest next step? Is it time to grow or consolidate? As a CISO, you will help your C-Suite colleagues develop business strategies that are safe and secure. You need to be a strategic thinker with a keen eye for risks and opportunities.

◉ Approving technology investment: The CISO works closely with the CTO and CIO to make plans about the organization’s IT infrastructure. Together, you’ll identify technological solutions that support growth without creating additional risk.

◉ Overseeing regulatory compliance: Handling data raises several compliance issues especially if you have customers in different jurisdictions. As CISO, you will ensure that the organization always follows the correct rules and standards. You’ll also alert the other board members if their plans might lead to compliance issues.

Data is the lifeblood of every modern company. As CISO, your job is to ensure that data flows safely and reliably throughout your organization. With cyber security under control, the company will be free to focus on its long-term strategy.

How to Become a CISO

When a company hires a new Chief Information Security Officer, they’re looking for someone they can trust completely. As CISO, you will have complete control over data security. You will also have a voice in the company’s long-term strategy.

To become a CISO, you must prove that the company can trust you in the role. You can do this by building a compelling record of accomplishment in cybersecurity. Here are the steps you can take:

1. Get the right education

Your education will be the foundation of your CISO career. At a minimum, you should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline. Most companies will also expect a postgraduate qualification such as a Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCS) (Indeed, 2021).

2. Build your technical experience

You will need to have a substantial digital security background before applying for a CISO position. Ideally, you should have a diverse knowledge of different platforms and solutions. You should also have a broad understanding of cyber threats. Most roles require a minimum of five years’ worth of hands-on experience (LinkedIn, 2021).

3. Get leadership experience

CISO is essentially a leadership role. Much of your energy will go into building an outstanding security team and helping them deliver your strategy. As such, you will need an exceptional background in managing, supporting, and communicating with a team. Seven years of management experience is often the minimum for CISO roles (LinkedIn, 2021).

4. Become qualified as a CISO

The hardest part of the journey is often the leap from management to executive leadership. You can give yourself a boost across this divide by obtaining an up-to-date qualification that will equip you with everything you need to succeed as a CISO. The Certified Chief Information Officer (C|CISO) qualification can provide you with up-to-date information and crucial real-world experience.

5. Develop your strategic vision

When a business hires a new executive, they’re looking for someone who can lead them into the future. You will need to show that you are more than just a talented security manager you’re someone who can support growth and innovation. What strategic vision will you bring to the boardroom?

The path to becoming a CISO is long and arduous. But, if you’re genuinely passionate about security, this is your chance to become an innovative leader in the fight against cybercrime.

How to Get Started on a CISO Career Path

Every journey starts with a first step. If you’re an IT professional considering moving into security, you could start by looking at the Certified Network Defender (C|ND) certificate. This beginner’s level qualification will help you find your first job in InfoSec.

From there, it’s a matter of staying focused on building your resume. Seek every opportunity to develop the three main strands of your professional experience:

◉ Technical: Learn everything you can about cyber threats and countermeasures. Study security architecture across multiple platforms and learn everything about hacking methodologies.

◉ Managerial: Work on projects that give you a chance to manage a team. Learn leadership skills like communication, delegation, budgeting, reporting, and internal negotiations.

◉ Strategic: Take every chance to show initiative. Pay close attention to the way that business processes (such as cyber security measures) support business goals.

There aren’t any shortcuts on the way to the CISO office. CISO training is a matter of putting in the hours. You must spend time gaining experience, learning as you go.

Eventually, you’ll reach a point where you have five years’ experience (or relevant qualification) in the following areas:

1. Governance, risk, and compliance

2. Information security controls and audit management

3. Security program management & operations

4. Information security core competencies

5. Strategic planning, finance, procurement, and third-party management

At this point, you’re ready to pursue the C|CISO certification from EC-Council. This globally recognized qualification gives you the knowledge to step into executive leadership and the practical experience to help you succeed.

Are you ready to step up to the C-Suite? Find out more about how chief information security officer training with C|CISO can unlock your ultimate career goals.

Source: eccouncil.org

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