The article highlights the increasing awareness among IT leaders in the UK and Ireland about the value of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). Key points are:
• 73% of organizations now have a CISO, a 35% increase year-over-year, with 15% planning to hire one by 2026.
• However, there is confusion about the CISO’s role, with varying perceptions such as being crucial for cybersecurity (35%), acting as a scapegoat (27%), or having too much responsibility (23%).
• 39% believe CISOs need to understand all areas of IT, not just cybersecurity, while 24% see them as overworked and underpaid.
• Traditionally confined to IT and risk management, the CISO role is evolving into a strategic business leadership position.
• Communication gaps between CISOs and other business units hinder understanding of the role.
• CISOs can bridge this gap by presenting cyber concepts in understandable language, using real-world consequences, deploying cyber security assessment tools, and prioritizing accountability.