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". . Under the lens, and in the spotlight . ."
In a world where cyber breaches make headlines almost daily, the role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has become more visible and more accountable than ever before.
Today’s CISOs face a unique challenge; balancing the complex technical demands of cyber security with the strategic responsibility of managing risk at the organisational level.
The once ‘behind-the-scenes’ role has transformed into one where CISOs are answerable not only to their IT teams but also to boards, regulators, and customers.
A recent report by Gartner found that by 2025 end, 60% of organisations will hold their CISOs personally accountable for cyber security failures, up from just 20% in 2020. This trend reflects growing regulatory pressures and stakeholder expectations.
High-profile data breaches such as those at Equifax, Marriott, and more recently, critical infrastructure targets, have placed CISOs in the public eye - often unfairly. These incidents reveal how cyber security lapses can impact millions, leading to significant reputational damage and financial penalties.
CISOs today must:
- Align cyber security strategies with broader business goals to support growth and innovation
- Demonstrate ongoing compliance with evolving regulations like GDPR, NIS2 and beyond
- Manage third-party risks, especially with complex global supply chains
- Prepare for regulatory scrutiny and potential fines, which can reach tens of millions of pounds
- Champion a security culture that empowers all employees as the first line of defence
Organisations that empower their CISOs with cross-functional authority, resources, and board-level engagement position themselves to build trust and resilience. The CISO’s strategic leadership is no longer optional. It is critical to maintaining competitive advantage in an increasingly interconnected world.
Questions to Consider
- How prepared is your organisation to hold its CISO accountable without setting them up to fail?
- Is your board fully aware of the cyber risks that could impact your business reputation and financial standing?
- Are you empowering your CISO with the right tools and authority to influence across departments?
