C _ _ O + _ I S _ = CISO

In the latest episode of “Life of a CISO” with Dr. Eric Cole, the focus is on bridging the gap between the role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and the expectations of both executives and security professionals. Dr. Cole emphasizes the need to understand the fundamental responsibilities of a CISO, which extend far beyond technical security tasks. He highlights the common misconception where companies appoint security engineers as CISOs, resulting in a disconnect between executives and CISOs. Moreover, Dr. Cole delves into the importance of demonstrating business acumen, proactive risk management, and strategic thinking, urging aspiring or current CISOs to focus on becoming true chief officers who understand and mitigate cyber risks while also leveraging cybersecurity as a competitive advantage for the organization. Through proactive communication, education of executives, and a shift towards strategic problem-solving, CISOs can redefine their roles and contribute effectively to the organization’s success.

In this episode:

• 1:00 – Introduction
• 4:00 – Determining Worth as a CISO
• 7:00 – Demonstrating Worth in a Job
• 10:00 – Media Coverage of Security Breaches
• 16:00 – Creating Opportunities for Interaction
• 20:00 – Expanding Business Knowledge
• 28:00 – Problem-Solving and Intellectual Curiosity