What is a chief information security officer (and how to become one)

Date: Sep-17-2025

Author: Kim Brown

A chief information security officer (CISO) is a senior-level executive who oversees an organization’s information, cyber, and technology security.

This role is complex, dynamic, and responsibilities vary depending on the size and type of company.

Broadly speaking, a CISO’s responsibilities include developing, implementing, and enforcing security policies to protect critical data.

Keep reading to find out more about this in-demand job.

    

Table of contents

    

Roles and responsibilities of a CISO

CISOs are asked to develop and implement information security policies. This includes everything from risk management and policy development, to compliance and incident response and recovery planning.

They create short-term and long-term plans that complement the organization’s goals and meet regulatory compliance.

They’ll also collaborate with vendors and supply chain partners, and work with external experts and legal authorities when necessary.

Staying ahead means understanding emerging technologies and how they can fortify security measures, as well as recognizing evolving risks.

Other duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Educating staff about technology risk in collaboration with business leaders
  • Continuously evaluating and managing the cyber and technology risk posture of the organization
  • Implementing and managing a cyber governance, risk, and compliance process
  • Reporting to the most senior levels of the organization
  • Evaluating cybersecurity investments
  • Implementing disaster recovery protocols and business continuity plans

    

The demand for CISOs is on the rise

The role of the CISO is expanding rapidly and becoming more mainstream. All businesses require a security leader who is responsible for overseeing technology, information, and data security, even if that person does not have a CISO title.

According to analyst firm Cybersecurity Ventures,100% of Fortune 500 companies employed a CISO or an equivalent role in 2023, up from 70% in 2018.  

At least 32,000 CISOs are working globally, and more than 7,500 are in the U.S. Of course, that number is rising all the time.

Small and mid-sized companies are more likely to blend this role with general security responsibilities.

    

Is a CISO the same as a CSO?

No, but there are similarities. Perhaps that is why chief information security officer and chief security officer (CSO) are sometimes used interchangeably.

CSO roles were created before CISO positions, but that original title may have evolved over time. CSOs are usually responsible for overseeing the security of physical assets (people and property). Today, some CSOs may also have to look after select digital assets, but the task is so large that it’s preferred to keep these responsibilities separate.

Generally speaking, CISOs are paid more than CSOs since that role requires more specialized training and knowledge.  

Keep in mind that a comprehensive approach to organizational security involves addressing the physical and digital elements of protecting assets, people, and information.  Physical and cybersecurity practices must both be in place to ensure safety, growth and continuity.

    

Is a CISO the same as a CIO?

No. These roles are different. A chief information officer (CIO) has a broader range of responsibilities than the CISO. CIOs take responsibility for an organization’s entire IT operations, spanning far beyond security issues. This person will need to develop and implement the entire IT strategy, oversee IT staff, and manage budgets. They have to think about software, hardware and networks.

A CIO has greater seniority and more responsibility than a CISO. Naturally, they are paid more money too.

    

How is the CISO’s role evolving, and why?

Data security is one of the most dynamic industries out there. Change occurs at rapid paces, meaning CISOs must continue to educate themselves about legislation, processes, defenses, and threats, in order to produce effective strategies.  But they must also be able to explain what they know or have learned.

Many CISOs are now expected to lead high-level discussions about security strategy and help business leaders understand trends and risks that impact the organization. They are doing more leadership work than technical work.

CISOs bridge the gap between the technical language that comes easily to the IT department and the business language of senior leadership.

This shift also caused a reshaping of the organizational structure, with more CISOs reporting directly to CEOs than CIOs. This demonstrates the value that companies believe they can gain from a qualified CISO.

However, that also means CISOs working for large firms are under more pressure to perform well.

    

How to become a CISO

According to recruitment platform Glassdoor, the average salary for a CISO in the U.S. is just over $313,000 per year. Many people in the role also say they receive bonuses of around $110,000. 

But is the high pay worth the work? CISOs need a broad range of abilities and qualifications.

In terms of educational requirements, a CISO will generally have, at minimum, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, information technology, engineering or cybersecurity.

On top of this, they may have earned certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Information Security Manager or Cybersecurity Analyst Certification.

When it comes to real-world experience, most people who are hired for this role have between 5 to 10 years’ experience in IT security roles. That includes security analysis, security engineering, network administration or network architecture.

Since technical knowledge and management skills are required, soft skills such as leadership, communication and strategic thinking are a must.

Working as a cybersecurity manager, security director or security administrator can certainly help you master the skills needed to become a successful CISO.

This is clearly not an entry-level position, but it will be easier for aspiring CISOs to commence their careers at a smaller company and work their way up.  

    

Conclusion

Successful CISOs must be talented in many areas. Not only will they need technical and business experience, but they must constantly stay on top of cybersecurity legislation, new threats, risks and solutions.

Existing strategies and processes must be measured and adjusted as needed, and these professionals will be expected to make clear reports to leadership members.

As cyber threats become more harmful and sophisticated, businesses will seek to have a reliable and proactive CISO on their side.