You can grab a list of State CISO’s off the .gov website but the names don’t tell you much about the person holding the title. The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is multifaceted and evolving, extending far beyond traditional security functions. While a CISO is primarily a senior security executive responsible for an agency’s security posture, their responsibilities now often include other key areas.
A CISO may function as an executive, engaging in strategic decision-making and providing cyber risk advice to other leaders. In this role they are partners in the policy process helping departments implement technology in support of their functions. Many also act as a marketing focused CISO, participating in marketing strategies, solution development, and public adoption and recognition.
In some organizations, the CISO may also take on the role of CIO, managing overall technology strategy and implementation, not just security. Some CISOs may also be responsible for aspects of physical security, such as securing workplaces and coordinating executive protection.
In summary, the modern CISO is a versatile leader, capable of fulfilling multiple roles depending on the organization’s needs. These roles include:
- Security Executive
- Corporate Executive
- Go-to-Market CISO
- CIO
- Chief Physical Security Officer
For more on the evolving role of the CISO see this article.