{"id":77573,"date":"2022-09-02T11:42:26","date_gmt":"2022-09-02T11:42:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eccouncil.org\/cybersecurity-exchange\/?p=77573"},"modified":"2026-01-16T05:13:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T05:13:50","slug":"how-to-become-ciso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test1.eccouncil.org\/cybersecurity-exchange\/executive-management\/how-to-become-ciso\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer)\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is one of digital security\u2019s most powerful and high-paying roles. As a CISO, you\u2019ll have complete responsibility for all aspects of your organization\u2019s data. You will also play a vital role in business strategy and help shape your company\u2019s future.\n\nBecoming a CISO is generally considered the final destination of one\u2019s cybersecurity career path. However, it\u2019s never too early to start planning a route that takes you all the way to the boardroom, even if you\u2019re only taking your first steps in the world of information security.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Why Are CISOs in Demand? <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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CISO is a relatively new position in the C-Suite. However, numerous companies are deciding to appoint a dedicated director of security. Around 55% of all companies currently have a dedicated CISO on the board. Of those that don\u2019t have a CISO, 58% say they will add this position (Navisite, 2021).<\/p>

In the past, IT security was part of the remit of other senior IT leaders. The Chief Technology Officer (CTO)<\/a> or the Chief Information Officer (CIO) generally took responsibility for preventing cyberattacks. These executives would work with cyber security experts within the IT team to create robust digital defenses.<\/p>

However, the sheer scale of cyberthreats mean security is now a leadership issue. According to the FBI, cyber fraud has increased by almost 500% in the last five years (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2021). The cost of a hack can run to USD 180 per individual file accessed (IBM Security, 2021).<\/p>

Organizations are under constant threat from cybercriminals. That\u2019s why it makes sense to appoint an experienced security expert who can offer guidance and support at a strategic level.<\/p>

CISO is a well-paid position with an average salary of around USD 231,000 (Salary, 2022). However, executive remuneration can vary, depending on the company\u2019s size and the job\u2019s nature. In recent years, top-tier CISOs have commanded salaries of over USD 2.3 million (Melin, 2019).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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What Does a Chief Information Security Officer's Do?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Chief Information Security Officer is an executive-level position. If you become a CISO<\/a>, you will work directly with the organization\u2019s other executives, including the CEO.<\/p>

Your primary duty will be to protect your organization\u2019s data. A Chief Information Security Officer\u2019s responsibilities include:<\/p>