Today, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) face an increasingly complex landscape of challenges. The digital transformation that has enabled organizations to thrive has simultaneously exposed them to a wave of cybersecurity threats that are constantly evolving.
Cyberattacks such as ransomware, data breaches, and supply chain vulnerabilities are becoming more frequent, severe, and sophisticated. These threats have made cybersecurity a critical business issue, and at the forefront of these efforts stands the CISO, tasked with safeguarding an organization’s digital infrastructure.
As organizations become more dependent on technology to drive their operations, the stakes for cybersecurity continue to grow. In response, the role of the CISO has expanded significantly, encompassing not just the technical aspects of security but also strategic leadership, risk management, and regulatory compliance. This increased scope, while essential for protecting the organization, has brought about significant pressure on CISOs.
However, despite their critical role, many CISOs find themselves in an unenviable position. The challenges they face today—ranging from the threat of personal liability to a lack of authority to make key decisions—are making the role of CISO increasingly difficult to navigate.
As a result, there is a growing urgency for CEOs and boards to step in and ensure their CISOs are adequately supported, protected, and empowered to do their jobs effectively. Failure to do so could result in not only the loss of talented leaders but also significant risks to the organization’s cybersecurity posture.
One of the key reasons why protecting CISOs is so important is their integral role in shaping and enforcing the organization’s cybersecurity strategy. If CISOs are left without the necessary authority or protection, their ability to implement effective cybersecurity measures could be undermined, leaving the organization vulnerable to cyberattacks. Moreover, the personal risks associated with the CISO role can lead to burnout or resignation, contributing to the growing shortage of experienced cybersecurity talent.
The talent market dynamics surrounding CISOs further underscore the urgency of providing adequate support. The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has surged in recent years, driven by the rising frequency and complexity of cyber threats.
Yet, there is a significant gap in the supply of qualified candidates, making it difficult for organizations to hire and retain top-tier CISOs. In fact, as the risks associated with the role increase, many seasoned professionals are opting out, seeking positions that offer more security, less responsibility, and better work-life balance. Therefore, CEOs and boards must not only focus on attracting top talent but also on retaining it by ensuring that CISOs are empowered, protected, and supported in their roles.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by CISOs
The increasing complexity of the cybersecurity landscape has made the CISO role both more critical and more challenging. As the person charged with protecting the organization’s digital assets, the CISO is responsible for implementing a range of measures—from firewalls and encryption to employee training and incident response plans.
However, despite their significant responsibilities, many CISOs are finding themselves constrained by factors that limit their effectiveness. The primary challenges faced by CISOs can be grouped into four key areas: personal liability, the lack of authority versus responsibility, frustration over lack of support, and regulatory pressure.
Personal Liability: The Growing Risk of Financial and Reputational Damage
One of the most significant challenges for CISOs today is the growing risk of personal liability. As cybersecurity incidents become more frequent and severe, the personal stakes for CISOs have increased. In many organizations, CISOs are now held personally responsible for cybersecurity breaches, even when they were not directly involved in the decision-making that led to the incident.
This personal liability risk is particularly pronounced in the wake of high-profile cybersecurity incidents like the Uber and SolarWinds breaches, where CISOs were held accountable, and the media spotlight intensified the scrutiny on their actions. The growing trend of personal liability has made many security leaders wary of accepting CISO positions, as they fear being held financially and legally responsible for a cyberattack—regardless of the circumstances.
In addition to the potential financial penalties, CISOs also face the risk of reputational damage. In today’s media-driven world, a data breach or cyberattack can quickly escalate into a public relations nightmare. With cyberattacks increasingly viewed as corporate failures, CISOs can quickly become the scapegoats, even if they had limited control over the situation.
The fear of personal liability has led to a reluctance among potential CISO candidates to step into the role, which, in turn, is exacerbating the talent shortage in the cybersecurity field.
Lack of Authority vs. Responsibility: A Disconnect That Undermines Effectiveness
One of the most common complaints from CISOs is the disconnect between their responsibility and the authority they are given to execute their duties. Many CISOs find themselves in a situation where they are held accountable for cybersecurity outcomes but lack the authority to make key decisions or allocate the necessary resources to mitigate risks effectively.
This issue is often referred to as “taxation with limited representation.” In other words, CISOs are tasked with leading cybersecurity efforts, yet they lack the power to enforce their strategies or make critical decisions without approval from other departments, such as IT, finance, or legal.
The lack of authority can result in frustration for CISOs, as they may be forced to fight for resources, approval for cybersecurity initiatives, or buy-in from other executives or departments. This can create a situation where the CISO is constantly overruled on key decisions, leading to a situation where they cannot effectively address emerging threats or implement security measures that are critical for the organization’s safety.
The frustration is compounded when CISOs are blamed for failures despite not having had the power to prevent them in the first place.
This issue of authority and responsibility can be especially problematic in large, complex organizations where cybersecurity decisions often require consensus from multiple stakeholders. In such environments, CISOs may find themselves marginalized or sidelined, even though they are ultimately responsible for the organization’s cybersecurity posture.
Frustration Over Lack of Support: A Barrier to Effective Cybersecurity Leadership
Another challenge faced by many CISOs is the lack of support from senior leadership, including the CEO and board members. In an ideal scenario, the CEO and board would be actively involved in supporting the CISO, providing the necessary resources, and ensuring that cybersecurity is treated as a top priority. However, this is not always the case. Often, CISOs are left to fend for themselves, with limited support or understanding from top executives about the magnitude of the cybersecurity challenges they face.
When a CISO’s cybersecurity recommendations are overruled or ignored, it creates a sense of disillusionment and frustration.
For example, if a CISO advises investing in a new security infrastructure or software to prevent a potential cyberattack, but the recommendation is rejected due to cost concerns or lack of urgency from senior leadership, the CISO may feel unsupported. This lack of support can erode the CISO’s confidence in their ability to protect the organization and may lead them to consider leaving the role.
Moreover, when cybersecurity decisions are made by committees or other departments without input from the CISO, it undermines the CISO’s position as the leader of cybersecurity efforts. In such situations, the CISO may feel marginalized, leading to disengagement and an inability to execute their vision for securing the organization. This, in turn, exposes the organization to greater risk as the cybersecurity strategy becomes disjointed and less effective.
Regulatory Pressure: Compliance and Accountability in an Evolving Landscape
The regulatory landscape for cybersecurity has become increasingly complex, placing additional burdens on CISOs. Regulations like the SEC breach disclosure rule, which requires companies to disclose cybersecurity breaches within four business days, have created new challenges for CISOs.
While these regulations are important for ensuring transparency and accountability, they also put significant pressure on CISOs to ensure that their organizations are fully compliant. This includes ensuring that appropriate cybersecurity measures are in place to prevent breaches and that processes are in place to detect and respond to threats quickly.
The pressure to comply with these regulations has led to an increase in the amount of documentation, reporting, and administrative work required of CISOs. Many CISOs find themselves balancing the technical aspects of cybersecurity with the need to stay up to date on evolving regulatory requirements and to ensure their organizations are in compliance. This added responsibility can be overwhelming, especially when CISOs are also dealing with the demands of managing day-to-day security operations and responding to emerging threats.
In addition, the increasing scrutiny of cybersecurity practices by regulatory bodies, investors, and the public means that CISOs must be prepared to answer tough questions about their organization’s cybersecurity efforts. This creates a high-pressure environment where the risk of non-compliance or a breach can result in significant penalties, legal consequences, and damage to the organization’s reputation.
The challenges faced by CISOs today are multifaceted and growing in complexity. As personal liability risks, a lack of authority, frustration over a lack of support, and regulatory pressures continue to mount, it is clear that CISOs need strong protection and support from their CEOs and boards. Without this backing, not only are organizations at risk of losing their most experienced cybersecurity leaders, but they are also more vulnerable to the cyber threats that continue to evolve and challenge businesses worldwide.
Why CEOs and Boards Need to Protect Their CISOs
1. Talent Retention: The Growing Cybersecurity Talent Shortage
The cybersecurity industry has long faced a significant talent shortage, but recent trends have only exacerbated this problem. With cyber threats growing in sophistication and frequency, organizations are in desperate need of skilled cybersecurity leaders.
The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role, in particular, has become a focal point of responsibility for defending against cyberattacks. However, the intense pressure and heightened risks associated with the role are causing many experienced CISOs to leave their positions or shy away from taking them in the first place.
The shortage of cybersecurity professionals is not a new issue. According to a 2022 report from (ISC)², the global cybersecurity workforce shortage stands at nearly 3.4 million professionals. With an ever-expanding digital landscape and rising cybersecurity risks, organizations are struggling to find qualified talent to fill key positions, including CISOs.
The impact of this shortage is already being felt as organizations are forced to hire less experienced or underqualified candidates, which can compromise their ability to protect critical assets from cyber threats.
However, it’s not just the growing talent gap that poses a challenge—it’s also the increasing difficulty in retaining skilled leaders like CISOs. The risk of personal liability, lack of decision-making power, and limited support from other executives are forcing many CISOs to consider leaving their roles.
For example, a CISO at a major financial institution may feel immense pressure to protect sensitive data while constantly battling with other departments for the necessary resources. If they are then held personally liable for a breach despite the lack of authority to make key decisions, they are likely to leave the role, exacerbating the talent shortage.
One recent example of talent loss occurred at Uber, where the company’s former CISO, Joe Sullivan, was held personally liable after a data breach that compromised the personal data of 57 million users and drivers. The case highlighted the personal risks CISOs face, leading to heightened scrutiny of the role. As a result, many cybersecurity leaders may question the value of taking on such responsibilities, contributing to the broader talent exodus in the cybersecurity field.
To mitigate this, CEOs and boards must act to protect their CISOs by ensuring that they have not only the necessary authority but also the financial and legal protections to stay in their positions. This includes offering attractive contracts, including indemnity clauses and proper insurance coverage, which would reduce the risk of personal liability for CISOs. Failure to provide such protections will only accelerate the talent drain, leaving organizations vulnerable to a shortage of experienced leaders in an increasingly perilous digital world.
2. Risk Management: Ensuring Robust Cybersecurity Efforts
One of the most critical reasons CEOs and boards need to protect their CISOs is the role they play in managing risk. Cybersecurity risks are increasingly viewed as business risks rather than just IT challenges. When a breach occurs, the consequences can be severe—financial losses, reputational damage, legal ramifications, and loss of customer trust. Therefore, having a strong and capable CISO at the helm of an organization’s cybersecurity strategy is essential for minimizing these risks.
A CISO’s primary responsibility is to protect the organization’s systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks. However, their ability to mitigate these risks is often hindered by lack of resources, insufficient authority, and lack of strategic backing. If a CISO is continually overruled on cybersecurity decisions or is unable to secure the necessary budget for security initiatives, the organization’s cybersecurity posture is weakened, leaving it open to attack.
A prime example of this occurred in 2020 with the SolarWinds hack, one of the largest and most sophisticated cyberattacks in history. The breach, which compromised the networks of thousands of organizations, was attributed to a lack of proper oversight and inadequate cybersecurity measures.
Experts argue that organizations that failed to invest in the necessary resources and give authority to their cybersecurity leaders played a role in enabling the attack. While the CISO was not directly at fault, the attack highlighted how the lack of support for cybersecurity initiatives can lead to massive organizational risks.
If organizations want to safeguard against cyber threats, they must ensure that their CISOs are empowered with the authority and resources needed to build and maintain a robust cybersecurity strategy. Without the support of the CEO and board, the CISO’s ability to allocate resources for risk prevention, staff training, and technology upgrades is diminished, making the organization more susceptible to breaches.
By protecting the CISO and ensuring they can make the necessary decisions, CEOs and boards can ensure that cybersecurity remains a top priority, thus minimizing the potential financial and reputational impact of cyberattacks.
3. Compliance with Regulations: Navigating Increasingly Complex Legal Requirements
As the regulatory landscape for cybersecurity grows more complex, ensuring compliance with these regulations becomes a critical priority for organizations. In many cases, CISOs are directly responsible for overseeing compliance with cybersecurity regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe or the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for U.S. defense contractors.
Additionally, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ramped up its focus on cybersecurity, requiring companies to disclose significant cyber incidents and breaches promptly. Non-compliance with such regulations can result in heavy fines, legal penalties, and damage to an organization’s reputation.
CISOs play a pivotal role in ensuring that an organization complies with these regulations. However, they can only fulfill this responsibility if they are given the resources, support, and authority necessary to maintain compliance.
For example, if a CISO is constantly battling internal resistance to implement data protection measures or cannot secure the budget to implement necessary security controls, the organization’s ability to comply with regulations is jeopardized. The failure to meet regulatory requirements can lead to financial penalties and legal actions that may severely damage the organization’s financial stability and public image.
In the case of the Equifax data breach in 2017, which exposed the personal data of over 147 million people, regulatory scrutiny played a key role in the aftermath. The breach occurred because Equifax failed to patch a known vulnerability in a timely manner. The company faced numerous regulatory investigations, and the CISO, who was responsible for cybersecurity measures, ultimately resigned as a result of the breach.
The company paid $700 million in a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other regulators. This case underscores the importance of compliance with cybersecurity regulations and highlights the need for CEOs and boards to protect their CISOs, ensuring they have the necessary authority and resources to comply with evolving legal requirements.
4. Long-Term Stability: Reducing Leadership Turnover
Leadership turnover, especially in critical roles like that of the CISO, can disrupt an organization’s cybersecurity strategy and cause uncertainty within the organization. When a CISO leaves due to lack of support, authority, or protection, the organization is left in a vulnerable position, with no clear leader to manage its cybersecurity efforts. This turnover can lead to delays in response to cyber incidents, fragmented security strategies, and a lack of continuity in addressing cybersecurity risks.
Long-term stability in the CISO role is crucial for maintaining a cohesive cybersecurity strategy. Organizations that offer strong support to their CISOs, including clear decision-making authority and legal protections, are more likely to retain experienced leaders who can guide them through complex cybersecurity challenges. By providing the necessary protection and support, CEOs and boards ensure that the CISO can remain in the role long-term, providing continuity and stability in the organization’s cybersecurity posture.
5. Corporate Reputation: Demonstrating a Commitment to Cybersecurity
Corporate reputation is a valuable asset that is increasingly influenced by how well an organization handles cybersecurity. In today’s digital world, customers, investors, and stakeholders are highly aware of the risks associated with cyberattacks, and how a company responds to these threats can have a profound impact on its reputation. Organizations that fail to protect their CISOs and invest in robust cybersecurity measures risk losing the trust of their customers and investors.
Take, for example, the 2013 Target data breach, where hackers gained access to 40 million credit card numbers. Following the breach, the company faced immense public backlash, and its CEO, Gregg Steinhafel, resigned in the aftermath.
The company’s failure to protect its customer data resulted in a significant loss of customer trust, and the breach cost the company millions in fines, legal fees, and lost revenue. In contrast, companies that demonstrate a commitment to protecting their cybersecurity leaders and investing in their security infrastructure tend to gain the trust of their customers and investors, bolstering their reputation in the marketplace.
By supporting the CISO, CEOs and boards not only protect the organization from cyber threats but also demonstrate to the public, customers, and investors that they take cybersecurity seriously. This commitment is crucial for maintaining a strong reputation and securing long-term business success.
5 Ways CEOs and Boards Can Protect Their CISOs
1. Ensure Clear Authority and Decision-Making Power
One of the most important steps CEOs and boards can take to protect their CISOs is to ensure that their authority aligns with their responsibilities. Far too often, CISOs are tasked with overseeing an organization’s cybersecurity efforts without having the necessary decision-making power or authority to execute their strategies effectively. This misalignment between responsibility and authority is one of the primary reasons CISOs face challenges in executing their roles and ultimately feel unsupported, which can lead to frustration and burnout.
Empowering the CISO involves granting them the autonomy to make decisions regarding cybersecurity priorities, technology investments, and resource allocations. For example, a CISO should not need to go through several layers of approval to purchase essential security software or hire necessary personnel.
If a CISO is overruled in these decisions or forced to wait for approval, their ability to protect the organization’s data and systems is severely compromised. Additionally, decision-making delays can put the entire organization at risk, as cybersecurity threats can escalate rapidly, and slow responses can allow attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
One way CEOs and boards can ensure that the CISO has the necessary authority is by formalizing the CISO’s role as a corporate officer. This can be achieved by making the CISO a direct report to the CEO or the board, rather than being buried under layers of management. This not only signals the importance of the role within the organization but also provides the CISO with the authority to act swiftly and decisively in managing cybersecurity risks.
A CISO who reports directly to the CEO has a stronger voice and greater ability to make decisions and influence strategy, especially in situations where cybersecurity is at the forefront of business concerns.
Moreover, it is essential that CISOs have a clear mandate to allocate resources effectively. When a CISO is given the responsibility for defending an organization’s digital assets but lacks the ability to dedicate the necessary budget or personnel to the task, it creates a disconnect that undermines their effectiveness. Aligning the CISO’s authority with their responsibility ensures that they can act without hesitation to strengthen the organization’s security posture.
2. Provide Robust Contractual Protections
Given the growing risks associated with the CISO role, providing strong contractual protections is a crucial step in safeguarding these leaders. The increasing scrutiny of CISOs, coupled with the threat of personal liability, makes it essential for boards and CEOs to negotiate favorable contracts that shield these executives from undue personal risk.
Key protections that should be included in CISO contracts include severance clauses triggered by changes in reporting structures. In the event that a CISO is reassigned to a lower position or is removed from their role, a severance clause ensures they are compensated adequately. This provides financial security for the CISO and makes the role more attractive to high-caliber talent, knowing that their position is stable and protected.
Additionally, CISOs should be guaranteed insurance coverage for legal fees associated with defending themselves against potential lawsuits or claims arising from their actions as a CISO. Given that the legal landscape is increasingly holding cybersecurity executives personally accountable for breaches or lapses in security, this type of coverage is essential. Having insurance coverage ensures that the CISO is not personally financially liable for penalties or legal fees that result from their official duties.
Indemnification clauses are another crucial aspect of protecting CISOs. These clauses ensure that the company will bear the cost of any judgments, fines, or settlements resulting from cybersecurity incidents, rather than leaving the CISO personally responsible.
For example, if a company suffers a breach due to an under-resourced cybersecurity program and the CISO is found liable, indemnification would ensure the CISO is not personally financially burdened. This protection is vital to maintaining a sense of security and fairness for the CISO, making them less likely to leave the role under duress.
Incorporating these protections into CISO contracts helps attract top-tier talent, as experienced security leaders will seek out positions where their legal and financial interests are safeguarded. Furthermore, offering these protections demonstrates the CEO and board’s commitment to supporting the CISO in their critical role, which is essential for creating a lasting and successful cybersecurity strategy.
3. Prioritize Cybersecurity Investments
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern; it’s a fundamental business issue. With cyber threats constantly evolving, CEOs and boards must allocate sufficient resources to ensure that their cybersecurity programs can effectively address the challenges ahead. One of the most direct ways to protect the CISO and enhance their ability to secure the organization’s assets is to ensure that they have adequate funding and resources.
Boards should prioritize cybersecurity investments, recognizing that cybersecurity is not a one-time expenditure but an ongoing operational requirement. Investment in cybersecurity infrastructure—such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection—is necessary to provide the CISO with the tools required to defend against evolving threats. This infrastructure needs to be regularly updated to stay ahead of sophisticated attackers.
Similarly, investing in cybersecurity talent is crucial for building a capable and responsive team. A CISO can only be as effective as the team they manage. Recruiting, training, and retaining skilled cybersecurity professionals are key components of a successful strategy. Without a competent team, even the most experienced CISO can struggle to protect the organization.
Additionally, boards must ensure that the CISO has the budget and resources to invest in the latest technologies, such as advanced threat detection systems and artificial intelligence-driven security tools. These technologies allow organizations to quickly identify and respond to security incidents before they escalate. If a CISO is constantly battling for budget approvals or unable to access the resources they need, the organization is exposed to greater risks.
Allocating adequate funds for cybersecurity efforts not only helps protect the CISO but also strengthens the organization’s defenses against the growing number of cyberattacks. A robust cybersecurity strategy requires long-term, sustained investment, and CEOs and boards must view it as a critical part of their overall business strategy.
4. Actively Support CISOs in Communication with the Board
A critical part of supporting the CISO is ensuring they have direct, regular communication with the board of directors. Cybersecurity issues have become so crucial to organizational success that they must be addressed at the highest levels. CEOs should advocate for an open, transparent relationship between the CISO and the board, allowing for clear communication on the organization’s cybersecurity posture, risk management strategies, and any emerging threats.
CEOs should work to create a direct channel between the CISO and board members, ensuring that cybersecurity risks are discussed at every board meeting. By making cybersecurity a recurring topic, the board becomes more aware of potential risks and the steps being taken to mitigate them. This creates a partnership where the CISO is not working in isolation but is actively supported and understood by the board.
Moreover, regular meetings between the CISO and board members provide an opportunity for the CISO to update the board on critical security issues and potential vulnerabilities. If the CISO feels that the board is engaged and informed, they are more likely to receive the necessary backing and resources to implement their strategies effectively. This level of visibility allows the CISO to make informed decisions based on the board’s priorities and ensures that cybersecurity is integrated into the broader organizational strategy.
This approach also empowers the board to take an active role in risk management and encourages them to prioritize cybersecurity at the organizational level. With proper communication, the CISO can convey the risks and challenges they are facing and the support they need to manage them.
5. Foster a Culture of Accountability and Support
Lastly, CEOs and boards must foster a culture of accountability and support around cybersecurity. Cybersecurity should not be seen as the sole responsibility of the CISO. Rather, it should be viewed as a shared responsibility across the entire organization. CEOs and boards need to set the tone by promoting a culture where cybersecurity is prioritized at all levels, from the executive team to employees.
Creating this culture involves establishing open channels of communication where CISOs feel comfortable raising concerns about their authority, resources, or support. If the CISO is struggling to obtain the necessary resources or feels that their decisions are being undermined, there should be an open dialogue where these concerns can be addressed. Ensuring that the CISO has the support they need from other departments—such as legal, finance, and operations—helps ensure a holistic approach to cybersecurity.
Furthermore, the CEO should encourage the board and other senior leaders to actively participate in cybersecurity training and awareness programs. When executives understand the challenges that CISOs face, they are more likely to provide the necessary backing and resources. By fostering a culture where cybersecurity is seen as a critical, cross-functional priority, CEOs and boards can support their CISO in successfully executing their role and protecting the organization from evolving cyber threats.
In conclusion, protecting the CISO is critical not only to the CISO’s well-being but also to the organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy. By ensuring clear authority, providing robust contractual protections, prioritizing investments, supporting communication with the board, and fostering a culture of accountability, CEOs and boards can ensure that their cybersecurity leadership is empowered to effectively defend the organization against the growing threat of cyberattacks.
Conclusion
One of the best ways for CEOs and boards to safeguard their organization’s cybersecurity is by safeguarding their CISO. If your organization protects your CISO, your CISO will protect your organization. As the cybersecurity landscape becomes more complex and threats escalate, CISOs are under increasing pressure, facing personal liability and limited decision-making authority. Without strong support from the CEO and board, these leaders risk burnout or departure, leading to gaps in organizational security at a critical time.
To avoid this, CEOs and boards must ensure clear authority for their CISOs, giving them the power to make decisions swiftly and effectively. This includes formalizing the CISO’s role as a corporate officer and ensuring they have the resources to carry out their duties effectively.
In addition, providing robust contractual protections, including indemnification and legal insurance, will help shield CISOs from personal financial repercussions, empowering them to take calculated risks without fear of personal loss. Prioritizing cybersecurity investments ensures that CISOs have the infrastructure, talent, and technology needed to protect the organization from evolving cyber threats.
Regular and transparent communication between the CEO, board, and CISO is crucial for keeping cybersecurity risks front and center on the strategic agenda. CEOs and boards must also foster a culture of shared accountability, where cybersecurity is a collective responsibility and not solely the burden of the CISO.
Looking ahead, the next steps for CEOs and boards are clear. First, they should take immediate action to ensure their CISO has the resources and authority to execute an effective cybersecurity strategy.
Second, they should initiate regular discussions on cybersecurity with their CISO, aligning on risk management priorities and ensuring that their protection strategies are continuously adapted to meet emerging threats. By proactively addressing these issues, CEOs and boards will not only protect their CISO but also secure the future of their organization’s cybersecurity efforts.