The CISO role has grown tremendously complex, evolving from a primarily technical position into one that demands high-level business acumen, strategic vision, and regulatory savvy. As organizations face a rapid increase in cyber threats alongside stricter regulatory requirements, CISOs are now responsible not only for protecting the organization’s digital assets but also for communicating risks and strategies effectively to executive leadership and the board.
A recent report by Trellix and Vanson Bourne underscores this dual burden, revealing that more than four out of five CISOs feel their role should be divided into two distinct positions. The call for splitting the CISO role highlights an important reality: balancing technical responsibilities with regulatory and boardroom obligations has become increasingly challenging for today’s cybersecurity leaders.
This rising complexity is, in part, a response to the high stakes surrounding cybersecurity failures. The frequency and severity of cyber attacks—ranging from data breaches to ransomware incidents—pose existential risks to organizations, with potential impacts on brand reputation, customer trust, and financial health. As a result, the CISO is expected to be an expert on the latest cybersecurity technologies, policies, and frameworks while simultaneously serving as an educator and advocate in the boardroom. This unique combination of responsibilities often means that CISOs are stretched thin, as they attempt to meet the demands of both realms.
Historically, the role of the CISO has been highly technical, focused on the hands-on work of threat detection, vulnerability management, and incident response. CISOs would work closely with IT and security teams to protect networks, endpoints, and data from threats, often implementing complex security architectures and deploying advanced tools to strengthen the organization’s defenses.
However, as cyber risks and regulatory scrutiny have intensified, boards have become increasingly interested in understanding how cybersecurity impacts the overall business. This evolution has pushed CISOs into a strategic advisory role, requiring them to explain security strategies, justify budgets, and ensure compliance with a growing number of regulatory frameworks. For many CISOs, this shift demands a new skill set that includes risk assessment, financial acumen, and the ability to translate technical jargon into business language.
To thrive in this demanding environment, CISOs must strike a delicate balance between their technical duties and their strategic, board-level responsibilities. Yet achieving this balance is far from easy. It requires not only a mastery of cybersecurity but also the ability to communicate effectively with non-technical audiences. As the Trellix and Vanson Bourne report suggests, many CISOs are struggling with this balancing act, leading them to advocate for the role to be split into two positions: one focused on hands-on security operations and the other dedicated to regulatory compliance and executive communication.
Such a split could theoretically allow for greater specialization in each area, enabling CISOs to focus more deeply on their particular expertise. For instance, a technical CISO could dedicate themselves entirely to managing cybersecurity defenses, detecting and mitigating threats, and driving innovation within security operations. Meanwhile, a strategic CISO could concentrate on understanding regulatory changes, shaping compliance strategies, and delivering concise, insightful presentations to the board and C-suite. This division of labor could reduce burnout among CISOs, improve security outcomes, and help organizations manage cyber risk more effectively at every level.
While the notion of splitting the role has gained traction, it’s not a feasible solution for many organizations due to budget constraints, resource limitations, and the need for a unified cybersecurity strategy. For most CISOs, this means that mastering both the technical and strategic dimensions of their role remains an essential challenge. In order to do this effectively, CISOs need a set of strategies to bridge the gap between their hands-on technical work and the business-oriented demands of the boardroom.
Here, we’ll explore seven practical ways CISOs can more effectively manage these dual aspects of their role. Each section will outline specific tactics and best practices for balancing these two crucial responsibilities, from building a robust security operations team to developing a clear communication strategy for the board. By adopting these approaches, CISOs can become more effective in both arenas, ultimately enhancing the organization’s cybersecurity posture and helping executive leadership understand the value and necessity of their work.
The first step for CISOs is recognizing the importance of both areas and committing to developing skills and processes that cater to each. Success in this role requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to think and communicate strategically. CISOs who are able to navigate this dual role with skill and agility will be well-positioned to lead their organizations through an increasingly complex and high-stakes cybersecurity landscape.
By leveraging the strategies outlined in this article, CISOs can achieve a sustainable balance that allows them to excel both in the server room and the boardroom. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, so too must the role of the CISO, and those who are able to meet the demands of both aspects will be instrumental in safeguarding their organizations from ever-growing cyber threats.
1. Understanding the Dual Nature of the CISO Role
The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has evolved rapidly over recent years. Historically, CISOs focused primarily on technical aspects of cybersecurity—implementing protections, responding to incidents, and securing networks. Today, however, the role has expanded to include significant strategic responsibilities that require communicating with executive leadership and the board of directors about cyber risks, regulatory demands, and cybersecurity’s impact on business objectives.
A recent study by Trellix and Vanson Bourne highlights the challenges faced by modern CISOs, with more than 80% of respondents expressing that the CISO role should be divided into two separate positions: one dedicated to technical, hands-on security work and the other focusing on regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and board-level communication. This statistic underscores the difficulties CISOs face in managing both deeply technical and high-level strategic responsibilities. The constant shift between managing intricate technical details and communicating at an executive level can lead to fatigue and burnout, hindering the CISO’s ability to excel in either area fully.
This dual responsibility presents both a challenge and an opportunity for CISOs. It requires not only a deep understanding of technical concepts and the latest cyber threats but also strong communication skills, a grasp of regulatory and financial principles, and an ability to align security strategies with business goals. The CISOs who can master this balance will be invaluable to their organizations, protecting assets while enabling informed decision-making at the highest levels.
2. Establishing a Clear Communication Strategy with the Board
One of the most critical skills for a CISO is the ability to communicate effectively with the board and executive team, translating complex technical information into business-relevant insights. For board members, understanding cyber risks and their potential financial impact is crucial, yet they may lack a technical background. To bridge this gap, CISOs must frame cybersecurity discussions in terms that resonate with board priorities, such as risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and financial health.
Techniques like storytelling and using business-aligned metrics are powerful tools in translating cybersecurity issues for board members. By framing cybersecurity challenges as business narratives—such as how a specific threat could impact business continuity or brand reputation—CISOs can make risks more relatable. Additionally, metrics like potential financial losses from cyber incidents or return on investment (ROI) for cybersecurity initiatives provide concrete, quantifiable data that the board can grasp more easily. The focus should be on clear, concise communication that avoids technical jargon while emphasizing how cybersecurity aligns with the company’s overall goals and risk management strategies.
A well-developed communication strategy can help secure buy-in and funding from the board, making it easier for the CISO to implement necessary protections without constantly having to justify expenses or strategy shifts. In an environment where regulatory pressures and financial implications are top of mind, the ability to convey cybersecurity as a business enabler is vital.
3. Aligning Cybersecurity Goals with Business Objectives
For a CISO, aligning cybersecurity goals with overarching business objectives is essential for achieving boardroom support and the necessary resources. When cybersecurity initiatives are positioned purely as cost centers or protective measures, they may not receive the funding and attention they require. However, when framed as drivers of business value, these initiatives become easier for board members to support.
CISOs can demonstrate that cybersecurity isn’t only about protecting assets but also about enhancing business resilience, customer trust, and regulatory compliance. For instance, a robust security program can help differentiate a company as a trusted partner, reduce downtime in the event of a breach, and avoid fines from non-compliance. Communicating these advantages in ways that relate directly to business outcomes—such as improved customer satisfaction, minimized regulatory risk, or enhanced brand reputation—helps the board see cybersecurity as a valuable investment rather than an expense.
To achieve this alignment, CISOs must work closely with other executive leaders to understand the company’s strategic priorities and identify where cybersecurity measures can support or accelerate those goals. This collaborative approach can lead to a more unified security strategy that protects the organization while contributing to its growth and competitive edge.
4. Building a Capable Security Operations Team to Support Technical Demands
While CISOs are expected to balance technical and strategic responsibilities, it’s essential that they can rely on a skilled security operations team to manage day-to-day security tasks. By building a capable and trusted team, CISOs can delegate operational tasks, allowing them to focus on high-level planning, regulatory compliance, and board engagement.
Recruiting and retaining top talent in cybersecurity is critical, especially as the demand for skilled professionals continues to outpace supply. CISOs must prioritize talent acquisition, providing ongoing training and upskilling opportunities to ensure team members remain competent in a rapidly evolving field. Mentorship programs, career advancement pathways, and a supportive team culture can also improve retention and morale, helping to keep valuable team members engaged.
Delegating technical responsibilities not only frees up the CISO’s time but also ensures that operational security tasks—such as threat detection, incident response, and system monitoring—are handled by experts focused on the finer details of cybersecurity, which strengthens the organization’s defenses overall.
5. Leveraging Regulatory Knowledge to Navigate Compliance Requirements
The regulatory landscape for cybersecurity is becoming more complex every year. From GDPR to CCPA to sector-specific standards, compliance requirements now cover a vast array of security and privacy concerns. For CISOs, staying informed about these regulations and ensuring that their organization remains compliant is a critical part of the job.
To manage regulatory complexity, CISOs can establish a collaborative relationship with legal and compliance departments, ensuring a shared understanding of the latest regulatory changes and how they impact the company’s security posture. Regular cross-functional meetings, workshops, and training can help keep the organization in line with compliance requirements, as well as prepare for audits and reporting demands.
Preparing compliance reports that satisfy both technical and non-technical audiences is another essential skill. CISOs must create clear, detailed reports for regulatory bodies while distilling the key points into executive summaries for the board, ensuring that leadership understands the company’s compliance efforts and any associated risks.
6. Developing an Incident Response Plan for Both Technical Teams and Executives
A well-defined incident response plan is essential to ensuring an organization’s resilience in the face of a cyber incident. This plan should cover the technical steps for detection, containment, and recovery while also outlining clear communication protocols for executives and the board.
For CISOs, balancing technical preparedness with executive communication is key. They must ensure their security operations team is trained and equipped to handle incidents efficiently while also preparing leadership to respond strategically. Regular incident simulations can help test the plan and ensure all stakeholders understand their roles, both in technical response and in communicating with external parties such as customers, regulators, and media.
7. Creating and Measuring Security Metrics that Speak to Both Audiences
Effective metrics are essential for demonstrating cybersecurity’s value to both technical teams and the board. Metrics such as incident response time, compliance adherence rates, and cost-benefit analyses of security investments can help the board understand the practical and financial impact of cybersecurity.
For technical teams, more granular metrics like intrusion detection rates, false positives, and patching timelines are useful. For the board, metrics that show financial impact and risk reduction—like ROI on cybersecurity investments or savings from preventing incidents—are often more meaningful. These metrics should provide a comprehensive view that reassures both the technical and business sides of the organization about the effectiveness of the cybersecurity program.
Conclusion
While it may seem that the evolving CISO role is becoming increasingly fragmented, this duality actually presents a unique opportunity for growth and influence within organizations. As cyber threats continue to intensify, the role of the CISO is no longer confined to simply managing risk—it’s about driving strategic decisions that influence the entire business ecosystem.
Moving forward, CISOs must adopt a proactive approach to develop both technical expertise and executive-level communication skills, ensuring they are equipped to navigate an increasingly complex landscape. The ability to balance these responsibilities will be a key differentiator for those who wish to remain indispensable.
To succeed, CISOs must focus on building teams capable of managing day-to-day operations, allowing them the bandwidth to engage more deeply in business strategy. Additionally, they must develop metrics that bridge the technical and business worlds, enabling both their teams and the board to see cybersecurity as a critical enabler of organizational success.
One of the most vital next steps for CISOs is to initiate deeper collaboration between their security teams and executive leadership to align goals more closely with business objectives. Another important step is to invest in continuous upskilling for themselves and their teams, ensuring they are always ahead of the curve in both technical and strategic capabilities. With these efforts, CISOs can rise above the technical challenges to become influential drivers of organizational growth and resilience.
Embracing this dual role will not only strengthen cybersecurity but also enhance business outcomes in ways that were previously unimaginable. As the role of the CISO continues to evolve, those who master this balance will shape the future of both cybersecurity and business strategy.