CISO: a key job within the business for system security

Today, information systems security represents a major challenge for all organizations. Faced with an ever-increasing number of cyberthreats and constantly evolving attack techniques, companies need to implement an effective protection strategy.

At the heart of this system is the Information Systems Security Manager(ISSM), a professional whose expertise has become indispensable.

This professional most often reports to the company’s Information Systems Department (RSSI) or General Management.

He specializes in IT security issues and is always up to date with the latest trends in security, cybercrime and cybersecurity, and is empowered to educate and train employees to ensure the security of information and telecommunications systems in the company’s various departments.

Find out in this article how CISOs orchestrate the implementation of a robust security policy, and how their skills contribute to the resilience of information systems in the face of current and future threats.

What is a CISO and what is his or her role in information systems security?

The systems security manager is an expert in information security for applications and telecommunications networks. He/she identifies and implements the necessary means and solutions to prevent threats likely to impact data security and/or the company’s activity (e.g. combating the risk of undesirable viruses and data piracy attempts by hackers). These threats are becoming more and more frequent, given the evolution of data flows linked to the use of the Internet.

The role of the CISO

The role of the security manager is to ensure the security, reliability and integrity of the company’s information system. He or she is responsible for defining the security policy, and ensuring that it is properly applied by all those who may have access to or work with the company’s confidential computerized data.

CISO objectives

The main objectives of the CISO are to identify and secure the IS, and to inform, advise, train and alert managers and staff to security risks linked to the lack of security of data or business applications.

In concrete terms, the Information Systems Security Manager will meticulously analyze the company’s various IT systems. On this basis, one of his or her missions is to support and raise awareness among the various sector employees, managers and external contributors of the different rules to be respected, the changes required and the behavior to be adopted to guarantee the security of IT systems.

TheIT security expert also makes various recommendations to project development teams, with reference toOWASP. This reference framework is based on a set of effective best practices that enable risk analysis, identification of the main threats and possible actions to remedy them.

What are the CISO’s main missions?

The CISO’s role revolves around a number of essential missions that help guarantee the integrity, confidentiality and availability of company data:

1. Defining information systems security policy: developing a global strategy covering prevention, protection, detection, resilience and remediation.
2. Identify and analyze risks: map potential threats, assess their impact on the business and implement an appropriate prevention plan.
3. Protect sensitive data: implement technical and organizational measures to guarantee the confidentiality and integrity of strategic company information.
4. Risk management: implementation of continuous assessment processes and tools to rank threats by severity and probability.
5. Supervise security tools: selection, deployment and maintenance of technical solutions to protect the information system.
6. Training and awareness-raising: developing a culture of cybersecurity within the organization through training and awareness-raising initiatives.
7. Managing security incidents: developing and implementing incident response procedures, coordinating actions in the event of a crisis.
8. Technology and regulatory watch: monitoring technical and legal developments in the field of cybersecurity.

The essential skills of the modern CISO

The job of IT security systems manager requires a number of qualities and skills that enable him or her to carry out the job effectively. Here is an overview of the main skills required:

• rigor and organization are required to identify safety measures to implement and ensure that company employees comply with procedures.

• The pedagogy is essential for raising awareness or providing training and advice to the company’s various teams and departments.

• curiosity, particularly in cybersecurity news and new technologies, is essential to better understand and anticipate existing and futuresecurity threats .

• The ability to communicate and listen well means you can better adapt to the different people you deal with, so you can pass on the expected level of information objectively and professionally to all levels of the company.

• A good stress management is a prerequisite for coping with threats and problems.

Complementarity between the CISO and other key security functions

The CISO does not work in isolation in the IT security ecosystem. For effective governance of data-related risks, he or she works closely with other strategic functions, in particular the Data Protection Officer(DPO).

While the CISO focuses on implementing technical and organizational security measures, the DPO ensures regulatory compliance in terms of personal data protection.

This synergy is particularly important in the context of the GDPR, where the security of information systems and the protection of personal data are intrinsically linked.

CISO and regulatory compliance: a major challenge

One of the CISO’s growing responsibilities is to ensure that information systems comply with current regulations.

With the entry into force of the GDPR, information security requirements have tightened considerably, particularly for sensitive data such as HR data.

CISOs must therefore integrate GDPR and HR data management best practices into their security policies to guarantee not only technical security but also legal compliance of personal data processing. This regulatory dimension adds a layer of complexity to the role of the CISO, who must now juggle technical, organizational and legal imperatives.

Conclusion: the CISO to strengthen the security of your information systems

At a time when IT threats are becoming increasingly complex, and data security is becoming a differentiating factor for companies, the role of the CISO is more strategic than ever.

Its ability to anticipate risks, implement appropriate security measures and raise awareness among all employees is decisive in protecting the organization’s information assets.

At SQORUS, we’ve been helping companies with their digital transformation projects for over 35 years, with a particular focus on information systems security.

Our expertise in IT project governance enables us to integrate cybersecurity best practices right from the design stage of your IT solutions.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your existing system or build a coherent information security strategy, SQORUS can support you every step of the way.

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