CISO: a key job within the business for system security

Project governance almost systematically requires a steering committee. Businesses large and small need the highest levels of security to ensure that the data integrated into their various software programs remains absolutely confidential.

The best solution is to appoint an Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM ). This professional is usually attached 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.

The role of the CISO

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 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.

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.

The IT 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 action options to remedy them.

Stages of intervention of the CISO

To give you an overall picture of the different stages of work carried out by the CISO who ensures the security of IT devices, here is an overview of the main tasks that fall within his or her professional remit:

• Define safety policy : define objectives and requirements, draw up and implement appropriate procedures.

• Identify and analyze risks : the CISO assesses the risks and their consequences, studies the available means of protection, and draws up a prevention plan.

• Monitor the implementation of projects aimed at limiting the impact of threats on the company’s business.

• Prevent and train employees in information systems security : raising awareness and training managers, helping to draw up a security rulebook, providing advice and assistance to teams.

• Supervise the safety tools put in place : check that the safety policy drawn up is consistent with the initial plans, check that the implemented protocol is followed and that company personnel comply with safety rules.

• Follow up on necessary changes : readjust security instructions if necessary, ensure the physical and logical security of all information systems RSSI commercial brand.

• Implement procedures to limit access to strategic and strictly confidential information networks.

• Maintain a technology watch on topics related to cybersecurity and cybercrime.

To carry out all these steps in a cyclical manner, and ensure continuous improvement of IS security, the CISO can rely on the PDCA (Plan Do Check Act) method. This approach ensures effective implementation of the necessary security measures.

The essential skills of the 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 a decisive factor 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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