Chief Information Security Officer Career Guide

Sample job description

Because of our deep commitment to satisfaction, [Your Company Name] is looking for an experienced chief security officer. The CISO supervises assigned personnel, including making and monitoring work assignments, evaluating performance, providing training, corrective instruction and assistance, and conducting security meetings as needed. As an ideal candidate, you have proven experience developing and implementing strategic security programs and managing the security of personnel and both physical and digital assets. As a leader and trusted advisor, the CISO will work to advance the organization’s mission, vision and core values.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Implements and oversees strategies to assess and mitigate risk
• Safeguards the corporation and its assets
• Crisis management
• Develops, implements, and maintains security processes and policies
• Fosters a culture of physical and digital security awareness by conducting training sessions and communicating with personnel
• Identifies and reduces risks
• Limits liability and exposure to informational, physical, and financial risks
• Ensures the organization is compliant with local, national, and global health, privacy, and safety regulations
• Researches and executes security management solutions to help keep the organization safe
• Works with management to develop and implement appropriate budgets for security programs

Education and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in safety management, information technology systems, or a similar field
• 3+ years of experience working as a security manager

Required skills and qualifications

• Exceptional knowledge of state and federal information security laws
• Proficiency in developing physical and digital security protocols and procedures
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Solid interpersonal skills
• Excellent managerial and leadership skills
• Strong knowledge of information management systems and cybersecurity
• Ability to research and stay up to date with security trends and changing government and state laws

Preferred qualifications

• Industry-related security certifications 
• Master’s degree in cybersecurity
• A diverse IT background

Available certifications

Chief security officers work in a variety of industries, and many institutions offer certifications that can help CISOs expand their knowledge and advance their careers. Here are three of the most common certifications for CISOs:  

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Earning the CISSP is offered by (ISC)² and demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge to effectively design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program. The CISSP is ideal for experienced security professionals, managers, and executives who are looking to prove their knowledge across a wide array of security practices and principles. To become certified as a CISSP, you are required to have at least five years of full-time, paid work as a security analyst in two or more of the eight domains covered in the CISSP, such as cryptography and software development security. Certification requires an annual maintenance fee, and you must take the test every three years to remain certified.

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). Administered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), The CISM certification proves your expertise in information security governance, program development and management, incident management, and risk management. To be eligible, you need to have 5+ years of experience in information security management. The course covers 4 main aspects of information security: governance, risk management, program development and management, and incident management. The CISM is valid for 3 years and must be renewed to maintain certification.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). The CISA is recognized worldwide as the standard of achievement for professionals who audit, control, monitor, and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems. Offered by the ISACA, the CISA shows your competence in incorporating privacy by design into technology platforms, products, and processes. CISA certification requires 5+ years of experience in IS/IT audit, control, assurance, or security. Topics include system auditing process, IT management, and protection of information assets.