How CISOs Are Evolving From Tech Experts To Strategic Leaders


In the last decade, the CISO’s responsibilities have expanded dramatically. No longer just about managing firewalls and protecting data, CISOs now play a crucial role in corporate governance and risk management. The role’s growing importance is reflected in the industry as well — Gartner predicts that global spending on security and risk management will increase by 14.3 percent this year, surpassing $215 billion. Traditionally focused on safeguarding digital assets, CISOs are now key players in shaping business success by integrating cybersecurity into broader business strategies. Such a shift requires CISOs to align cybersecurity efforts with company goals, collaborate closely with senior leaders, and foster a continuous learning culture across the workforce.

As Saugat Sindhu, Partner and Global Head of Advisory Services for Cybersecurity & Risk Services at Wipro Limited, explains, “CISOs can shift from being seen as technical experts to strategic business leaders by building awareness and translating technical risks into business terms that are understandable for board members and executives.” When CISOs secure leadership buy-in, they can ensure that cybersecurity supports broader business objectives.

The rise of GenAI and other emerging technologies demands that CISOs continuously educate themselves and their teams to effectively integrate these tools into their cybersecurity strategies. Notably, a recent ISC2 survey found that 88 percent of cybersecurity professionals believe that AI will significantly impact their roles, either now or in the near future. To stay ahead, CISOs must leverage these advancements to strengthen security and drive the company’s goals.

3 Ways CISOs Can Shift from Tech to Strategy

To effectively transition to strategic leaders, CISOs must build strong partnerships with senior executives like the CFO and CRO. Collaborating with these leaders enables CISOs to integrate cybersecurity into the company’s risk management framework, ensuring it is not isolated but a vital component of the overall strategy. These partnerships are critical for managing financial risks associated with cyber threats and securing the necessary resources for cybersecurity initiatives. Here are three key strategies CISOs can use to make this shift effectively.

1. Shifting From Tech Guardians to Business Growth Enablers.

The role of CISOs is no longer confined to just managing cybersecurity threats. To truly contribute to business success, CISOs must shift their focus towards enabling business growth. Modern CISOs need to develop a proactive, business-oriented approach. This means understanding how cybersecurity can support the company’s overall strategy and help it gain a competitive edge. Instead of being seen only as a cost center, cybersecurity should be viewed as a key driver of innovation and business continuity.

This transition also involves broadening the CISO’s skill set. While the need for technical expertise remains, CISOs now need to understand business operations, financial impacts, and regulatory environments. They must learn to think like business leaders, not just security experts. Better communicating the value of cybersecurity initiatives in terms that resonate with other senior leaders helps to secure the buy-in and resources needed to protect the company and support its growth.

2. Building strong partnerships with senior leaders.

One of the most important aspects of the CISO’s evolving role is building strong partnerships with other senior leaders, particularly the CFO and CRO. By working closely with these leaders, CISOs can integrate cybersecurity into the broader risk management framework. Collaboration of this kind solidifies cybersecurity as a key component of the company’s overall strategy, rather than an isolated function.

These partnerships are especially important when managing financial risks associated with cyber threats. By working together, CISOs and CFOs can develop a holistic approach to risk management that includes budgeting for cybersecurity investments, evaluating the financial impact of potential breaches, and maintaining compliance with regulations. Collaboration also helps present a united front to the board, making securing the necessary resources for cybersecurity initiatives easier.

3. Creating a culture of continuous learning and awareness.

Cultivating a strong cybersecurity culture is another critical responsibility for modern CISOs. Fostering a culture of continuous learning among employees helps maintain cybersecurity resilience. Developing this kind of culture involves more than just one-off training sessions; it requires ongoing education, interactive training programs, and leadership engagement.

CISOs should implement programs that make cybersecurity training engaging and relevant, such as gamified learning and scenario-based exercises. These programs help employees understand the necessity of cybersecurity and make it easier for them to apply best practices in their daily work. Additionally, involving top executives in cybersecurity initiatives is crucial for setting the tone and demonstrating the importance of these efforts. Continuous training all but guarantees that all employees, from the C-suite to entry-level staff, remain vigilant and prepared to handle emerging threats.

As businesses navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the role of the CISO is vital. By focusing on business growth, collaborating with senior leaders, and fostering a strong cybersecurity culture, modern CISOs can help their organizations thrive while staying secure.



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