The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role has never been more critical, or complex. Originally introduced as a position focused on protecting company data from cyber threats, the role has evolved to encompass a broad array of responsibilities, spanning regulatory compliance, customer trust, and even direct financial implications.
Today’s CISOs face heightened scrutiny from government regulators, an escalating demand from customers for robust security assurances, and increasingly severe legal risks.
In a recent episode of Forrester’s “What It Means” podcast, analysts Jeff Pollard and Jess Burn revisit their seminal 2020 report on the future of the CISO role, presenting new insights and strategies for security leaders navigating an environment that is fundamentally different from what it was even a few years ago.
Rising Prominence Amid Greater Accountability
The CISO’s prominence within the corporate hierarchy has grown significantly in recent years, driven by increased customer concerns about cybersecurity and an evolving array of regulatory requirements.
Pollard emphasizes that demand for security accountability has reached a new high, particularly in business-to-business (B2B) settings, where clients now expect clear, direct answers on security protocols before entering partnerships. “Customer demands, especially in B2B and B2C environments, have intensified focus on security,” Pollard explains, underscoring that CISOs must now address both internal threats and external stakeholder concerns.
However, this increased prominence also brings unprecedented scrutiny.
Notably, CISOs are now facing personal liability in ways that few other C-level leaders experience. New regulations from bodies like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have turned a spotlight on CISO responsibilities, meaning CISOs can be held legally accountable for security failures. Citing high-profile cases involving organizations like SolarWinds, Pollard notes, “CISOs are no longer merely scapegoats after a data breach, they are increasingly responsible in the eyes of regulators, facing personal liability and career risks that extend beyond the organization.”
This accountability has prompted some security leaders to question whether the role is worth the risk, as they weigh the potential for significant legal and professional consequences.
The Six Types of CISOs: A Framework for Specialized Leadership
In their updated research, Forrester identifies six distinct CISO profiles, offering a framework that organizations can use to assess the type of security leadership they need and that professionals can use to understand their own strengths.
Each archetype brings unique capabilities and focuses, enabling organizations to tailor their approach to security based on their specific needs:
- Post-Breach CISO – Called in to restore security after a breach, these specialists focus on rebuilding trust.
- Customer-Facing CISO – Often partners with clients, addressing customer security concerns directly to bolster trust and transparency.
- Steady-State CISO – Focused on maintaining existing security operations with minimal disruption, this CISO prioritizes stability over sweeping changes.
- Tactical/Operational CISO – Manages daily security operations and immediate threats, ensuring smooth operational security.
- Transformational CISO – A leader who drives major overhauls, establishing new, forward-looking security programs.
- Compliance and Risk-Focused CISO – Concentrates on regulatory adherence and risk mitigation, a role that has grown in importance amid evolving compliance landscapes.
Among these roles, the compliance and risk-focused CISO is currently the most in-demand due to the constantly shifting regulatory environment. Burn notes that this demand emerged from a survey of a hundred CISO job postings, revealing that most employers seek candidates with deep regulatory expertise. Pollard calls this trend the “era of regulatory FOMO” (fear of missing out), observing, “If you’re in government or business, and don’t have a cybersecurity regulation, you’re going to add one.”
With regulatory bodies across the globe introducing new requirements, companies are increasingly seeking CISOs who are experienced in managing compliance across diverse regulatory frameworks.
Another profile gaining traction, especially in high-tech and B2B sectors, is the customer-facing CISO. These CISOs dedicate nearly as much time to engaging with clients on security issues as traditional sales representatives, reflecting the rising importance of transparency in securing new business.
Navigating Personal and Professional Liabilities
Given the heightened risks associated with the CISO role, security leaders are increasingly advised to protect themselves on multiple fronts.
Burn highlights the importance of establishing personal legal protections, including retaining independent legal counsel, negotiating “golden parachutes,” and documenting any security concerns to avoid becoming scapegoats in the event of a security failure. While these measures are not typically emphasized for other C-suite roles, they have become essential for CISOs. “You need to think about what it means for your personal liability,” he advises, explaining that traditional protections such as Director and Officer (D&O) insurance may not extend to CISOs in the way they do for other executives.
To further safeguard themselves, CISOs are encouraged to create documentation that highlights any program gaps or security risks that have been communicated to leadership. This approach not only mitigates personal risk but also establishes a clear record that can prevent CISOs from being unfairly blamed if issues arise.
This level of accountability has become critical for CISOs who face unique legal and career risks in a role that requires a fine balance between corporate loyalty and self-preservation.
Career Paths and the Road to the CISO Role
Despite the intense demands of the position, many security professionals remain passionate about pursuing and staying in CISO roles.
Specialization is increasingly essential, with career paths frequently originating from security operations, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) roles, or roles with strong experience in third-party risk assessment. Pollard observes that, unlike in past years, today’s CISO candidates are expected to have specialized expertise and years of experience in security.
While certifications and educational credentials remain valued in some sectors, the demand for these qualifications varies by role. For example, tactical/operational CISO roles are more likely to require formal education, with 89% of job postings for these positions listing a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite.
By contrast, compliance and risk-focused roles prioritize regulatory expertise, with hiring managers often valuing specific regulatory experience over formal education.
Changing Tenure and the Expanding CISO Job Market
In recent years, the average tenure for Fortune 500 CISOs has increased, now aligning with that of other C-suite executives at approximately four years. This shift dispels the “two-year myth,” which portrayed these leaders as expendable short-term hires.
Today, with cybersecurity gaining strategic importance, CISOs are finding more long-term stability. This increase in tenure allows the time they need to establish and strengthen security programs, reflecting an organizational recognition of the importance of sustained security leadership.
The expanding job market for CISOs provides seasoned leaders with more options and flexibility than ever before. While CISOs face increasing risks and demands, they now have greater opportunities to explore different sectors, adapt to new positions, and find roles that align with their skills and interests. Burn and Pollard also note the emergence of variations within the CISO role, including titles like business information security officers (BISOs) and deputy CISOs, enabling organizations to create leadership roles that meet specific needs while offering unique career paths.
The Wrap
Looking forward, the CISO role will continue to evolve, with cybersecurity and regulatory pressures driving organizations to seek security leaders who can not only safeguard data but also align security with business strategy.
The modern CISO must move beyond maintaining security operations; they need to excel at forecasting, strategic alignment, and delivering value beyond compliance. As cybersecurity becomes integral to customer trust and overall business success, security leaders will need to engage proactively with both external stakeholders and internal partners.
In conclusion, the role today has become a central executive position that plays a key role in shaping organizational trust, strategy, and resilience. Security leaders must balance the competing demands of legal risks, customer expectations, and regulatory mandates, all while pursuing professional growth.
For those willing to meet these challenges with innovation and resilience, the future offers rich opportunities to lead in a field that has rapidly become essential to every organization’s success.
