Cybersecurity, once largely considered the CISO’s domain, is now a key strategic focus for CIOs as well. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the boundary between CIO and CISO responsibilities has blurred, making cybersecurity a crucial shared priority. Throughout my years as a CISO, I’ve grappled with the question of responsibility—who exactly owns what?

At times, the CEO has tasked the chief legal counsel and the CIO with leading a dedicated cybersecurity program, while in other instances, the board has looked to me, as the CISO, to build the enterprise risk program. These are all good moves, but cybersecurity crosses many boundaries and demands a coordinated approach.

Traditionally, CIOs have focused on technology infrastructure, data management, and operational efficiency. However, the rising tide of cyber threats has shifted these priorities.

Today’s CIOs face high stakes in data protection and incident response, and CISOs wish for CIOs who understand that cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls or compliance checklists—it’s an essential part of organizational resilience.

The Expanding Cybersecurity Role of the CIO

Historically, CIOs have managed IT systems, data flows, and technology infrastructure with an eye on operational efficiency. However, the surge in data breaches and cyber incidents has transformed the CIO’s role.

CIOs now share the responsibility of protecting IT infrastructure against increasingly complex threats. They must see cybersecurity as a shared duty, not simply the CISO’s concern. When breaches occur, they don’t just affect security teams; they impact entire IT ecosystems, disrupt operations, and potentially harm customer trust.

More than ever, CIOs and CISOs must work hand-in-hand to secure, manage technology, and reduce enterprise risk. So, where do they begin?

Closing the Knowledge Gap Between CIOs and CISOs

Here are a few critical areas that CISOs feel would help CIOs work more effectively with them.

Understanding Threats and Trends

CISOs constantly work to stay ahead of emerging threats, an increasingly difficult task given today’s multidimensional cyber risks. While CIOs often focus on digital transformation and operational efficiency, they need to understand that their technology’s security is only as strong as its weakest link.

With modern threats—like ransomware, supply chain vulnerabilities, and insider risks—growing more advanced, traditional defenses quickly become outdated. While CIOs don’t need to be cybersecurity experts, they should develop a solid understanding of these threats to help build a more resilient infrastructure.

Treating Cybersecurity as an Investment

Security investments can sometimes feel like financial black holes, especially in lean-budget years. However, CISOs emphasize that preventative spending is far less costly than the aftermath of a security breach. CIOs should view cybersecurity as an essential component of business resilience—an investment that supports safe, reliable operations.

Organizations often regret underinvesting in security only after a costly incident. By prioritizing proactive cybersecurity investments, CIOs can help their organizations avoid expensive disruptions.

“The boundary between CIO and CISO responsibilities has blurred, making cybersecurity a crucial shared priority.”

Integrating Security into IT Strategy

The days of “set-it-and-forget-it” IT security are long gone. CIOs need to embed security within each layer of IT planning and strategy, moving from periodic updates to a mindset of continuous improvement.

This involves more than just adding tools or scheduling quarterly training sessions. CIOs should partner with CISOs to incorporate security into projects from the start, saving both time and resources. This approach reduces the need for last-minute fixes, which can be costly and disruptive.

For CIOs focused on efficient planning, collaborating with CISOs on proactive threat defenses is a far more effective and sustainable approach than reacting to incidents after the fact.

Prioritizing Communication and Trust Between CIOs and CISOs

What distinguishes successful CIOs and CISOs? Clear communication and mutual trust. When CIOs and CISOs keep an open line of communication, they can more easily anticipate and tackle vulnerabilities before they escalate. Trust is essential here.

While CIOs often focus on high-level goals like system uptime and overall efficiency, without regular input from CISOs, they may miss critical insights into potential vulnerabilities. Frequent touchpoints help align priorities and reduce misunderstandings, especially given the challenge of demonstrating an immediate ROI for many cybersecurity investments.

Leading by Example on Cyber Hygiene

Cyber hygiene is essential, and CIOs should lead by example. Setting policies is one thing, but modeling best practices—like strong password management, vigilance against phishing, and regular cybersecurity awareness—sends a clear message that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

With human error as one of the primary risks to an organization, CIOs can influence the entire workforce by showing a commitment to cybersecurity. This top-down approach reinforces the idea that maintaining security is a team effort, not solely an IT or security department duty.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Shift

As the CIO role evolves, so too does the need to prioritize cybersecurity within its scope. CISOs want CIOs to see that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it’s a strategic imperative.

By deepening their understanding of the threat environment, advocating for cybersecurity as an investment, integrating security into IT strategy, building strong communication with CISOs, and leading by example in cyber hygiene, CIOs will be far better equipped to face today’s—and tomorrow’s—cybersecurity challenges.