IT security with a business focus
Modern IT security integrates seamlessly into operations and ideally helps to optimize and accelerate processes. As proactive protection, intelligent security mechanisms take effect even before any attacks. In this way, the effects of an attack can be limited, and regular business operations can be resumed as quickly as possible. In turn, the necessary services must be provided with an appropriate budget. The task of a Chief Information Security Officer is to meet this universal requirement.
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What qualifications does a CISO need?
The requirements profile for a CISO includes a wide range of skills. These include:
STRATEGIC SKILLS
Generally, CISOs deal with the creation and maintenance of a holistic security strategy for corporate IT. In doing so, professionals aim to define tailored security policies and processes to adequately protect business operations. At the same time, IT security must not compromise the requirements of the core business. The CISO is also responsible for reviewing the security concepts that have been developed and implemented. For example, different attack scenarios must be simulated to put the effectiveness of the company's own processes to the test and monitor them. This also includes crisis communication with customers and business partners.
IT EXPERTISE WITH A FOCUS ON CYBERSECURITY
To meet these high demands, CISOs are required to have a great deal of technical expertise. Most security decision-makers have in-depth professional experience in IT security, network administration and programming. Additional knowledge is also essential for the implementation of legal requirements. It is not only a matter of reliably protecting one's own systems against data leakage or cyberattacks, but also of complying with the requirements of legislators and industry associations. Essentially, this is about implementing digital security successfully and in compliance with the rules. In addition, CISOs are also expected to have leadership skills and business acumen. These skills help to negotiate the necessary security budget and to optimally adapt the protection processes to the core business.
SOFT SKILLS
In addition, soft skills are also of key importance for CISOs. They must develop a feel for the employees in the company and sensitize them to cybersecurity issues. Digital protection in the professional environment is not just about technological approaches. Cybercriminals primarily focus on the users themselves with spear phishing, malware spam and other social engineering attacks. In most cases, such attacks are much easier than fighting their way through multi-layered security concepts such as firewalls, malware scanners or encrypted communication channels. Awareness training and random practical tests are therefore essential components of a comprehensive IT security strategy.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communication skills also matter. CISOs usually work closely with CIOs and must convince them and the management of their security concepts. CISOs also represent the company to the outside world and answer security-specific questions from customers, partners and authorities.
