Increasingly, companies are looking for chief information security officers (CISOs) with expertise not only in the technical aspects of the role but in regulation and risk management. Frank Balonis, CISO at tech company Kiteworks, recaps the CISOs journey and looks at what the future holds.
The role of the chief information security officer (CISO) is shifting dramatically as emerging threats, technological advancements and complex regulations redefine the cybersecurity landscape. No longer limited to safeguarding digital assets, CISOs now play a pivotal role in aligning security with global compliance standards. This evolution demands a strategic, proactive approach to risk management and continuous security improvement, positioning the CISO as a key driver of operational resilience in today’s ever-changing environment.
With over 160 privacy laws enacted globally, CISOs face the daunting task of navigating varied regulatory requirements, making compliance a critical component of their strategy. Successfully managing these challenges not only safeguards an organization’s data but also enhances its reputation and trustworthiness in the marketplace.
The modern CISO is tasked with integrating a wide range of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements into the organization’s broader risk management strategy, including standards like GDPR, HIPAA and ISO/IEC 27001.
The demand for CISOs to develop expertise in both technical and regulatory domains is growing, as highlighted in the ISACA Privacy in Practice 2024 report, which underscores the challenges of balancing these dual roles amid an environment of constrained resources and rising regulatory expectations. In this expanded role, CISOs are not just defenders against cyber threats but also champions of compliance and operational resilience.
Managing third-party risks: A critical imperative
One of the core responsibilities of today’s CISOs is protecting sensitive content from unauthorized access and breaches. As data breaches become more sophisticated, CISOs must implement comprehensive data governance frameworks that include strong encryption, access controls and data loss prevention strategies. This involves identifying sensitive data within the organization, understanding how it flows across various systems and networks and ensuring that adequate protections are in place at every stage. By focusing on protecting sensitive content, CISOs not only mitigate the risk of breaches but also ensure compliance with regulatory requirements that mandate stringent data protection measures.
According to Kiteworks’ recent report, 57% of organizations cannot track, control and report on external content sends and shares, highlighting a substantial governance risk gap. This inability to maintain visibility over third-party interactions poses a severe challenge to compliance and security, as sensitive data often moves beyond the direct control of the organization.
The increasing reliance on third-party vendors, partners and service providers to achieve business objectives has exponentially expanded the risk associated with these external entities, especially concerning the handling of sensitive data. Recent high-profile breaches involving third-party solutions have underscored the vulnerabilities inherent in relying on external partners for critical operations.
Adding to this complexity, per a Verizon report, 68% of data breaches are connected to third-party vulnerabilities, emphasizing the critical need for CISOs to oversee third-party risks as part of their compliance and security strategies. The significant rise in third-party-related breaches underscores the importance of comprehensive third-party risk management frameworks. These frameworks should include rigorous vetting processes, continuous monitoring and regular audits to ensure that third-party partners adhere to the organization’s security standards and regulatory requirements.
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Read moreDetailsIntersection of security and compliance
Continuous security improvement is not only crucial for protecting against threats but also serves as a vital support mechanism for compliance efforts. By continuously monitoring and adapting security measures, organizations can ensure they are meeting the dynamic requirements of various regulatory standards. This proactive stance helps organizations stay ahead of potential compliance issues, reducing the risk of penalties and enhancing overall governance.
Maintaining compliance across multiple global standards is a significant challenge due to the often-conflicting requirements of regulations like GDPR, CCPA and ISO/IEC 27001. Continuous security improvement helps bridge these gaps by fostering an integrated approach that aligns security protocols with compliance mandates. This ensures that organizations can address overlapping requirements more efficiently and reduce redundancies.
CISOs play a pivotal role in leading a security-first cultural change, ensuring that all staff members understand the importance of cybersecurity and their role in upholding the organization’s security posture. Implementing comprehensive training and awareness programs is essential for enhancing compliance and security. These programs should be designed to educate employees on current security threats, proper data handling procedures and the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements.
Future outlook: The evolving challenges and opportunities
As the regulatory landscape continues to expand, the role of the CISO is set to become even more critical in navigating complex compliance requirements, managing emerging cybersecurity threats and protecting sensitive content. The future will see CISOs increasingly adopting new technologies like generative AI to enhance both security and compliance strategies. Emerging trends in cybersecurity, including zero-trust architectures and enhanced data privacy measures, will require CISOs to continuously innovate and adapt their strategies to protect sensitive information. This evolving environment presents an opportunity for CISOs to lead the integration of advanced technologies, drive digital transformation and foster a culture of security, compliance and data protection across their organizations.
As threats grow more sophisticated and regulatory demands intensify, CISOs must take decisive action, making continuous security improvement and compliance management central to their strategies. A proactive, integrated approach is essential, leveraging emerging technologies and fostering a security-first culture to effectively manage risks. By stepping into their expanded roles with vision and agility, CISOs can drive innovation, strengthen operational resilience and build lasting trust with stakeholders. Now is the time for CISOs to lead with purpose, ensuring their organizations stay secure and compliant in an ever-shifting digital environment.
Frank Balonis
