Summary:
CISO roles are becoming more complex due to increased responsibilities and regulations.
Only 63% of cybersecurity professionals have received formal leadership training.
The most critical skill for leaders is communication, followed by strategic thinking and technical skills.
Soft skills are essential for effectively managing security teams and communicating with stakeholders.
Investing in leadership training can significantly enhance organizational readiness against cyber threats.
The Evolving Role of the CISO
The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role is becoming increasingly complex and critical. With the potential for irreversible harm to an organization's reputation and finances following a breach or attack, the responsibilities of cyber leaders are growing, particularly with added government regulations and compliance issues.
Despite the steady increase in CISO salaries, there is a significant lack of formal training for security leaders. According to a study by ISC2, less than 63% of respondents reported having received formal training, with 81% having learned leadership skills primarily by observing others.
“Allowing cybersecurity professionals to learn primarily by observing leaders may perpetuate bad habits,” the report warns.
Essential Skills for Cybersecurity Leaders
The ISC2 report highlights that communication is the most critical quality for cybersecurity leaders, with 85% of those surveyed ranking it first. Other vital leadership skills include:
- Strategic Thinking (41%)
- Open-Mindedness (37%)
- Technical Skills (33%)
- Decisiveness (21%)
- Business Acumen (20%)
Importance of Soft Skills
Experts emphasize the need for soft skills among cybersecurity leaders to manage their teams effectively. Trey Ford, CISO at Bugcrowd, notes that leaders must speak the language of their audience, which requires empathy, communication, and a grasp of legal and ethical considerations.
Focus on Communication
Communication and strategic thinking are in high demand for cyber leaders. Ford encourages CISOs to view themselves as orchestra conductors, honing their soft skills through non-traditional educational avenues like executive education and business school.
Alberto Farronato, VP of Marketing at Oasis Security, underscores the significance of communication in securing identities and aligning multiple stakeholders during incidents.
Addressing the Training Gap
The absence of formal leadership training hampers effective communication, especially during crises. Agnidipta Sarkar, VP of CISO Advisory at ColorTokens, points out that organizations risk greater repercussions from incidents due to insufficient training.
Steps Organizations Can Take
Investing in leadership training can yield long-term benefits. Kate Terrell, Chief HR Officer at Menlo Security, asserts that formal training helps leaders navigate VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) environments effectively.
Organizations are encouraged to integrate leadership training into career development and create structured progression plans. Brandon Williams, CTO of Conversant Group, suggests regular assessments of leadership skills through peer reviews and feedback.
By prioritizing leadership development, organizations can empower their cybersecurity professionals to better manage risks and lead effectively.
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