CSO stands for Chief Security Officer, which is an executive position that is responsible for overseeing the company’s employees’, assets’, and information security. A CSO’s main responsibility is to lead the team to protect the organization against any kind of digital threats. CSOs not only decide the security tools that will be implemented but also directs the organization’s infosec team to educate the employees to protect the organization’s network and intellectual property.
What is the CSO position?
CSO is a position that is responsible for an organization’s entire security posture. To avoid possible threats, CSOs work closely with related areas, such as business continuity planning, loss prevention, fraud prevention, and privacy. It is a very prestigious c-level position and it is one of the highest positions most cyber security experts can reach. While cyber threats targetting large organizations are on the rise, the CSO position became much more important recently and it is becoming harder for organizations to find the right CSO candidates.
What does a CSO do?
Protecting an organization against online threats can require different kinds of approaches. A CSO is responsible for implementing and overseeing strategies to evaluate possible risks and mitigating those risks to protect the organization’s assets. CSOs should develop, implement, and maintain the necessary processes and policies while reducing risks and limiting liability and exposure. CSOs are also responsible for taking steps to make the organization compliant with national and global regulations. A CSO should also make innovations if necessary, research the latest trends and execute the best possible security solutions.
What qualifies a CSO?
The CSO position became very critical recently, thus requirements for the position can vary depending on the organization. Most companies prefer at least a bachelor’s degree in safety management, information technology system, or a related field. Experience as a security manager is also very important for candidates. Information management systems and cybersecurity knowledge are crucial for CSO candidates. Alongside technical knowledge, most organizations are looking for CSOs who have knowledge of national and global information security laws. CSO should be able to develop security protocols and procedures. Similar to other c-level positions, communication and managerial skills are also important, along with the ability to lead the team.
Who is higher than a CSO?
In most organizations, the only position higher than a CSO is the CEO. Likewise, CSOs report directly to the CEO.
How do you become a CSO?
Professionals who are interested in becoming CSO at some point in their careers should mainly focus on both technical knowledge and hands-on experience for cyber security. Most organizations are looking for experience in a related managerial position. Most CSOs have over a decade of experience in such positions. A CSO candidate can differentiate himself/herself from his competitors with cybersecurity-related certificates. There are various organizations offering these certificates allowing professionals to prove their knowledge and hands-on experience.
What education and degree do you need to be a CSO?
A bachelor’s degree in safety management, information technology system or a related field is mostly required for CSO positions. Some organizations are at least looking for a master’s degree. However, in some situations, certifications from prestigious organizations can be more important than these degrees.
What is the average base salary of CSO?
A salary of a CSO can depend on the organization’s size, candidate’s experience, and even the location of the company. Generally speaking, the average CSO salary is approximately between $150,000 and $200,000. Most CSOs can also benefit from bonuses and profit shares depending on their performance.