Over the past decade, the role of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) has expanded significantly, reflecting cybersecurity’s growing importance in corporate governance and risk management. Once primarily responsible for managing firewalls and protecting data, CISOs now play a critical role in shaping business strategies and aligning cybersecurity with broader company objectives. 

This evolution is underscored by increasing industry investment, as Gartner predicts that global spending on security and risk management will rise by 14.3 per cent this year, surpassing USD 215 billion. CISOs are no longer viewed solely as technical experts. 

Today, they are seen as strategic business leaders, responsible for driving business success by mitigating cyber risks and enhancing security measures to support long-term goals. 

As Saugat Sindhu, Partner and Global Head of Advisory Services for Cybersecurity & Risk Services at Wipro Limited, explains, “CISOs can shift from being seen as technical experts to strategic business leaders by building awareness and translating technical risks into business terms that are understandable for board members and executives.” 

This shift is essential for gaining leadership buy-in and ensuring that cybersecurity supports overall business growth. Emerging technologies such as generative AI are further transforming the CISO’s role. A recent ISC2 survey found that 88 per cent of cybersecurity professionals believe AI will significantly impact their roles, either now or in the near future. 

CISOs must continually educate themselves and their teams to stay ahead, integrating advanced technologies into cybersecurity strategies to strengthen security and drive business goals. To successfully transition from a technical to a strategic role, CISOs should adopt three key strategies.  

First, they need to shift from being purely “tech guardians” to becoming enablers of business growth, understanding how cybersecurity can help their companies gain a competitive edge. Second, they must build strong partnerships with senior leaders like the CFO and CRO to integrate cybersecurity into the company’s risk management framework and secure the necessary resources. 

Finally, CISOs should foster a culture of continuous learning and awareness across the workforce, ensuring all employees are equipped to handle emerging cyber threats.