Top 5 Concerns of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Jul 7, 2023 | Secure Business Data

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) face numerous challenges in safeguarding their organizations. Dive into this comprehensive guide, where we’ll explore the top 5 concerns for CISOs, including the ever-changing cybersecurity threat landscape, fostering a security-conscious culture, navigating complex regulatory compliance, managing third-party vendor risks, and ensuring robust data privacy and protection.

Table of contents:

Cybersecurity Threat Landscape: “Ensuring Preparedness for Evolving Threats”

The dynamic nature of the cybersecurity landscape demands constant vigilance and adaptability from organizations. In the face of rapidly evolving threats, a CISO must be prepared to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. As stated in the DSPM blog post, “the digital transformation has brought with it a significant increase in the number of threats and vulnerabilities to which organizations are exposed.”

According to a 2021 report by Accenture, the top threats impacting organizations include ransomware (New Generation), supply chain attacks, and the exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The report also highlights that cybercriminals have been targeting remote workers and leveraging phishing campaigns.

In this context, ensuring preparedness for evolving threats is of paramount importance. To address these challenges, CISOs must adopt a proactive approach in securing their organization’s digital assets.

1.1 Most common types of cybersecurity threats for Organizations.

  • Malware: It is present in almost all types of attacks. Ransomware, Trojans, Spyware, viruses, worms, keyloggers, bots… 92% of Malware is delivered via email, and the first 6 months of 2022 saw a huge 976.7% increase comprared to the year before.
  • Phishing: Is one of the top causes of data breaches, more than 75% of targeted cyberattacks start with an email. These attacks continue to evolve to incorporate new tactics. Targeted spear-phishing attacks designed to obtain credentials make up 76% of all threats. IBM reported that they were the most expensive initial attack vector, with an average cost of $4.91 million.
  • DDoS attacks: Distributed denial of service attacks are often carried out as a decoy to distract the owners of the attacked website while the hacker attempts to mount a second, more exploitative attack. This threat continued to grow reaching an increase of 60%.

  • Supply Chain Attacks or third party exposure: According to CyberArk’s report, 96% of organizations give external parties access to critical systems, providing unprotected access to their technical docs and designs. It’s important to protect all the data shared in the supply chain with thrid parties.
  • Exploitation of Known Vulnerabilities and misconfigurations: Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in software and hardware to gain unauthorized access to systems and data. According to a Rapid7 test, 80% of external penetration tests encountered an exploitable misconfiguration.

1.2 Strategies for staying ahead of evolving threats

Here are three key approaches to help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and protect their critical assets to stay ahead of potential risks:

  • Continuous monitoring and threat intelligence: Staying informed about the latest threat trends and attacker tactics is crucial for staying ahead of cybercriminals. By integrating threat intelligence feeds into their security operations, organizations can better anticipate and respond to emerging threats. A Ponemon Institute study found that organizations that used threat intelligence reduced the average cost of a data breach by $192,000. Know how to calculate the cost of a data breach with a case study here.
  • Regular security assessments and penetration testing: Conducting regular security assessments, such as vulnerability scans and penetration tests, can help organizations identify weaknesses in their security posture and take corrective actions before they are exploited by attackers. According to a Cybersecurity Insiders report, 96% of organizations that conducted application security testing discovered at least one vulnerability.
  • Investing in advanced security tools (e.g., AI and machine learning): Advanced security tools that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can help organizations detect and respond to threats more effectively. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, anomalies, and potential threats, enabling organizations to take swift action. A Capgemini Research Institute report revealed that 69% of organizations believe AI will be necessary to respond to cyberattacks in the coming years.

1.3 Best practices for incident response and recovery

It is crucial for organizations to have a well-defined incident response plan in place to minimize the impact of a security breach. Here are some best practices for incident response and recovery:

  • Developing and testing an incident response plan: It is essential to have a well-defined incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken, step-by-step procedures, in case of a security breach. The plan should include roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and procedures for containing and mitigating the incident. It is also crucial to test the plan regularly to ensure its effectiveness. The plan helps teams improve response and recovery times to restore business operations quickly and effectively. You can base on frameworks as NIST, SANS or ISO.
  • Communication strategies during a security incident: Communication is key during a security incident. It is essential to have a communication plan in place that outlines how to notify stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners. The plan should also include guidelines for communicating with the media and law enforcement agencies.
  • Post-incident analysis and lessons learned: After a security incident, it is crucial to conduct a post-incident analysis to identify the root cause of the incident and the effectiveness of the incident response plan. The analysis should also include lessons learned and recommendations for improving the incident response plan.

Information Security Awareness: “Creating a Security-Conscious Culture”

The importance of information security awareness cannot be overstated. Creating a security-conscious culture within an organization is a top concern for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). In fact, a study by (ISC) revealed that 95% of the surveyed cybersecurity professionals believe that a lack of security awareness among employees is a significant challenge for organizations.


A security-conscious culture is not only about implementing sophisticated security technologies but also about empowering employees to take responsibility for protecting the organization’s digital assets. By fostering a culture where employees are aware of potential risks and understand their role in mitigating them, organizations can effectively reduce the likelihood of security incidents.

In the next subsections, we will delve deeper into the strategies and best practices for creating a security-conscious culture within an organization.

2.1 Importance of security awareness training

  • Reducing human error: Human error is often cited as the leading cause of security breaches in organizations. Security awareness training helps minimize this risk by educating employees on best practices for handling sensitive information and identifying potential threats.
  • Detecting and reporting suspicious activity: Security awareness training equips employees with the knowledge to recognize phishing emails, social engineering tactics, and other common forms of cyberattacks. This enables them to detect and report suspicious activities, improving an organization’s overall security posture and preventing potential data breaches.
  • Ensuring compliance with security policies: Training is essential for maintaining compliance with security protocols and procedures. By educating employees about the importance of adhering to security policies, organizations can avoid costly fines and legal repercussions associated with non-compliance.

2.2 Most effective security awareness training methods

  • Interactive and engaging content: Recent studies have shown that interactive and engaging content, such as videos, quizzes, and simulations, is one of the most effective methods for security awareness training. These materials allow employees to actively participate in the learning process, increasing retention and understanding of key security concepts.
  • Gamification: Gamification is a popular method for increasing engagement and retention of information in security awareness training. By incorporating game-like elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards, employees are motivated to learn and apply security best practices.
  • Regularly updated training materials: Keeping employees informed about the latest threats and vulnerabilities is essential for maintaining a strong security posture. Regularly updated training materials, including newsletters, webinars, and training sessions, provide up-to-date information and reinforce the importance of security awareness.

2.3 Measuring the success of security awareness programs

  • Tracking employee engagement and knowledge retention: According to recent studies, tracking employee engagement and knowledge retention is a crucial aspect of measuring the success of security awareness programs. One study found that companies with high levels of employee engagement in security training had a 70% lower risk of security incidents compared to those with low engagement levels.
  • Monitoring security incidents and policy violations: Monitoring security incidents and policy violations can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of security awareness programs. A report by the Ponemon Institute found that companies that monitored security incidents and policy violations had a 40% lower risk of data breaches compared to those that did not.

Regulatory Compliance: “Meeting Legal and Industry Standards”

In the era of stringent data protection regulations and constantly evolving cyber threats, regulatory compliance has become a top priority for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). As discussed in the DSPM blog post, meeting legal and industry standards is essential for organizations to maintain their reputation, avoid fines, and protect their customers’ sensitive information.

According to a study by the Ponemon Institute, non-compliance with data protection regulations can cost organizations an average of $14.82 million per year. This highlights the importance of implementing robust security controls and processes to ensure compliance with relevant laws and industry standards.

In the next subsections, we will delve deeper into the challenges CISOs face in maintaining regulatory compliance and explore strategies to overcome these obstacles.

3.1 Overview of key regulations and standards

  • GDPR: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union and the European Economic Area. It came into effect on May 25, 2018, and aims to give control to individuals over their personal data.
  • HIPAA: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a US law that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. It was enacted in 1996 and has been updated several times since then.
  • PCI-DSS: The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. It was created by major credit card companies in 2004.
  • ISO 27001: The International Organization for Standardization’s Information Security Management System (ISO 27001) is a framework for managing and protecting sensitive information using risk management processes. It is a globally recognized standard that provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information.
  • DORA: The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is a proposed regulation by the European Commission aimed at harmonizing and strengthening the digital operational resilience requirements for financial institutions in the European Union. DORA focuses on areas such as ICT risk management, incident reporting, digital operational resilience testing, and ICT third-party risk. Know more in our detailed guide about DORA.
  • NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Provides a policy framework of computer security guidance for private sector organizations in the United States.

3.2 Strategies for maintaining compliance

  • Regular audits and assessments: Conducting regular audits and assessments can help identify areas of non-compliance and ensure that policies and procedures are being followed. This can also help organizations stay up-to-date with changing regulations and industry standards.
  • Documenting policies and procedures: Documenting policies and procedures can help ensure that employees are aware of compliance requirements and can refer to them as needed. This can also help organizations demonstrate their commitment to compliance in the event of an audit or investigation.
  • Training employees on compliance requirements: Providing regular training on compliance requirements can help ensure that employees understand their responsibilities and can identify potential compliance issues. This can also help create a culture of compliance within the organization.

Vendor Risk Management: “Assessing and Mitigating Third-Party Risks”

Organizations increasingly rely on third-party vendors and partners to deliver critical services and support their operations. However, this collaboration can also introduce significant risks to the company’s data security and compliance posture. As a result, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) must prioritize vendor risk management as a key concern.

Vendor risk management involves assessing and mitigating the potential risks associated with third-party relationships, including data breaches, non-compliance, and service disruptions. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of having a robust vendor risk management strategy in place. According to new research from Ponemon Institute and Mastercard’s RiskRecon, only 34% of organizations are confident their suppliers would notify them of a breach of their sensitive information.

By implementing a proactive approach to vendor risk management, CISOs can ensure that their organizations are better prepared to identify, assess, and mitigate the risks associated with third-party relationships. In the next subsections, we will delve deeper into the key aspects of vendor risk management and explore best practices for CISOs to effectively manage third-party risks.

4.1 Common risks associated with third-party vendors

  • Data breaches: Third-party vendors often have access to sensitive data or informations, making them a prime target for cybercriminals. In fact, a study by Ponemon Institute found that 59% of companies experienced a data breach caused by a third-party vendor in 2022.
  • Supply chain disruptions: Third-parties can also cause disruptions in the supply chain, leading to delays and increased costs. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the risks of relying on a single supplier, as many companies experienced shortages and delays due to supply chain disruptions.
  • Legal and regulatory violations: Third-party vendors may also engage in illegal or unethical practices, which can lead to legal and regulatory violations for the company. Non-compliance could subject the companies hiring them to huge monetary penalties. Organizations must ensure that third parties comply with regulations.

4.2 Best practices for vendor risk assessment

  • Conducting due diligence: Before engaging with a vendor, it is important to conduct a thorough background check to ensure they have a good reputation and are compliant with relevant regulations. This includes reviewing their financial stability, security practices, and past performance.
  • Establishing clear contract terms and SLAs: Contracts should clearly outline the expectations and responsibilities of both parties, including security requirements and data protection measures, as the Personal Data Processsing Agreement (DPA). Service level agreements (SLAs) should also be established to ensure the vendor meets agreed-upon performance standards.
  • Regularly monitoring vendor performance: Ongoing monitoring of vendor performance is crucial to ensure they continue to meet security and performance standards. This includes regular audits, vulnerability assessments, and incident response testing. In recent years, there have been several high-profile data breaches caused by third-party vendors, highlighting the importance of effective vendor risk management.

4.3 Strategies for mitigating vendor risks

  • Implementing vendor risk management frameworks: In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards implementing vendor risk management frameworks to mitigate the risks associated with third-party vendors. These frameworks typically involve a set of policies, procedures, and controls that are designed to identify, assess, and manage vendor risks. By implementing these frameworks, organizations can better understand the risks associated with their vendors and take steps to mitigate them.
  • Collaborating with vendors to improve security practices: Another strategy for mitigating vendor risks is to collaborate with vendors to improve their security practices. This can involve working with vendors to identify and address vulnerabilities in their systems, as well as providing training and resources to help them improve their security posture. By working together, organizations and vendors can create a more secure environment for their shared data and systems.

  • Considering alternative vendors and contingency plans: Finally, organizations can mitigate vendor risks by considering alternative vendors and contingency plans. This involves identifying backup vendors and developing contingency plans in case a primary vendor experiences a security breach or other issue. By having alternative options in place, organizations can minimize the impact of vendor-related risks and ensure continuity of operations.

Data Privacy and Protection: “Safeguarding Sensitive Information”

Data privacy and protection have become paramount concerns for organizations across all industries. The rapid growth of data, migration to the cloud, and increasing regulatory compliance requirements have made safeguarding sensitive information a top priority for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) technologies, which leverage AI/ML techniques, play a crucial role in identifying, classifying, and assessing risks associated with sensitive data.

CISOs must stay ahead of the curve by adopting data-centric security tools and strategies to protect their organization’s most valuable assets and ensure compliance with various regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI.

In the next subsection, we will delve deeper into the challenges and best practices for data privacy and protection, providing insights for CISOs to effectively safeguard their organization’s sensitive information.

5.1 Data privacy best practices

  • Privacy by design and by default: This principle requires companies to consider privacy at every stage of their product or service development, from the initial design to the final implementation. It involves implementing privacy-enhancing technologies, such as encryption and anonymization, and ensuring that default settings are privacy-friendly.
  • Data minimization and retention policies: Companies should only collect and retain the minimum amount of personal data necessary to achieve their stated purpose. They should also have clear policies in place for how long they will retain data and how it will be securely disposed of when no longer needed.

5.2 Implementing effective data protection measures

  • Encryption and pseudonymization: Encrypting sensitive data is a critical component of any data protection strategy. Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted or stolen, it remains unreadable. The corporate’s data should be protected in its three states: at rest, in transit and in use. Pseudonymization is another technique used to protect personal data by replacing identifying information with pseudonyms. Tools like Sealpath, offers a solution that help organizations implement robust encryption measures to protect their sensitive data. EDRM solutions are very strong technologies if the deployment is done successfully as is detailed in this article. SealPath EDRM is an advanced persistent protection that travels with the data wherever it goes limiting the Access and use. Know in depth how encryption works in organizations here.
  • Access controls and authentication: Implementing strict access controls and authentication methods is crucial for preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data. This includes using multi-factor authentication, role-based access control, and monitoring user activity. Sealpath’s solutions can help organizations to establish and enforce access controls, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive data.
  • Secure data storage and disposal: Ensuring that data is securely stored and disposed of when no longer needed is an essential aspect of data protection. This involves using secure storage solutions, such as encrypted databases and file systems, as well as implementing secure data deletion methods. Sealpath’s data-centric security solutions can assist organizations in securely storing and managing their sensitive data, as well as facilitating secure data disposal when necessary.

5.3 Responding to data breaches and privacy incidents

  • Notification requirements: In the event of a data breach or privacy incident, organizations are often required by regulations, such as GDPR, to notify affected individuals and relevant authorities within a specific timeframe. For example, GDPR mandates that companies report a breach to the appropriate supervisory authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of the incident. Sealpath’s solutions can help organizations detect and respond to potential data breaches more quickly, enabling them to meet notification requirements and minimize potential damage.
  • Incident response planning: Having a well-defined incident response plan in place is crucial for organizations to effectively manage and recover from data breaches or privacy incidents. This plan should include clear roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and procedures for investigating and addressing the incident. Sealpath’s data-centric security solutions can support organizations in their incident response planning by providing visibility and control over sensitive data, enabling more rapid identification and containment of potential breaches.
  • Remediation and recovery efforts: After a data breach or privacy incident, organizations must take appropriate steps to remediate the issue and recover their operations. This may involve implementing additional security measures, addressing vulnerabilities, and providing support to affected individuals. Sealpath’s solutions can play a vital role in remediation and recovery efforts by helping organizations to identify and address the root causes of data breaches, as well as assisting in the secure restoration of affected data and systems.

SealPath, Advanced Data Protection and Classification to secure your most critical data

SealPath is a prominent security provider that specializes in safeguarding data and managing digital rights. Our cutting-edge solutions leverages state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology. With a strong emphasis on data protection and risk identification, SealPath’s expertise lies in the classification and protection of data, enabling organizations to better manage and secure their information.

SealPath SealPath applies persistent protection that travels with the sensitive documentation:

  • Protect access to data regardless of location.
  • Controlling that each person accesses only what they need to access and applying strict access controls.
  • Auditing and recording all access to sensitive documentation.

Contact our team of information security experts here for advice on the best data security strategies.