The shifting role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) reflects the growing importance of cybersecurity in overall business strategy. Once primarily responsible for protecting systems and data, the CISO is now expected to take on broader leadership responsibilities. Research findings show that organisations increasingly rely on CISOs to align security with business objectives, manage enterprise risks, and influence corporate decision-making. This transition has reshaped the cybersecurity landscape, creating new challenges and opportunities for security leaders.
Expanding Responsibilities Beyond Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is no longer viewed as an isolated function within IT departments. It has become an essential pillar of enterprise risk management and corporate strategy. As a result, the responsibilities of CISOs now extend into areas such as compliance, data privacy, digital transformation, and governance.
This shift is driven by multiple factors. They include: the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, stricter regulatory requirements, and the increasing financial impact of security breaches. Research findings show that organisations expect CISOs to provide guidance on risk mitigation, crisis management, and business continuity. In many cases, CISOs are also tasked with ensuring that security measures support innovation rather than hinder it.
With this expanded scope, CISOs have more opportunities to influence decision-making at the highest levels. However, balancing strategic leadership with operational security remains a challenge.
Three Categories of CISOs in the Modern Enterprise
The 2025 State of the CISO Report, published by IANS Research and Artico Search, identifies three distinct CISO profiles based on their influence within organisations:
- Strategic CISOs (28%) – These security leaders have strong executive and board-level engagement. They are seen as key business partners, and their roles go beyond cybersecurity into broader risk management and corporate strategy. As a result, they tend to have higher job satisfaction and compensation.
- Functional CISOs (50%) – This group has either boardroom access or engagement with the executive team, but not both. While they contribute to security strategy, their influence remains limited.
- Tactical CISOs (22%) – These professionals are primarily focused on technical security operations. They face challenges in gaining executive visibility, which restricts their ability to shape business decisions.
Understanding these different profiles helps organisations assess their security leadership and identify opportunities for CISOs to expand their impact.
The Importance of Boardroom Engagement
Executive visibility is a key factor in the shifting role of the CISO. Research findings show that only 47% of CISOs meet with their boards regularly, despite the growing importance of cybersecurity in business strategy. Those who engage with senior leadership more frequently report higher job satisfaction and career growth opportunities.
To enhance boardroom presence, CISOs can:
- Build relationships with executives and board members outside of formal meetings.
- Frame security discussions in terms of business risks and opportunities.
- Demonstrate how cybersecurity supports innovation and corporate objectives.
By positioning cybersecurity as a driver of business success, CISOs can gain greater influence. Moreover, they can ensure that security remains a priority at the executive level.
Trends in Compensation and Career Progression
Despite taking on broader responsibilities, many CISOs do not see direct increases in their compensation. Research findings show that only 3% of CISOs received a pay rise due to an expanded scope of work. However, hybrid leadership roles—such as CISO/CIO or Chief Risk Officer—often command higher salaries.
New career paths are also emerging for CISOs. Some transition into roles such as Chief Trust Officer, which focuses on ensuring transparency and security in digital business operations. Others join corporate boards, where their cybersecurity expertise is valuable for risk management and governance.
As organisations recognise the strategic importance of security leadership, the demand for experienced CISOs in high-level business roles will grow.
Challenges in the Evolving CISO Role
While the shifting role of the CISO creates new opportunities, it also presents significant challenges:
- Tactical CISOs struggle to gain executive access, limiting their ability to drive strategic initiatives.
- Functional CISOs face scope expansion without additional resources, making it difficult to balance operational security with leadership responsibilities.
- Strategic CISOs may engage with executives but must reinforce their role as business leaders, not just technical experts.
To address these challenges, Tactical CISOs can increase their visibility through collaboration with other departments. Functional CISOs should focus on delegation to free up time for strategic work. Strategic CISOs can reinforce their influence by linking cybersecurity initiatives to business performance.
The Future of CISOs in Business Strategy
As organisations continue to embrace digital innovation, the shifting role of the CISO will become even more pronounced. Security leaders are expected to play a key role in:
- AI governance – Ensuring ethical and secure implementation of artificial intelligence.
- Mergers and acquisitions security – Assessing and managing cybersecurity risks in corporate transactions.
- Cloud security and resilience – Developing strategies to protect cloud-based infrastructure and data.
Another major trend is the increasing demand for CISOs in board-level positions. As cybersecurity becomes a top concern for businesses, organisations are recognising the need for security expertise in governance and decision-making.
Strengthening the Role of the CISO for the Future
The shifting CISO role requires security leaders to evolve beyond their technical roots and embrace a more strategic approach. Research findings show that organisations benefit when CISOs actively participate in business planning and corporate decision-making.
For businesses, investing in cybersecurity leadership is crucial. Providing CISOs with executive access, resources, and support ensures that security remains integrated into overall strategy. At the same time, security leaders must develop skills in business communication, risk management, and leadership to maximise their influence.
As technology continues to reshape industries, CISOs who successfully adapt to these changes will play a critical role in shaping the future of business security. The shifting role of the CISO is not just about managing threats. It is also about driving innovation, ensuring resilience, and positioning security as a fundamental component of business success.
At AFS, we are passionate about fostering innovation and empowering ambitious minds to flourish. Our mission is to provide best-in-class financial services for traditional and crypto deals, exploit European grants, and use quantitative methods to improve clients’ performance. We aim to help our customers unlock their full business potential.
Let’s unlock your enterprise’s full potential together!
Get in touch at [email protected].