From the boardroom to the server room: The role of the CISO evolves into a strategic business focal point … [+]
The role of the chief information security officer continues to evolve and has undergone a seismic shift in recent years. Once seen as the gatekeepers of cybersecurity, CISOs are now taking center stage as strategic business partners. This transformation, as highlighted in the State of the CISO 2025 Report by IANS Research and Artico Search, is reshaping how organizations perceive security leaders and how these leaders navigate their evolving responsibilities.
The changing scope of the CISO role
The responsibilities of CISOs are expanding beyond the boundaries of cybersecurity. Increasingly, CISOs are entering areas such as business risk management, IT oversight and digital transformation. This expanded scope reflects the growing recognition that cybersecurity is not just a technical concern, but a cornerstone of business strategy.
For many CISOs, this shift brings opportunities to influence organizational priorities and contribute to broader business objectives. However, it also presents challenges, including balancing these expanded responsibilities with the need to maintain robust security frameworks.
The Three Faces of the Modern CISO
The report categorizes CISOs into three distinct segments based on their organizational influence and executive access:
- Strategic CISO (28%): These leaders excel at both C-suite access and boardroom influence, positioning themselves as key strategic partners. They report higher compensation and job satisfaction than their peers.
- Functional CISO (50%): While strong in executive access or boardroom engagement, they lack visibility in both areas, limiting their ability to drive pervasive influence.
- Tactical CISO (22%): Often seen as technical practitioners, these CISOs face significant barriers to access to senior management and the board, limiting their influence.
Understanding these categories helps organizations recognize the different challenges CISOs face and highlights opportunities for growth within each segment.
The Importance of C-Suite and Boardroom Engagement
Executive visibility and boardroom engagement are critical for CISOs aiming to align cybersecurity with business strategy. The report reveals that only 47% of CSOs engage with their boards on a monthly or quarterly basis. Those who do report significantly higher job satisfaction and opportunities for career advancement.
To increase visibility, the CISO should:
- Build relationships with board members outside of formal meetings.
- Limit discussions of cybersecurity in terms of business risks and opportunities.
- Demonstrate how security initiatives support organizational goals.
Compensation and career growth trends
Despite taking on broader responsibilities, most CSOs do not see commensurate increases in compensation. Only 3% of survey respondents attributed their increase to the expanded scope of responsibility. However, hybrid roles such as CISO/CIO or Chief Risk Officer command higher salaries, reflecting the strategic value of these positions.
New career paths for CISOs include roles such as Chief Trust Officer and external board memberships, where they can use their expertise to drive trust and transparency in business operations.
Challenges facing CISOs
While the evolution of the CISO role brings new opportunities, it also presents significant challenges:
- Tactical CISO struggle with limited access to leadership, reducing their influence.
- Functional CISO often face scope creep, leaving little time for strategic initiatives.
- Strategic CISO may be invited to the table, but see themselves as technical advisors rather than true business partners.
Addressing these challenges requires strategies tailored to each segment. For example, Tactical CISOs can increase their visibility through cross-functional initiatives, while functional CISOs can focus on delegation to free up time for strategic work.
The future of the CISO role
The role of the CISO is poised to continue to evolve. As organizations increasingly rely on digital innovation, CISOs are likely to play a central role in areas such as AI governance, M&A security and digital transformation. These responsibilities will further increase the strategic importance of the CISO position.
Additionally, demand for CISOs in external board roles is expected to increase, highlighting the value of cybersecurity expertise in corporate governance.
Building tomorrow’s strategic leaders
The journey from cyber custodian to strategic business leader is challenging and rewarding. As the State of the CISO 2025 Report shows, CISOs who embrace their expanded roles and align security initiatives with business objectives can drive significant organizational impact. For organizations, supporting CISOs in this transformation is not only beneficial, but essential to long-term success.
By reframing cybersecurity as a strategic opportunity, today’s CISOs are redefining their roles and shaping the future of business. For security leaders ready to rise to the challenge, the opportunities are as vast as the digital landscape they protect.
