A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is someone who has climbed up to a senior-level executive role within an organization. The key responsibility is to establish, protect and maintain enterprise vision, strategy, and program to ensure information assets are protected through the right set of technological interventions. With time, the role has become challenging as the sophistication of evolved technology requires constant learning.

As cybercriminals invest in developing sophisticated hacking tools, CISO’s are expected to be a step ahead of them. While hacking aims at exploiting security vulnerabilities, hackers have successfully developed robust tools that include, but are not limited to advanced features such as forensics, APIs, etc.

CISO’s are expected to set up checkpoints as they deal with a range of threats –

Insiders as well as outsiders hack into an organization’s IT infrastructure.

1. Stay a step ahead of the rest.

   Staying up with time by adopting correct secure technology can be a savior. In addition, don’t wait for a solution to go out of support before making a decision to upgrade your IT infrastructure. It is better to take full advantage of existing technology by keeping up with time and innovation when it comes to the security portfolio of your organization. Various improved features such as Single-Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Mobile based Access, are some of the avenues to optimize on resources, time, and competency of your systems.

2. Focus on Super Accounts as much on network border.

   Privileged accounts are recipients of most security-related vulnerabilities within an organization. Superuser accounts are a jackpot for attackers as they allow unobstructed control of an organization’s IT ecosystem, disable security controls, steal confidential information, commit financial fraud and disrupt operations. Therefore the focus on insiders cannot be overlooked. Knowingly, or unknowingly executives, IT administrators, or partners, may have allowed exposure to sensitive data, which could translate into significant ramifications to business. Session monitoring and session playback are some of the features of Privilege Account Management that can be harnessed.

3. Make cloud security a shared responsibility.

   It is not just the cloud vendor who owns the onus of protecting your data, it’s your responsibility too. With features like single-tenant (private) cloud infrastructure and Bring Your Own Encryption (BYOE), you can set up all necessary controls in ensuring that your data is safe and your IT system on the cloud is not defy-able. At the same time make sure that you go to a trusted cloud vendor with appropriate certifications.

In present times the above-mentioned approaches to cyber security can help you stay on top of a secure IT ecosystem. Successful hacks into your IT system can wreak havoc on your enterprise’s reputation, business, brand, and productivity. It is time that IT professionals stop underscoring the need for adopting a strategic approach towards enterprise security. Get over looming threats on your IT systems.

There is a shortage of talent capable of handling cyber threats and managing the fallout from breaches. While the need for expert intervention is much required, it is time that all tech geeks stop debating the intervention of an outsider to bring value to your IT systems and let the exchange of important information flow.