Insights
The Rising Pressures on Today’s CISOs
In today’s corporate environment, the demand for skilled cybersecurity leaders has never been higher. However, with growing regulatory scrutiny and the increased likelihood of being held personally liable for breaches, many Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are questioning whether the role is worth the risk.
Recent surveys show that over 70% of CISOs are negatively impacted by stories of peers facing legal action for cybersecurity incidents. While only a few high-profile cases such as Uber and SolarWinds have resulted in punishments so far, the fear is real. CISOs are feeling nervous, frustrated, and in some cases, ready to abandon enterprise roles altogether.
Why Are CISOs Increasingly Worried About Their Roles?
1. Legal Liability for Breaches
Regulatory frameworks now expose CISOs to personal legal risks. Even if they are overruled by executives or boards on critical security measures, they may still be blamed for failures. This creates a Catch-22 situation: accountability without control.
2. Lack of Authority
CISOs often bear full responsibility for cybersecurity but lack the decision-making authority to implement necessary protections. Boards or committees may block measures, leaving CISOs exposed while being stripped of power.
3. Talent Drain
The fear of personal liability and mounting stress is driving skilled CISOs away from enterprise roles. Many are choosing to join vendor or consultancy firms, where risks are lower and compensation can be more attractive.
How Can CISOs Protect Themselves?
Negotiate Role Protections
CISOs should push for stronger contractual protections, such as:
- Becoming recognised as a corporate officer.
- Ensuring the company provides liability insurance.
- Including exit clauses in case of unfair dismissal.
Secure the Right Level of Authority
To reduce risks and frustrations, organisations must align responsibility with authority. CISOs should have the final say on critical cybersecurity decisions and the power to enforce them.
Document Decision-Making
Maintaining a clear record of recommendations, approvals, and rejections can provide an essential defence if disputes over liability arise.
Insurance and Legal Safeguards
Companies must provide CISOs with access to professional liability insurance and independent legal representation, ensuring that they are not personally exposed.
Why Organisations Must Act Now
The CISO role is becoming one of the most high-risk leadership positions in the corporate world. Unless businesses address the divide between accountability and authority, they risk losing top security talent when they need it most.
By embedding cultural change into cybersecurity transformation, organisations can shift from a purely technical rollout to a human-centred approach. This not only improves resilience and accountability but also reduces the professional risks CISOs face.
CISOs are at the front line of protecting organisations against cyber threats, yet they are increasingly vulnerable to personal and professional risks. To retain top talent and safeguard against breaches, boards and senior executives must empower CISOs with the authority, protections, and resources required to succeed.
If your organisation’s cybersecurity programme lacks the cultural change needed to drive resilience and accountability, Northwick Cybersecurity can help.
Contact Northwick Cybersecurity to discuss how we can support your business.
