How to become a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)?

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Do you enjoy computer coding? Do you aspire to work in a position of leadership? If you answered yes, you have the mindset of a Chief Information Security Officer.

According to Statista, there were 1,001 reported data breaches in the United States in 2020 alone, exposing the sensitive information of 155.8 million people.

Because data is such an important part of modern business, information security professionals are in high demand across all industries.

The chief information security officer leads a company’s security force and works to cultivate a secure and safe company culture by implementing measures that protect data and sensitive information and help departments communicate securely.

Do you aspire to be a Chief Information Security Officer or are you just exploring the field? In either case, you’ve come to the right place! This blog discusses the skills required, colleges and courses, salary, and what else it takes to become a Chief Information Security Officer. Follow the step-by-step guide in the blog about how to become a Chief Security Information Officer.

Who is a Chief Information Security Officer?

A chief security officer is a member of a company’s top management. The cyber security infrastructure and computer security protocols are overseen by the chief security officer. They also write security policies, including procedures for physical safety, though this varies by company. Chief Information Security Officer(CISO) is also known as the Chief Security Officer at times.

Learn more: How to become a Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

How to become a Chief Information Security Officer [4 step guide]

Step 1: Stream to select

To become a Chief Security Officer, students should select the Science stream and take Math as one of their subjects. Math is important in computer science because it teaches students how to use abstract language, work with algorithms, self-analyze their computational thinking, and model real-world solutions accurately.

Step 2: Certification courses and project courses

The courses listed below can help you become a Chief Information Security Officer.

  • Certified Authorization Professional (CAP)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  • GIAC Security Leadership (GSLC)
  • Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional – Architecture (CISSP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Security 5 Certification
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

    Also, Try to Check out our JuniorMBA Chief Technology Officer program to further boost your skills.

Step 3: Educational qualifications

A CISO must have a bachelor’s degree in business, information technology, criminal justice, computer science, or a related field. Candidates with master’s degrees and extensive leadership experience are frequently preferred.

How to become a Chief Information Security Officer after 10th?

Focusing on and learning computer and programming and math subjects after 10th will prepare students and provide a solid foundation in these subjects before they begin learning advanced topics in these subjects while pursuing their bachelor’s degree.

During this time, students should learn how to use their logical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills like a tech whiz with the Clever Harvey- JuniorMBA Technology programme. Try it out for yourself!

How to become a Chief Information Security Officer after 12th?

To become a CISO in India after 12th –

Students who have completed their class 10+2 with a science stream from any recognised board, such as CBSE/ICSE/State board, are eligible for the course Bachelors in Computer Science.

  • UG courses to become a Chief Information Security Officer in India:
CourseDurationFees
B.Sc Computer Science3 years₹29,700 to ₹4,05,000
  • Top UG colleges to become a Chief Information Security Officer in India:
Name of InstitutionLocation
SRM University Chennai – SRM Institute of Science and TechnologyTamil Nadu
VIT Vellore – Vellore Institute of TechnologyTamil Nadu
LPU Jalandhar – Lovely Professional UniversityPunjab
Chandigarh University, ChandigarhPunjab
Sathyabama University – Sathyabama Institute of Science and TechnologyTamil Nadu
MIT-WPU Pune – Dr Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace UniversityMaharashtra
Osmania University, HyderabadTelangana
Gandhigram Rural Institute, DindigulTamil Nadu
NIMS University, JaipurRajasthan
Karunya University – Karunya Institute of Technology and SciencesTamil Nadu
Source

To become a CISO abroad –

A bachelor’s degree in a field such as computer science, information technology, business, or cybersecurity is required. These four-year programmes provide CISOs with fundamental knowledge of technology, computer skills, programming, and security processes.

  • UG courses to become a Chief Information Security Officer abroad:
CourseDuration
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science3-4 years
BA in Computer Science3-4 years
  • Top UG colleges to become a Chief Information Security Officer abroad:
Name of InstitutionLocation
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)United States
Stanford UniversityUnited States
Carnegie Mellon UniversityUnited States
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)United States
University of OxfordUnited Kingdom
National University of Singapore (NUS)Singapore
Harvard UniversityUnited States
ETH ZurichSwitzerland
University of CambridgeSwitzerland
EPFLSweden
Source

Also read: Career as a Cyber Forensic Expert – Latest Guide

Step 4: How to prepare for the job?

  • Gain work experience: Before becoming CISOs, most chief information security officers have at least seven to ten years of professional experience. You could apply for an entry-level job after graduating from college, such as a Computer programmer, Network or computer specialist, Network, system or computer analyst etc.
  • Earn a master’s degree: Many employers require master’s degrees in cybersecurity, information systems and technology, computer science, information technology and management, or digital forensic science for CISOs. Alternatively, you could earn a master’s degree in business administration and combine it with information technology certifications to better understand the business practices of being a company executive. Any master’s degree can increase your job opportunities and earnings potential.
  • Continue learning: Because information technology and cybersecurity are always changing, you should stay up to date on industry trends and developments. Seek out opportunities for continuing education to keep your knowledge up to date. These could include:
  1. Participating in professional organisations such as the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners, the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, or the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence.
  2. Reading articles and information on reputable industry websites like SearchSecurity and EC-Council
  3. Taking online courses from companies like the Infosec Institute
  4. Attending industry events like the CIO Global Forum, CISO Summit, or Black Hat CISO Summit  

Important skills to become a Chief Information Security Officer

  • A methodical and thorough approach
  • Critical-thinking
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Technical skills
  • Compliance
  • Risk management

Salary of a Chief Information Security Officer

Salary in India

An entry-level Chief Information Security Officer with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an annual compensation (tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of  ₹12,50,000.

Source

Abroad

The following are some entry-level Chief Information Security Information Officer salaries from around the world.

CountryAnnual Salary
United States$141,567
United Kingdom£104,038
Canada$146,178 (CAD)
Japan¥11,333,674
Source

Read more: How to Become an IPS Officer

Top 10 recruiters

  • Walmart
  • Amazon
  • Apple
  • CVS Health
  • UnitedHealth Group
  • Exxon Mobil
  • Berkshire Hathaway
  • Alphabet
  • McKesson
  • AmerisourceBergen

Chief information security officers are the crème de la crème in the information security world, literally and metaphorically speaking. There is no higher aspiration in information security than becoming a chief information security officer.

It is a c-suite level position in corporations, which means it is one of the most powerful and influential officers in any given company, and generally reports directly to the CEO. As a result, extensive experience, knowledge, expertise, and hands-on skills in as many aspects of information security as possible are required. Best wishes on your path to becoming a CISO!

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FAQs about how to become a Chief Information Security Officer

How do you become a chief information security?

Ans: CISOs should have experience with risk management and auditing. Many companies require CISOs to have advanced degrees in business, computer science or engineering, and to have extensive professional working experience in information technology.

How long does it take to become a CISO?

Ans: Before becoming CISOs, most chief information security officers have at least seven to ten years of professional experience.

What certification should a CISO have?

Ans: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) The cybersecurity professional organisation (ISC)2’s CISSP certification is one of the most sought-after credentials in the industry.

Do you need an MBA to be a CISO?

Ans: A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) doesn’t need to have an MBA. The education requirements for a CISO are also not that high since most employers require a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related course such as computer science or cybersecurity.

Can you be a CISO without a degree?

Ans: No, a bachelor’s degree and a lot of experience are required to climb the corporate ladder to the CISO position; in most cases, additional degrees and certifications are required.

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