Reimagining the Office of Cybersecurity: A New Organizational Chart for the Future
Dennis E. Leber, Ph.D.
CISO | PhD | CISSP | Veteran |Top 100 CISO | QTE | Adjunct Professor | AI Governance & Security | Building Trust is Paramount
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, organizations must adapt and innovate to stay ahead. One critical aspect of this adaptation is the restructuring of the Office of Cybersecurity to ensure it is equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Elevating the CISO to True C-Suite Status
A key component of this new organizational chart is the elevation of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to a true C-suite position. The CISO must report directly to the CEO, on par with other C-suite executives, rather than reporting to another C-suite member. This change underscores the importance of cybersecurity in the overall strategic direction of the organization and ensures that the CISO has the authority and visibility needed to effectively manage and mitigate cyber risks.
Incorporating Human Factors Engineering
The future of cybersecurity is not just about technology; it's also about understanding and addressing the human element. (This is not a new truth)
To this end, the new org chart must include a Human Factors Engineer (HFE). This role will focus on the intersection of human behavior and cybersecurity, ensuring that security measures are user-friendly and that employees are well-equipped to recognize and respond to potential threats.
A Human Factors Engineer (HFE) plays a crucial role in cybersecurity by focusing on the interaction between humans and technology to minimize human error and enhance overall system security. They design user-friendly systems, understand human behavior, improve training and awareness, enhance decision-making, and integrate human factors into security policies.
Human Factors in Other Technology Fields
Human factors play a significant role in various technology fields by ensuring that systems and devices are designed with the user in mind. In medical technology, human factors engineers work on redesigning emergency room layouts, testing medical devices for usability and safety, and developing training materials.
In the automotive industry, they test alert systems, design training programs, and create easy-to-use electric vehicle charging stations. Human factors are also crucial in UX design, aviation, and consumer products and services.
There is a movement within this specialty regarding cybersecurity. Calvin Nobles, Ph.D. is making huge strides in research and apostatizing this discipline.
Expanding the Team: Marketing, Training, and Program Management
A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy requires a multidisciplinary approach. The new organizational chart should also incorporate dedicated roles for marketing, training, and program management.
- Marketing: Effective communication is crucial in promoting a culture of cybersecurity awareness. A marketing team can help craft and disseminate messages that resonate with employees and stakeholders, fostering a proactive approach to security.
- Training: Continuous education and training are essential in keeping employees informed about the latest threats and best practices. A dedicated training team can develop and deliver tailored programs that empower employees to act as the first line of defense against cyber threats.
- Program Management: Coordinating and managing cybersecurity initiatives requires a strategic and organized approach. A program management team can ensure that all cybersecurity efforts are aligned with the organization's goals and that resources are allocated efficiently.
Conclusion
As we look to the future, it is clear that the Office of Cybersecurity must evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing digital landscape. By elevating the CISO to true C-suite status and incorporating roles for Human Factors Engineering, marketing, training, and program management, organizations can build a resilient and adaptive cybersecurity framework that is well-equipped to protect against emerging threats.
What roles do you see becoming a branch in the tentacles of cybersecurity?
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Problem Solver | IT Governance | Business Management | Cybersecurity
12 分钟前I would like, love, and celebrate this article. Spot on, Dennis!
I'm helping organizations in cybersecurity and data privacy. I have experience in various data centers, including public, private, multi, and hybrid cloud, and on-premises. Ex| Sify, HCL, ANZ, TechM, Wipro, and Religare.
11 小时前I'd like to add to the existing viewpoints that cybersecurity and data privacy in the new era of AI and digital transformation shouldn't be considered just business objectives or requirements, but rather secure business enablers. I believe organizations should embrace a framework that encompasses every aspect of cybersecurity and data privacy in a 360-degree manner, including all workforce components (knowledge, skills, tasks, work roles, work role categories, and competency areas), program frameworks (Statuary, contractual obligations, regulatory frameworks), risk frameworks, process frameworks, and the frameworks for security controls. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. ?? ? ???? ??