U.S. Privacy Laws Are Growing—And So Are the Responsibilities of CISOs

I try to keep my finger on the pulse of the cybersecurity industry, and lately, I've been reading about changes in privacy laws in the U.S. Of note, the role of the CISO in managing privacy regulations is increasingly important. It’s a topic that’s gaining traction, as the lines between data security and data privacy have blurred. What used to be the domain of legal and compliance teams is now squarely in the lap of cybersecurity professionals. And with good reason—privacy compliance is now a deeply technical issue.

Privacy Laws: A Growing Web of Complexities

Over the last five years, we’ve seen a surge of state-specific privacy laws in the U.S., each imposing its own rules for how companies handle consumer data. Take California’s CPRA—it sets strict requirements on data collection, storage, and consumer rights. Virginia’s VCDPA emphasizes data protection assessments and has provisions on sensitive data. Then we have Colorado, Texas, Oregon, and most recently Maryland’s MODPA. Each state law has unique compliance demands, and for businesses that operate across the country, keeping up with these varying regulations has become overwhelming.

The patchwork of state laws creates a compliance nightmare for companies. Not only do businesses have to follow complex rules for data collection and storage, but they also have to ensure that the data they handle is secure, easily accessible to consumers for updates or deletions, and properly encrypted. Add in privacy by design requirements—which dictate that privacy considerations must be integrated from the very beginning of a product or service's development—and you’re looking at a massive operational challenge.

Why the CISO’s Role is Expanding

It’s becoming clear why CISOs are taking on more responsibility in this area. Data privacy is now directly tied to data security, and a data breach can easily result in violations of privacy laws. For example, under laws like the CPRA or MODPA, a breach doesn’t just put consumer data at risk—it puts companies in violation of legal obligations, triggering fines, penalties, and consumer lawsuits.

CISOs are uniquely equipped to manage these risks because they already oversee the systems that store and protect sensitive data. They’re the ones responsible for ensuring data encryption, monitoring access controls, and responding to security incidents—tasks that are now critical for privacy compliance as well. The fact that more and more privacy responsibilities are shifting to CISOs is a sign that privacy and security are no longer distinct silos—they’re deeply interconnected.

A Federal Law is Long Overdue

With all these state-specific laws, we’re seeing growing pressure for a federal privacy law. In my view, this can’t come soon enough. A national law, like the GDPR in Europe, would streamline compliance and establish a clear baseline for privacy across all states. Right now, companies are stuck navigating a maze of conflicting requirements, and a single, unified standard would make it easier for businesses to comply without constantly shifting gears.

The Intersection of Privacy and Security

It’s clear that privacy is no longer just about managing consumer data—it’s about keeping that data secure, and that responsibility increasingly falls on the CISO. Privacy regulations have become so technical that leaving them entirely in the hands of legal or compliance teams is no longer feasible. It’s now part of the CISO’s job to ensure data is protected and handled in ways that align with these laws.

As more states adopt their own privacy laws, this trend will only intensify. CISOs will increasingly have to deal with not just preventing breaches but also ensuring that data is collected, stored, and accessed in full compliance with these regulations.

Final Thoughts

The increasing complexity of privacy laws in the U.S. is putting a strain on companies, especially those operating across multiple states. But more than that, it’s changing who is responsible for ensuring compliance. The CISO is now front and center in this conversation, playing a pivotal role in keeping companies on the right side of the law. Until we have a federal law that provides consistency and clarity, this will remain one of the biggest challenges for cybersecurity professionals.

It’s time for companies to rethink their approach to privacy and recognize that it’s no longer just a compliance issue—it’s a critical part of their cybersecurity strategy.

Author

Laura Kenner is a cybersecurity content marketing consultant and founder of Bootstrap Cyber , the community for cyber business pros.

?? Follow Laura on LinkedIn for #ContentMarketing and #FreelancerTips, #Cybersecurity news hot takes, and occasional personal ramblings about #MomLife, #WorkLifeBalance, and #DogsofLinkedIn

?? Thoughts, feelings, opinions? I’m always open for discussion.