In the last series, we looked into introduction and genesis of IT security. We also had a cursory view of the CISO role.

If you missed Part 1 - click here!

Onwards to part 2!

Comparison with Other C-Level Roles

When comparing the role of a CISO to other C-suite positions such as the CFO or CTO, some notable differences and similarities emerge.

CISO vs CFO:

A CFO, or Chief Financial Officer, oversees the financial activities of a company. This includes financial planning and tracking cash flow, analyzing the company's financial strengths and weaknesses, and suggesting corrective actions. The CFO role is highly strategic and plays a critical part in the company's financial success.

Similarly, a CISO's role is strategic and impacts the company's wellbeing. However, unlike the tangible financial metrics that a CFO deals with, the results of a CISO's work are often intangible until a security breach occurs. A CISO is doing their job well when nothing goes wrong - a situation that can be challenging to quantify and appreciate.

CISO vs CTO:

On the other hand, a CTO, or Chief Technology Officer, is responsible for managing an organization's technology needs and research and development. The CTO's role also includes setting the company's technical vision and leading all aspects of technology development.

While there is overlap between the roles of a CISO and a CTO in terms of dealing with technology, they are distinct in their focus. A CTO is often more focused on using technology to enhance business capabilities, whereas a CISO focuses on protecting the organization from potential threats that could arise from the use of technology.

In essence, while both roles are vital for the company's operation, a CISO's role is inherently defensive, focusing on minimizing risks and preventing potential disasters. Conversely, CFO and CTO roles are often perceived as more growth-oriented, leading to innovation and expansion.

Now that we have compared the roles of a CISO with those of other C-level executives, let's delve into the debate surrounding whether the CISO is a 'true' C or 'false' C.

Comparing and Contrasting the CISO Role with Other C-level Positions

In terms of seniority and ranking, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) often lags behind other C-level executives, despite the high level of responsibility and demand of the role.

1.Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The CEO is the highest-ranking executive in a company. They are primarily responsible for making major corporate decisions, managing the overall operations and resources of a company, and acting as the main point of communication between the board of directors and the corporate operations. CEOs typically earn between $600,000 to over $15 million, depending on the size and success of the company (Payscale, 2023).

2.Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

CFOs are responsible for the company's financial functions and decisions, including risk management. They typically earn between $250,000 to $1 million (Payscale, 2023). The CFO is usually a permanent board member, making definitive decisions and holding a high level of control and authority in the company (Mintzberg, 2021).

3.Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The COO is in charge of the company's day-to-day administration and operation. They typically earn between $200,000 to $500,000 (Payscale, 2023). Like the CFO, the COO is a key player in managing the company's operations and making important decisions (Mintzberg, 2021).

4.Chief Information Officer (CIO) / Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

The CIO/CTO are responsible for managing the company's technology and information strategy. They typically earn between $150,000 to $300,000 (Payscale, 2023). They are often permanent members of the board, which provides them with a significant level of control and authority (Mintzberg, 2021).

5.Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

The CISO is responsible for the company's information and data security. They typically earn between $120,000 to $250,000 (Payscale, 2023). However, unlike the CFO and CIO/CTO, the CISO often lacks control and authority and isn't a permanent board member. Instead, their role is more advisory, recommending security measures and strategies but rarely having the final say in their implementation (Ye, Wang, & Li, 2021).

Question to all CISO's reading this article, is your salary within that range? (It's in USD btw).

In terms of benefits, the other C-level executives usually receive more comprehensive packages than the CISO, including larger bonuses, more generous stock options, and higher retirement contributions.

Despite the increasing importance of cybersecurity and data protection in modern businesses, the CISO role does not yet carry the same weight as other C-level positions in terms of salary, seniority, and ranking.

See you at Part 3!

Reference

[1] Mintzberg, H. (2021). The Structure of Organizations. Prentice-Hall.

[2] Payscale. (2023). Average Salary for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com

[3] Payscale. (2023). Average Salary for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com

[4] Payscale. (2023). Average Salary for a Chief Operating Officer (COO). Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com

[5] Payscale. (2023). Average Salary for a Chief Information Officer (CIO). Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com

[6] Payscale. (2023). Average Salary for a Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com

[7] Payscale. (2023). Average Salary for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com

[8] Ye, D., Wang, S., & Li, X. (2021). Understanding the CISO Role: A Triangulation Study. International Journal of Information Management, 57, 102205.