Chief information security officer (CISO) - Large groups
The IT security manager holds a key position dedicated to protecting a company's information system. They choose the security strategies. As a source of advice and information, they guide their team of experts in implementing security policies. Level of education: Bac+5 - Starting salary: €3,300 - Experienced salary: €6,500
- Why is the CISO a strategic job for companies?
- What is a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)?
- Main duties of a CISO
- Essential skills to become a CISO
- Which training to become a CISO?
- What is the salary of a CISO?
- Career prospects for a CISO
- Why is the CISO job expanding?
- FAQ: your questions about the CISO job
Level of education: Bac+5
Recommended baccalaureate: science specialities
Employability: High
Starting salary: €3,300
Experienced salary: €6,500
Mobility: Good
ROME code: M1801
FAP code: M1Z81
Why is the CISO a strategic job for companies?
With growing digitalisation and evolving cyber threats, companies must protect their sensitive data and keep their business running. The Chief Information Security Officer plays a central role by developing strategies to prevent, detect and respond to cyberattacks. The position is crucial to ensure compliance with regulations (GDPR, ISO 27001, etc.) and to protect the organisation’s reputation.
What is a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)?
The CISO is a senior executive responsible for IT security and data protection within an organisation. They coordinate cybersecurity efforts, make sure security policies are put in place and supervise the technical teams. Reporting directly to senior management, the CISO helps the company achieve its strategic objectives.
Main duties of a CISO
- Developing the cybersecurity strategy: identifying risks, defining policies and action plans.
- Incident management: preventing, detecting and responding to cyberattacks.
- Overseeing audits: ensuring standards and regulations are respected.
- Awareness and training: informing staff about good security practice.
- Coordinating the technical teams: supervising the security team and working with the CIO and DPO.
Essential skills to become a CISO
- Technical: command of standards (ISO 27001, NIST), network protocols and vulnerability detection tools.
- Management: ability to lead teams and manage crises.
- Analysis and monitoring: identifying and anticipating cyber threats.
- Communication: turning technical issues into objectives that management can understand.
Which training to become a CISO?
- Academic path: university master’s degree in cybersecurity, IT or risk management.
- Certifications: CISSP, CISM, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer.
- Professional experience: positions in IT security, audit or risk management.
What is the salary of a CISO?
| Sector | Starting salary | Experienced salary |
|---|---|---|
| Tech | €60,000 per year | €100,000 per year |
| Finance | €65,000 per year | €120,000 per year |
| Healthcare | €55,000 per year | €90,000 per year |
Career prospects for a CISO
- Cybersecurity director: managing the overall security strategy.
- Security consultant: advising different companies.
- CTO: overseeing all information systems.
Why is the CISO job expanding?
As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated, companies face growing security challenges. The digitalisation of processes, combined with stricter regulatory requirements, makes the CISO a key and much sought-after position.
FAQ: your questions about the CISO job
What studies do you need to become a CISO?
A master’s degree in cybersecurity or a certification such as CISSP is a good starting point.
How long does it take to become a CISO?
On average, 5 to 7 years of professional experience.
Do CISOs only work in large companies?
No, SMEs also recruit CISOs to protect their data.
What career developments are possible?
Cybersecurity director, consultant or CTO are common options.
Description of the profession in the ANSSI directory
The chief information security officer (CISO) steers the cybersecurity approach. Depending on the size of the organisation, they define or adapt the information systems security policy (prevention, protection, detection, resilience, remediation) and make sure it is applied. They advise, assist, inform, train and alert, in particular the business directors and/or the management of their scope.
How to become a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)?
The IT security manager job is accessible after a Bac+5. Typical profiles are engineers specialised in cybersecurity. Solid experience, at least 10 years, is expected.
Our Intra-company training
CSB.SCHOOL offers to train your employees and help them develop their skills in the field of cybersecurity. After a thorough study of your needs by our development manager, you will be put in touch with our teaching experts on the identified theme.
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Our school provides training in 21 cybersecurity jobs, from technical to supervising positions, from IT operations to industrial systems security. Here is the list of jobs you will be trained for by attending one of our training programs.