CISO’s Journey to CTO - Ep 101

Reimagining Cyber - real world perspectives on cybersecurity

In this episode, Rob Aragao and Stan Wisseman look at the intriguing transition from Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Drawing from a recent sidebar conversation among CISOs and an insightful article from Dark Reading, they examine why this trend is becoming more prominent. With examples from organizations like Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank, and Equifax, Rob and Stan discuss the key attributes that make this career move logical and beneficial.
The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, strategic thinking, and the deep understanding of both technology and business impact that CISOs bring to the table. They delve into how the roles of CISO and CTO overlap, particularly in driving innovation, increasing revenue, and embedding security by design into business solutions.

Rob and Stan also consider the broader influence a CTO has on an organization's technology strategy, the operational experience both roles share, and the potential motivations behind CISOs seeking to transition—whether to escape the increasing personal liability associated with security breaches or to pursue new professional growth opportunities.
Additionally, the episode touches on the challenges CISOs might face in this transition, such as the need for expertise in product development and the software lifecycle.
As discussed in this episode:
https://www.darkreading.com/cybersecurity-careers/ciso-as-a-cto-when-and-why-it-makes-sense

Follow or subscribe to the show on your preferred podcast platform.
Share the show with others in the cybersecurity world.
Get in touch via [email protected]