A Guide on Becoming a Chief Information Security Officer
Become a CISO to lead cybersecurity strategy and earn top pay while protecting organisations.
The role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has gone from niche to mission-critical. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and costly, with global cybercrime reportedly projected to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, organisations are racing to put strong cybersecurity leadership in place.
The CISO isn’t just a tech expert; they’re a strategist, risk manager, and communicator rolled into one. Whether it’s protecting sensitive data, managing security teams, or briefing the board after an incident, the CISO is at the front line of digital defence.
Who is a Chief Information Security Officer?
A Chief Information Security Officer (or CISO) is the person in charge of keeping a company’s data and systems safe from hackers, breaches, and other security threats. They lead the cybersecurity strategy, manage the security team, and make sure the business stays protected as it grows. Simply put, the CISO is the go-to person for all things security.
How Much Does a Chief Information Security Officer?
According to Glassdoor, a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) can expect to earn around $309,000 a year in total compensation. On average, the base salary sits at about $211,000, while the rest, roughly $97,000, comes from bonuses, profit sharing, commissions, or other extras. These are mid-range figures based on real salaries shared by users on the platform.
What Is the Role of a Chief Information Security Officer?
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is the person in charge of keeping an organisation’s digital information safe. They lead the cybersecurity strategy, manage risks, and ensure that data, systems, and networks are protected from threats like hackers, breaches, or internal misuse.
Their job isn’t just technical—they also work closely with other executives to align security with business goals, create policies, handle compliance, and respond to incidents when things go wrong. Think of them as the top security guard for a company’s entire digital world.
What Skills Are Needed for a Chief Information Security Officer?
- Cybersecurity expertise – Deep understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and protection methods.
- Risk management – Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks.
- Incident response – Skills to manage and contain security breaches or cyberattacks.
- Compliance and governance – Knowledge of security regulations and standards (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001).
- Leadership and team management – Leading security teams and driving strategy.
- Strategic thinking – Aligning security initiatives with business goals.
- Communication skills – Explaining complex security issues clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
- Project management – Handling security projects from planning to execution.
- Technical knowledge – Familiarity with tools, systems, and software used in IT security.
How to Become a Chief Information Security Officer
Here is a simple guide to becoming a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO):
1/ Get the right education
Start by earning a Bachelor’s degree in a tech-related field like Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or even Engineering. These programs teach the fundamentals of how computer systems, networks, and software work—knowledge that's essential for understanding how to protect them.
Bonus: Some CISOs also go for a Master’s degree (like an MBA or a Master’s in Information Security) later on to boost their leadership and strategic skills.
2/ Build your experience
Your early career is where you learn the ropes. Entry-level roles like security analyst, IT support, network administrator, or penetration tester will help you understand how systems work—and how they break. You'll get hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and basic risk mitigation strategies. These years are crucial for building a deep understanding of the operational side of security.
3/ Earn some certifications
Certifications help validate your skills and make your resume stand out. Depending on your focus, you might pursue CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), or others. These aren't just resume boosters—they're often required for senior roles. Certifications also help you stay disciplined in learning and show employers you're serious about your career.
4/ Grow into leadership
Being a CISO isn't just about knowing how firewalls work or how to patch vulnerabilities. It’s about leading people, managing risks, and aligning cybersecurity with business goals. You’ll need to start taking ownership—leading small teams, managing budgets, making security decisions, and communicating with non-technical stakeholders. Think of this as a transition phase where you sharpen both your technical and leadership muscles.
5/ Move into senior roles
Before you land the top job, you’ll usually work in positions like Security Manager, Security Architect, or Director of Information Security. These roles challenge you to think strategically: how to build long-term security roadmaps, evaluate risks across the organization, and present solutions to the C-suite. You’ll be shaping the security culture of a company, not just enforcing rules.
6/ Keep learning
This field moves fast. Threats evolve, technologies change, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. To stay ahead, you need to keep your knowledge sharp and your network strong. Follow industry updates, dive into detailed threat research, and explore new areas like AI governance or cloud-native security. Networking also matters. Connecting with peers gives you insight into how others are solving problems and where the industry is heading. Whether you’re chatting at a conference, contributing to a forum, or joining a local cybersecurity meetup, these relationships can offer new ideas, opportunities, and long-term career growth.
Conclusion
Becoming a CISO doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a mix of technical know-how, leadership skills, and real-world experience. But with the right steps and steady growth, you can get there and lead the charge in keeping organisations secure.
Gabriel Ojeh
