01 Oct Netskope report finds evolution of the industrial sector CISO role

Netskope published a new report analysing the evolution of the industrial sector CISO role.

‘The Industrial CISO: Bringing Balance’ is based on research with over 1,000 CISOs globally, and it explores the evolution of the industrial sector CISO’s role as a strategic member of the executive team, comparing the sector to cross-sector averages to identify unique insights into automotive, manufacturing, logistics and critical national infrastructure organisations.

The research found that the CISO role in the industrial sectors is transforming with 60 per cent of CISO respondents in the industrial sectors saying that their role was changing rapidly (compared with 65 per cent across all industries, and 80 per cent in finance).

Just under two-thirds want to play a more active role as a business enabler going forward (compared to an average of 67 per cent) and 50 per cent of industrial sector CISOs say their risk appetite has grown in recent years (lower than the average of 57 per cent).

However, the majority of industrial sector CISOs report that there is a lag in the understanding of their potential among their C-suite peers as well as 91 per cent of industrial sector CISOs admitting that conflicting risk appetites is an issue in their C-suite.

Commenting on the findings, James Robinson, CISO at Netskope said: “The research makes it clear that CISOs in the industrial sector are generally hungry to play a more proactive role that enables innovation while also protecting the business.

“In my experience, the best way to make CISOs more proactive partners across the C-suite is to gain a deep understanding of the business challenges C-suite colleagues are focused on solving and align those to security strategies, rather than attempt to assert security strategy – or individual technology choices – on what is perceived to be C-suite risk appetite.

“Too often this alignment doesn’t occur among teams. But CISOs who can define the ways they are helping their C-suite peers to acquire new revenues, drive efficiencies and navigate regulatory requirements, will be recognized as valuable contributors at the highest levels.”