The evolving role of the CISO in 2025: Succeeding in the constantly changing cyber threat landscape

In today’s digital era, cybersecurity is a business mindset that organizations are compelled to embrace. However, the present, and future of cybersecurity, is a grave concern of the C-Suite executives as well as security teams, with cyber threats evolving at lightning speed driven by rapid digitalization across all sectors.

The adoption of Gen AI and other emerging technologies is both aiding and acting as a hurdle in implementing cybersecurity measures, with cyber criminals also leveraging the technology. With the cyber landscape getting more and more complex, the resulting challenges to businesses and government agencies continue to grow rapidly.

Gone are the days when Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) had the responsibility of maintaining security protocols and acting as technical gatekeepers of cybersecurity

Gone are the days when Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) had the responsibility of maintaining security protocols and acting as technical gatekeepers of cybersecurity. Today, CISOs have to perform in this chaotic environment and constantly combat the large number of sophisticated threat actors that are widespread.

In 2025, the CISO’s responsibilities are expanding over and beyond cybersecurity and into strategic leadership, business risk management, and cybersecurity strategy while getting actively involved in business decisions.

In this digital era, a CISO has to wear multiple hats, where the role is dependent on the organization’s size, resources, maturity, and risk tolerance levels. A qualified CISO along with possessing technical expertise should have in-depth knowledge of finance, regulations, data privacy, and the potential use of Gen AI and other advanced technologies in addition to understanding employee psychology. They have to acknowledge the evolution of their role while balancing the cybersecurity essentials with business nimbleness. Key areas of the CISOs evolving functions are captured in this article.

Must be able to position ‘security’ as a business enabler

Many cybersecurity professionals complain about the cybersecurity budget being limited, where underfunding can lead to an increase in security risks, penalties for compliance failures, and disruption in business operations. The recent Splunk CISO Report reveals only 29% confirm having the proper budget for cybersecurity initiatives and goals. 62% said that postponing an upgrade due to budget cuts led to a successful attack.

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However, 64% of boards reported presenting security as a business enabler is the most effective way to increase budgets. This is where CISOs have to enhance their engagement level with the C-Suite and Board members, thereby ensuring executive buy-in for cybersecurity investments.

Adept at establishing a cyber security awareness culture

In the recent past CISOs were solely responsible for any security breach causing extreme burnout for them leading to a high attrition rate. Today, cyber threats hitting the bottom line of the organization, in addition to stringent regulations by the government are driving organizations to consider cybersecurity as a top priority. To address this, organizations have to take a holistic approach to cybersecurity with the C-Suite supporting as well for better impact and not just relying on CISOs to take all the burden.

Understanding employees as the weakest link in cybersecurity, CISOs should create cybersecurity awareness and implement effective training programs for all employees, ensuring they make informed decisions for any digital or online activity. CISOs should also share updates on the latest threats and new tools and solutions available in the market, encouraging employees to be a part of the organization’s cybersecurity efforts. CISOs along with other departmental heads must design and deploy a security strategy that includes risk management as well. Building a cybersecurity culture is an ongoing process and CISOs should keep it effective.

Have a deep understanding of advanced technologies and tools

The advancements in technology have impacted cybersecurity and CISOs should have a good understanding of using emerging technologies to safeguard their organizations from cyber threats. Achieving this is possible when the CISOs leverage Gen AI and AI-driven tools for threat detection and response. CISOs are expected to equip themselves with threat intelligence and adaptive defenses as well. They should ensure the zero-trust architecture is implemented throughout the organization besides start preparing for the age of quantum computing by utilizing quantum-safe encryption methods. Furthermore, knowledge related to regulations and compliance is very critical, and CISOs should master this.

Playing the role of an excellent communicator

A top-notch CISO should be able to effectively communicate with technical, non-technical, Board, and other stakeholders about cybersecurity issues and solutions that are implemented to safeguard the organization’s digital assets. These should be presented by the CISO in a simplified manner making it easy for everyone’s consumption.

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On some occasions, the CISO should also have the ability to present a compelling narrative with data and facts regarding the security efforts made and how they align with the organization’s business goals. During a crisis, CISOs should communicate effectively while maintaining trust and remaining in control of the situation. CISOs should implement a feedback mechanism to receive inputs, improve their communication, and adapt accordingly.

Going forward, the role of the CISOs will continue to evolve further, raising their importance in this digital economy. Driven by the expanding threat landscape and the critical importance given to cybersecurity across organizations, CISOs are beginning to be viewed on par with other members of the C-Suite where they play a key role in strategic business decisions.