What is the primary role of a chief information security officer (CISO)?

The primary role of a chief information security officer (CISO) is to oversee the organization's information security program. This involves establishing and maintaining the vision, strategy, and security program to ensure the organization's information assets and technologies are adequately protected. The CISO is responsible for identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security protocols, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards. They play a critical role in risk management and in developing an organizational culture that prioritizes security.

While managing marketing strategies, supervising IT customer support teams, and leading product development initiatives are important functions within an organization, they do not fall under the purview of a CISO. The focus of a CISO is specifically aligned with safeguarding the organization's data and managing cybersecurity risks, which differentiates their role from these other functions.