Good CISO - Bad CISO

Overview
An article that examines the traits, behaviours, and decision-making approaches of both successful and struggling CISOs. It highlights common pitfalls, best practices, and the impact of security leadership on organisational risk posture.

Key Takeaways

• Good CISOs align security strategy with business objectives and communicate risk in business terms.
• Bad CISOs often focus on technical controls without stakeholder engagement, leading to misaligned priorities.
• Effective communication, risk-based prioritisation, and fostering a security-first culture are essential.
• Metrics and transparent reporting build trust with executive leadership.
• Continuous learning and adaptability help CISOs stay ahead of emerging threats.

Who Would Benefit

• Current and aspiring CISOs
• Security leaders and managers
• Engineering managers overseeing security teams
• Technical executives interested in risk management
• Professionals aiming to improve security governance

Frameworks and Methodologies

• Risk-Based Security Management
• Security Governance Frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)
• Communication Models for Technical Leadership