How To Hire a CSO

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) is the C-level executive responsible for the security of all digital and physical assets.  Given this, they need a good understanding of cyber-security, physical security, and the protocols required to ensure assets stay secure.  Below we will explore what the role of a CSO is and what they can do for your business.  Then I will share my best practices on how to hire a CSO.

The acronym CSO also commonly refers to the Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Sales Officer, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Chief Science Officer

The process you follow for hiring a CSO is not dissimilar from other executive positions.  You must clarify your needs, wants, and expectations for this particular role.  I plan to make detailed guides on these in the future, so sign-up for my newsletter to see those.  Alternatively, please contact me if you need help in your executive search for these roles.  I can help you find a partner who specializes in these roles within your industry and your region.

What is a CSO?

CSO is responsible for the security of physical and digital assets.  However, their main focus is primarily on cybersecurity.  This involves preventing data breaches, hacking, phishing, and malware attacks.  It also includes ensuring no unauthorized personnel enters the company premises or secure zones.

The difference between a Chief Security Officer (CSO) and  Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), is that the CISO is often a title used in tech companies to show a distinct focus on cyber-security.  While a CSO is a title focused on both physical and digital, the CSO generally will do the same tasks as the CISO in a business, but not in such a cyber-focused manner due to their need to ensure the security of physical assets.  Learn more about how to Hire a CISO

The competition in hiring a CSO today is exceptionally high.  Due to their specialized skill set and the risk of massive fines due to data breaches due to government mandates like GDPR.

Responsibilities of a CSO

The CSOs common responsibilities are:

• Security auditing – They need to oversee day-to-day practices in the business to spot potential security risks.  They can then create systems to mitigate that risk.
• Security systems – Develop, implement and maintain security systems, processes and policies. Considering the business needs and the threats it may face.
• Enforcing compliance – Make sure everyone in the company is adequately trained and following the security procedures of the tasks they are carrying out.  Many industries must meet specific standards following local, national, and international laws where they work..
• Innovating – They must be aware of new threats daily by leading the company’s security.  They keep abreast of news and reports of other breaches.  This knowledge will enable them to innovate and ensure protection from possible future attacks.

Who does a CSO report to?

The CSO reports traditionally to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO). However, many businesses choose to have the CSO report directly to the CEO. This is to avoid the risk of the CEO being unaware of a vulnerability, threat or even a breach. 

Companies that want to show that they value security and risk mitigation often have a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to whom the CSO would report.  They do this as the C-suite has two members pushing for risk mitigation and its value on their business.  Ensuring these risks get prioritized and addressed.

What qualifications may a CSO need?

I would recommend that your CSO has a bachelor’s and/or master’s in computing or data security.  Qualifications are often not required, but I would recommend you have some validation of your candidate’s claimed skill.  And qualifications are excellent for that, especially when it comes to the niche in which your computer systems may operate.  Be it: financial, cloud, enterprise server management, or medical.

Some qualifying bodies for cyber security are: ISACA or (ISC)2 or the EC-Council . But there are more that may be more applicable to your field and country.  Please conduct your research for your business or reach out to an executive search expert in your industry to help you.  Contact me if you would like help with this.

How to compensate a CSO?

CSO are generally a role which resides in larger companies.  In the USA the base yearly salary range for a CSO is:

• 10% – $73,000
• 50% MEDIAN – $150,000
• 90% – $230,000

In the UK this the base yearly salary range for a CSO is:

• 10% – £56,000
• 50% MEDIAN – £98,000
• 90% – £147,000

Keep in mind when hiring a CSO are offered Bonuses and benefits, which lift this a significant additional amount.