We have seen the result of data breaches. In many instances, the CIO is the one tagged as responsible for lapses in security. The CIO is also often the one who takes the professional hit for not having the proper security protocols in place.
In order to secure the enterprise, and incidentally to secure the professions of both CIOs and CSOs, Agari CMO Kevin Cochrane says the two roles need to be more closely aligned. But security shouldn't just be all about the CIO and the CSO, Cochrane says. He proposes that the CMO be actively engaged as well.
Cochrane says, "Historically, the CIO has been tasked with managing company data, and the CSO has been responsible for ensuring that data is protected. Yet as we continue to see headlines alerting the public of cybersecurity breaches throughout major corporations, it’s evident that the landscape needs to evolve, especially in today’s digital workplace. No longer can the CIO and CSO function separately. They must work together to proactively ensure that their company and consumer data is secure as they re-envision the digital workplace and core business operations.
This allegiance between the CIO and the CSO is essential for all companies, as each plays a specific role in keeping information safe. The CIO knows and understands the IT used within their company, and understands how it benefits the company’s business model. The CSO monitors and understands the risks of security exploits that evolve daily. Together, the CIO and the CSO can quickly assess their company’s security standards and take appropriate measures when security practices are not up to par.
Additionally, it’s essential for the CMO to be brought into the mix. Consumers are the main party affected by cybersecurity breaches, and are the livelihood of almost all businesses. With the ability to do essentially everything online, CMOs are investing heavily in digital to engage with consumers. Once a company experiences a security breach, consumers’ opinion of the brand declines, putting the CMO in a difficult position.
The CIO manages the data, the CSO assures the security of the data/customer experience and the CMO owns and personalizes the experience.
It is up to the CIO, CSO and CMO to work together to ensure a secure and safe customer and employee experience. A CMO's digital strategy for the brand tied to customer experience is dependent upon CIO execution. By building on each executive’s expertise, the company’s security practices are sounder, and company and consumer data is proactively secured.”
