Chief Information Security Officer

ROLE SUMMARY

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

This role involves overseeing the implementation of comprehensive information security policies, risk management strategies, and compliance with regulatory standards to safeguard the organization's data, systems, and operations against evolving cyber threats.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning

• Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive enterprise-wide information security and IT risk management program.
• Seek top management support and direction for implementing information security measures in the organization.
• Identify and set information security goals and objectives in alignment with the organization's business needs and objectives.
• Define the scope and boundaries of the organization's information security program.
• Stay abreast of legal, regulatory, and industry-specific requirements to ensure compliance.
• Plan and establish an organization-wide Information Security Management System (ISMS) in compliance with ISO/IEC 27001 standards and regulatory guidelines (SEBI, RBI, etc).
• Identify, assess, and mitigate information security risks in alignment with business priorities.
• Define information security measurement metrics and other key performance indicators.
• Develop and maintain business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response plans, ensuring readiness through regular testing.
• Drive awareness and training programs to embed a culture of security within the organization.
• Get approval for information security plan, budget, and resources from top management.

General Planning

• Identify and establish organization-specific information security policies, standards, procedures, guidelines, and processes.
• Define and implement a formal process for creating, documenting, reviewing, updating, and implementing security policies.
• Regularly assess and revise security policies to address evolving threats, business needs, and compliance requirements.
• Define a policy for classification of information and information assets to ensure their appropriate handling and protection.
• Lead and coordinate the development of tailored information security policies, procedures, guidelines, and processes in collaboration with relevant stakeholders across the organization.
• Obtain top management approval for all security policies, procedures, guidelines, and processes.

Information Security Management

• Assist in developing, maintaining, reviewing, and improving a strategic, organization-wide Information Security and Risk Management Plan.
• Develop comprehensive Information Security Policies, Standards, and Guidelines for organization-wide use.
• Enforce the implementation of approved security policies, procedures, guidelines, ISMS, and other frameworks.
• Integrate security considerations into organizational business processes and IT system life cycles (planning, development, and acquisition).
• Enforce the implementation of approved security policies, procedures, guidelines, ISMS, and other frameworks.
• Issue alerts and advisories regarding new vulnerabilities and threats
• Perform risk assessment steps like: (a) identify and make inventory of assets within the scope of information security plan; (b) identify and document threats to those assets; (c) perform vulnerability analysis; (d) perform impact analysis; (e) evaluate level of risk; (f) determine acceptability or treatment of risk based on risk acceptance criteria.
• Implement automated and continuous monitoring of security incidents.
• Record and remediate information security incidents and breaches.
• Raise information security awareness among management, employees, contractors, and other stake holders.
• Define and implement change management plan for both the change in information systems and the change in ISMS itself.
• Ensure compliance of information security by contractors/suppliers etc.
• Be responsible for developing the Information System Security Policies, Standards, and guidelines for use throughout the organization.
• Assist business units in the development of specific procedures or guidelines that meet the information security policies for specific products within the business unit.
• Ensure that, when exceptions to the information security policy are necessitated, the risk acceptance process is completed, and the exceptions are reviewed and re-assessed periodically.
• Understand the current information processing technologies, information protection methods and controls and remain current/up to date on the threats against the information assets.
• Encourage the participation of the managers, auditors, insurance staff, legal experts, and the staff members from other disciplines, who can contribute to the information systems security program.
• Review audit and examination reports dealing with the information security issues. Involve in the formulation of the management’s response to the audit findings and follow-up to ensure that the security controls and procedures, as required, are implemented within the stipulated time frame.
• Co-ordinate or assist in the investigation of security threats or other attacks on information assets.
• Assist in the recovery of information and information assets from such attacks.
• Assist in responding to the security issues relating to the customers including the letters of assurance and suitable to the questions on information systems security, as and when raised by the customers.
• Ensure security due diligence, risk assessments, and ongoing monitoring of third-party service providers (e.g., technology partners, fintech integrations, cloud vendors).
• Provide regular reports on the state of information security to senior management and the Board.

KEY INTERACTIONS

Internal Stakeholders

External Stakeholders

• CXOs
• Heads & Leads of Business & Functional Units
• Employees
• Third Party Service Providers
• Customers/Users
• Technology Partners

KEY SKILLS & BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES

Technical Skills:

• Cybersecurity Expertise:

  A deep understanding of various cybersecurity domains, including network security, application security, cloud security, operations security and incident response.

• Risk Management:

  The ability to assess, evaluate, and mitigate security risks, including identifying vulnerabilities and prioritizing threats.

• Compliance and Regulations:

  Knowledge of relevant industry standards, regulations, and compliance frameworks (e.g., RBI, DPDP, PCI DSS).

• Technical Proficiency:

  Familiarity with security technologies, tools, and platforms, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and identity and access management.

Leadership and Communication Skills:

• Strategic Thinking:

  The ability to develop and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy aligned with the organization's business objectives.

• Team Leadership:

  Leading and motivating a diverse team of security professionals, fostering collaboration, and building a strong security culture.

• Communication Skills:

  Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including the board of directors, executives, and employees.

• Presentation Skills:

  The ability to articulate complex security concepts in a clear and concise manner, both verbally and in writing.

• Negotiation Skills:

  The ability to negotiate with vendors, internal departments, and external stakeholders to achieve security objectives.

Business Acumen:

• Business Understanding:

  A solid understanding of the organization's business model, operations, and risk tolerance.

• Financial Management:

  The ability to manage security budgets, allocate resources effectively, and justify security investments.

• Change Management:

  The ability to drive change within the organization, especially when it comes to implementing new security measures or policies.

Additional Desirable Skills:

• Crisis Management:

  The ability to respond effectively to security incidents and breaches.

• Vendor Management:

  The ability to manage relationships with security vendors and service providers.

• Problem-Solving:

  The ability to identify and resolve complex security issues.

• Continuous Learning:

  A commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends and threats.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualification:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field like Computer Science, Information Security, or in a related discipline. Advanced degrees or certifications in Cyber Security, Systems Audit or Risk Management.

Nature of Experience:

• Minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in technology, information security, Data Privacy, Compliance and Risk Management on leadership roles.