Techy leaders out, business-savvy in with new security leader

TLDR:

• Security leaders are evolving to be more business savvy than tech-oriented.
• Paul Watts of the Information Security Forum highlights the shift towards strategic partnerships.

The New Security Leader: Less Techy, More Business-Savvy

Security leadership is moving towards a less technical, more business-oriented approach. Paul Watts, a distinguished analyst at the Information Security Forum, emphasizes that security professionals are now required to articulate business value and align with organizational objectives rather than focusing solely on technical expertise.

Watts foresees a move towards decentralized security management models that encourage agility and integration with business processes. He mentions the emergence of roles like business information security officers who prioritize a business-first, security-second approach to balancing risk with reward.

In an interview at Infosecurity Europe 2024, Watts delves into various topics, including the ongoing debate about the CISO’s role on corporate boards, the necessity to balance technical risk management with broader business objectives, and the challenges security leaders face in their high-stress roles.

About Paul Watts, Information Security Forum

With more than 28 years of experience in information technology, including 17 years as a security executive and CISO in various sectors, Paul Watts brings a wealth of industry knowledge to his insights on the changing landscape of security leadership.