What Do Chief Information Security Officers Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for chief information security officers?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what chief information security officers do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Chief Information Security Officers Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about chief information security officers by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
Chief Information Security Officers plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. Excludes Computer Occupations (15-1211 through 15-1299).
Popular Job Titles For Chief Information Security Officers
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- IT Directors
- Directors of Information Technology
- Chief Information Officers
- Chief Technology Officers
- Chief Information Security Officers
- Directors of IT Infrastructure
- Digital Transformation Directors
- Directors of IT Operations
- Vice Presidents of Software Engineering
- IT Associate Directors
- Directors of IT Security
- Directors of Infrastructure
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for chief information security officers can be found.
Best Industries for Chief Information Security Officers
Chief Information Security Officers Jobs By Industry
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 20.7%
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: 9.2%
- Software Publishers: 5.1%
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: 4.3%
- Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services: 3.9%
- Insurance Carriers: 3.4%
- Other: 53.4%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of chief information security officers can be found working in the Computer Systems Design and Related Services sector. In 2023, about 20.7% of all jobs for chief information security officers were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include Management of Companies and Enterprises (9.2%), Software Publishers (5.1%), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (4.3%), Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services (3.9%) and Insurance Carriers (3.4%).
Top Online College For Working Adults
Franklin University is a top choice for adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Degree Options for Chief Information Security Officers
Make the most of your experience by getting up to 30 credits for training and certificates toward an IT-Project Management associate degree.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
- Months To Complete: 24
Prepare yourself for an in-demand career in cybersecurity where you’ll build defensive and offensive strategies for cybersecurity to mitigate risks and protect people, processes and systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Prevent costly security breaches by implementing adequate security measures to protect data in any industry or government sector.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Learn to create scalable software systems that Improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency by earning Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Software Systems. The hands-on, theory-to-practice program will prepare you to be an asset in a variety of industries
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Turn patient data into knowledge that improves lives with Franklin’s M.S. in Health Informatics. Finish your master's online in as few as 12 months.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Months To Complete: 12
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Leverage technology to align with business goals with Franklin’s 100% online M.S. in Information Systems, which can be completed in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Cybersecurity 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Data Analytics 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Healthcare 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Leadership 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Management 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Learning Technology 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Build your business knowledge while you gain practical understanding of database management, information security and IT-project management with Franklin’s online accredited MBA with a Specialization in Information Technology.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Months To Complete: 12
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Certificates & Microcredentials for Chief Information Security Officers
Start your cloud computing journey with AWS certificate courses for beginners and keep up with the fast pace of innovation.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
This DeepLearning AI certificate course lets you dive into the cutting-edge world of AI specialization, machine learning and data-driven solutions.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
In-demand programmers know Git. You can, too, with GitHub certificate courses that put you among the ranks of other Git certification-ready development pros.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 3-4 months
- Cost: $35/month
Fast track your IT career with the Google IT support training and certificate that helps you learn about network protocols, operating systems, and solving problems using code.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Put your creativity to work with these Google UX design courses that equip you to build and test user-centered solutions and to use Google Analytics to improve usability.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Develop practical skills in Python and IBM applied AI thanks to deep learning courses that show you how to design, build and deploy AI-powered apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Build your cloud developer portfolio with this hands-on IBM full stack cloud developer certificate course that uses the latest tools and technologies to manage full stack cloud native apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 5-6 months
- Cost: $35/month
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
What Do Chief Information Security Officers Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what chief information security officers do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work chief information security officers do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that chief information security officers tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for chief information security officers, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Chief Information Security Officers
Based on 24,811 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Chief Information Security Officers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 8,145 | 33% |
| Project Management | 7,450 | 30% |
| Information Systems | 4,066 | 16% |
| Cyber Security | 3,453 | 14% |
| Auditing | 3,323 | 13% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Chief Information Security Officers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | 14,070 | 57% |
| Management | 13,569 | 55% |
| Communication | 12,703 | 51% |
| Information Technology | 10,184 | 41% |
| Operations | 10,000 | 40% |
Based on 24,811 job postings related to chief information security officers, computer science was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 33% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for project management, information systems, cyber security, auditing and agile methodology were also highly sought.
As for common skills, leadership was the most desired skill found in job postings for chief information security officers, followed by management, communication, information technology, operations and planning.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 8,145 | 33% |
| Project Management | 7,450 | 30% |
| Information Systems | 4,066 | 16% |
| Cyber Security | 3,453 | 14% |
| Auditing | 3,323 | 13% |
| Agile Methodology | 3,226 | 13% |
| IT Infrastructure | 3,118 | 13% |
| IT Service Management | 2,905 | 12% |
| Finance | 2,819 | 11% |
| Business Process | 2,629 | 11% |
| Information Technology Operations | 2,529 | 10% |
| Change Management | 2,505 | 10% |
| Software Development | 2,362 | 10% |
| Microsoft Azure | 2,326 | 9% |
| Technology Solutions | 2,301 | 9% |
| Automation | 2,295 | 9% |
| Continuous Improvement Process | 2,294 | 9% |
| Risk Management | 2,186 | 9% |
| Information Technology Infrastructure Library | 2,148 | 9% |
| Technical Support | 2,143 | 9% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | 14,070 | 57% |
| Management | 13,569 | 55% |
| Communication | 12,703 | 51% |
| Information Technology | 10,184 | 41% |
| Operations | 10,000 | 40% |
| Planning | 7,789 | 31% |
| Problem Solving | 6,000 | 24% |
| Customer Service | 5,103 | 21% |
| Innovation | 4,921 | 20% |
| Writing | 4,397 | 18% |
| Strategic Planning | 4,326 | 17% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 3,605 | 15% |
| Budgeting | 3,576 | 14% |
| Governance | 3,446 | 14% |
| Influencing Skills | 3,384 | 14% |
| Research | 3,381 | 14% |
| Coordinating | 3,333 | 13% |
| Presentations | 2,987 | 12% |
| Prioritization | 2,918 | 12% |
| Detail Oriented | 2,887 | 12% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Chief Information Security Officers
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| IT Directors | 4,947 | 27.3% |
| Directors of Information Technology | 3,929 | 21.7% |
| Chief Information Officers | 1,502 | 8.3% |
| Chief Technology Officers | 1,222 | 6.7% |
| Chief Information Security Officers | 1,187 | 6.5% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2022 and August 2023, the top job sought by employers was it directors, with 1,783 unique job postings. Directors of information technology were second, with 804 postings, followed by chief information officers, chief technology officers and chief information security officers.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to chief information security officers.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| IT Directors | 4,947 | 27.3% |
| Directors of Information Technology | 3,929 | 21.7% |
| Chief Information Officers | 1,502 | 8.3% |
| Chief Technology Officers | 1,222 | 6.7% |
| Chief Information Security Officers | 1,187 | 6.5% |
| Directors of IT Infrastructure | 552 | 3% |
| Digital Transformation Directors | 567 | 3.1% |
| Directors of IT Operations | 521 | 2.9% |
| Vice Presidents of Software Engineering | 618 | 3.4% |
| IT Associate Directors | 557 | 3.1% |
| Directors of IT Security | 310 | 1.7% |
| Directors of Infrastructure | 322 | 1.8% |
| Directors of Technology Solutions | 361 | 2% |
| Directors of IT Infrastructure and Operations | 241 | 1.3% |
| Directors of Technology | 408 | 2.3% |
| Directors of Network Development | 166 | 0.9% |
| Deputy Chief Information Officers | 187 | 1% |
| Chief Data Officers | 217 | 1.2% |
| ITSM Managers | 129 | 0.7% |
| Infrastructure Managers | 186 | 1% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for chief information security officers? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for chief information security officers.
How much do chief information security officers make?
Chief Information Security Officers: How do you become one?
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