 HOME

 BLOG
 ABOUT BAU
 ACADEMICS
 ADMISSIONS
 CONTACT US

 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
How to Become a Chief Information
Security Officer

Bay Atlantic University

 November 22, 2021
Share
Tweet
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. What is a Chief Information Security Officer?
2. What Does a Chief Information Security Officer Do?
3. How to Become a Chief Information Security Officer?
1. Education
2. Qualifications
3. Experience
4. Skills
4. CISO Job Outlook
5. CISO Salary

Cyber threats and attacks are on the rise and remain a top challenge among companies
even in 2021. With many companies recently investing in security tools to protect their
data, the need for chief information security officers (CISOs) is also increasing. If you are
interested in a purposeful career with a great job outlook and satisfactory salary, then
read on. In this article, we will explain how to become a CISO and the skills you should
develop.

What is a Chief Information Security Officer?

A chief information security officer (CISO) is the chief executive officer in a company or
an institution responsible for protecting information. Their purpose is to ensure that the
company’s computer systems and data are secure from any potential threats. CISOs
usually work beside other chief executives and supervise the security team for the
company to be as safe as possible.

What Does a Chief Information Security Officer Do?

The role of the chief information security officer comes with many responsibilities. To
put it simply, in this profession, you would be responsible for the information and data
security of the company you work for. Some typical duties of a CISO include: hiring
other security professionals, creating IT security plans and ensuring they work properly,
training employees in information and data security, launching and upgrading software,
planning security budgets with both security and business perspective in mind, evaluating
potential security threats inside the company as well as outside, and more.

How to Become a Chief Information Security Officer?

The position of a chief information security officer is quite influential, and as such, it
requires broad knowledge, experience, and skills related to information security.
Knowing how to become a chief information security officer is about understanding
CISO requirements- knowing what educational path you should follow in your higher
studies as well as the skills you should cultivate.

Education
First, to become a CISO, you need a bachelor’s degree. It can be anything related
to information technology, computer science, engineering, or business administration.

One or more master’s degrees are also welcome, if not required. You can focus on
anything related to computer science or information technology.
Qualifications

To be qualified for becoming a CISO, besides your education, you need several
qualifications as well. There is not a particular qualification that will ensure that you get
the position, but there are many training programs and certifications you need to earn in
order for you to get qualified.

Some of them are listed below:

 Certified Information Security Manager(CISM).

 Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO).
 Certified Forensic Computer Examiner(CFCE).
 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
 Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
 Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI).

Experience

To be suitable for such a significant role, you need years of progressive IT security
experience. Typically, employers require chief information security officers to have prior
experience in business management, cybersecurity, and IT security. Working as a
security architect or security analyst can be beneficial when it comes to climbing the
ladder. Furthermore, various jobs in programming, ethical hacking, and management can
be ideal for aspiring CISOs.

✅ Request information on BAU's programs TODAY!

FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
FIELD OF STUDY                                      BA in Accounting                   BA in Business
Administration & Management                   BA in Economics & Finance                   BA
in Political Science & International Relations                   BS in Data Science                 
BS in Information Technologies                   MBA                   MSc in Big Data
Analytics                   MSc in Cyber Security                
Skills

The skills required for the job can slightly vary from one organization to another. But
overall, to be a successful Chief Information Security Officer, you must possess a skill set
that relates to your CISO responsibilities. Some of the top skills include:
  Risk assessment skills.
 Risk management skills.
 Extensive knowledge in information technology and security.
 Communication skills.
 Strategic management skills.
 Leadership skills.
 Analytical thinking skills.

CISO Job Outlook

The profession of a Chief Information Security Officer seems to be a promising one. The

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that all jobs related to Computer and Information
Systems Managers will experience job growth of 11 percent from 2020 to 2030. This
increase is much higher than the average for all occupations. The rising demand for such
professionals comes due to many organizations and companies expanding their work to
digital platforms.

CISO Salary

According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for chief information security

officers in the United States is $173,705 per year. Those same reports show that the
salary for a CISO professional can be anywhere between $104,216 and $289,527 per
year. This all depends on the years of experience you have and the company you work
for.

Although the position of a chief information security officer is not an easy one and comes
with many responsibilities, it still is highly valuable and rewarding. If you are interested
in cyber security and management, then pursuing this career would be an excellent
choice. Be part of the change, and help spread security in a world full of cyber threats.

Share
Tweet
Bay Atlantic University
View Comments (0)
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
 5 minute read
Data Engineer vs. Data Scientist: Which Career is Right
for You?
 Bay Atlantic University
 January 10, 2021
Table of Contents What Is a Data Engineer?What does a data engineer do?Data
engineer career path & salaryData engineer skillsWhat Is a Data Scientist?What
does a data scientist do?Data scientist…
Read Article

 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
 5 minute read
How To Start a Career in Cyber Security: A Roadmap to
Success
 Bay Atlantic University
 February 12, 2021
Table of Contents Why Choose Cyber Security?High employment ratesVersatile
career pathsCompetitive salaryJob satisfactionCyber Security Job OutlookHow to
Get Into Cyber Security?Get a degreeEnroll in online cyber security coursesGet
numerous cyber…
Read Article

 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
 4 minute read
Data Analysis vs Data Analytics: What Is the Difference?
 Bay Atlantic University
 November 10, 2021
Table of Contents What is Data Analysis?Data analysis techniquesWhat is Data
Analytics?Best data analytics toolsData analytics skillsWhy Do We Use Data
Analysis and Data Analytics?Better customer experienceMaking informed
decisionsOptimizing marketing…
Read Article
  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
 4 minute read
Benefits of Studying Data Analytics: How to Learn &
Skills
 Bay Atlantic University
 September 29, 2020
Table of Contents What Is Data Analytics?How to learn data analyticsSkillsThe
Benefits of Data AnalyticsInformed & improved decision makingMore effective
marketingBetter & personalized customer experienceStreamline
operations Mitigate fraud The advantages of…
Read Article

 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
 4 minute read
Working in Cyber Security: Job Description and Salary
 Bay Atlantic University
 June 28, 2020
Table of Contents Cyber Security Job DescriptionCyber Security Career
PathBachelors in cyber security jobsMasters in cyber security jobsCyber Security
Degree Salary Working in cyber security is exciting, challenging, and rewarding.…
Read Article

 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
 3 minute read
Is a Master’s in Data Analytics Worth It?
 Bay Atlantic University
 June 3, 2020
Table of Contents Why Pursue a Master’s in Data Analytics?What you learn Data
analyst skillsMaster’s in Data Analytics JobsIs a Data Analytics Master’s Degree
For You? Due to consistent improvement in…
Read Article


o ACADEMIC ADVICE
o INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
How Does Technology Impact Student Learning?

o 8 min
 
o ACADEMIC ADVICE
o INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
12 Useful Apps for College Students

o 8 min


o INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Best iPads for students 2022

o 8 min


o ACADEMIC ADVICE
o INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The 8 Best Printers For College Students

o 8 min


o ACADEMIC ADVICE
Top Gift Ideas for Teachers

o 7 min
SOCIAL LINKS
Facebook30K
Twitter4K
Instagram10K
YouTube285

Categories
ACADEMIC ADVICE
82
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
67
BUSINESS
44
CAREERS
12
POLITICAL SCIENCE
11
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
8
DATA SCIENCE
1
ECONOMICS & FINANCE
1

Request Information
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
FIELD OF STUDY                                      BA in Accounting                   BA in
Business Administration & Management                   BA in Economics & Finance  
BA in Political Science & International Relations                   BS in Data Science     
BS in Information Technologies                   MBA                   MSc in Big Data
Analytics                   MSc in Cyber Security                
Complete this form and a BAU Admission Advisor will contact you and
provide further assistance.
Living on campus is all about you getting the whole academic experience—
from getting to class and extracurricular activities, late-night study sessions,
creating new meaningful friendships, and learning more about yourself.
While BAU does not offer its own on-campus housing, we have established
relationships with apartments in the D.C. area, from luxury apartments to
dormitory living. One thing is guaranteed, you will not miss a single thing
on-campus housing offers.
 ACADEMIC ADVICE
 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
 8 minute read
How Does Technology Impact Student Learning?
 June 3, 2022

 ACADEMIC ADVICE
 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
 8 minute read
12 Useful Apps for College Students
 June 3, 2022
 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
 8 minute read
Best iPads for students 2022
 June 2, 2022

 ACADEMIC ADVICE
 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
 8 minute read
The 8 Best Printers For College Students
 June 2, 2022
30K
4K
10K
285

                                      BA in Accounting                   BA in Business

Administration & Management                   BA in Economics & Finance                 
BA in Political Science & International Relations                   BS in Data Science     
BS in Information Technologies                   MBA                   MSc in Big Data
Analytics                   MSc in Cyber Security