The First 90 Days of a New CISO: Critical Moves for Lasting Impact

The role of a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) is more critical than ever. In an era of escalating cyber threats, a new CISO faces immense pressure to not only secure an organization but also to demonstrate immediate value and build a foundation for long-term success. The initial 90 days are not just a probationary period; they are a crucial window for strategic assessment, relationship building, and establishing a visible impact. This period demands a structured, proactive approach, moving beyond theoretical knowledge to practical application.

 

Emphasize relationship-building with IT, legal, and business leaders

 

The most effective CISO doesn't operate in a silo. Their success is inextricably linked to their ability to collaborate across the organization. Therefore, one of the very first and most critical moves is to build strong relationships. Schedule one-on-one meetings with key stakeholders in IT, legal, and business departments. Understand their priorities, concerns, and how security impacts their daily operations. For IT leaders, this means understanding the existing infrastructure, current challenges, and their vision for technological advancement. For legal, it involves aligning on compliance requirements, data privacy regulations, and risk tolerance. With business leaders, the focus should be on understanding revenue streams, critical business processes, and how security can be an enabler, not a hindrance. These initial conversations are not just about gathering information; they are about establishing trust, demonstrating a willingness to understand diverse perspectives, and positioning security as a strategic partner.

 

Discuss conducting a rapid maturity assessment of current security posture

 

Simultaneously, a new CISO must conduct a rapid maturity assessment of the current security posture. This isn't about pointing fingers or identifying weaknesses in a critical manner, but rather about gaining a realistic understanding of where the organization stands. This assessment should cover key areas such as existing security controls, vulnerability management, threat intelligence capabilities, identity and access management, and data protection strategies. Reviewing documentation, conducting interviews with security team members, and leveraging existing security tools can provide valuable insights. Organizations like EC-Council, with their focus on cybersecurity education and certification, often emphasize the importance of a structured approach to security assessment, aligning with industry best practices. This initial assessment will help identify immediate areas for improvement and inform the development of a strategic roadmap.

 

Share how quick wins in visibility or policy help build early credibility

 

Early credibility is vital for a new CISO. This is where quick wins in visibility or policy help build early credibility. These aren't necessarily complex, long-term projects. They are tangible improvements that demonstrate immediate value and a proactive approach. This could involve enhancing logging and monitoring capabilities to provide better insights into network activity, implementing a new security awareness training module for employees, or streamlining a key security policy to make it more effective and user-friendly. For example, if the assessment reveals a lack of clear ownership for certain security tasks, formalizing roles and responsibilities in a revised policy can be a quick win. These small victories build confidence within the organization, demonstrate a commitment to action, and pave the way for larger initiatives.

 

Highlight establishing a risk register and communication cadence with the board

 

Another critical move within the first 90 days is to establish a risk register and communication cadence with the board. The risk register should be a living document that identifies, assesses, and prioritizes cybersecurity risks to the organization. It should go beyond technical vulnerabilities to include business risks, regulatory risks, and reputational risks. Once established, the CISO needs to define a clear and concise communication strategy for the board. This isn't about bombarding them with technical jargon; it's about translating complex security concepts into business language, highlighting the top risks, the potential impact, and the proposed mitigation strategies. Regular, structured updates will ensure the board is well-informed and can make informed decisions regarding security investments and strategic direction.

 

Explain the importance of reviewing incident response readiness early

 

Even with the best preventative measures, security incidents are an unfortunate reality. Therefore, it is imperative to explain the importance of reviewing incident response readiness early. This involves not only understanding the existing incident response plan but also testing its effectiveness. Conduct tabletop exercises with key stakeholders from IT, legal, and communications to simulate various incident scenarios. Identify gaps in the plan, clarify roles and responsibilities, and ensure communication protocols are robust. A well-rehearsed incident response plan can significantly reduce the impact of a breach and demonstrates a proactive approach to resilience. This early focus on incident readiness signals to the organization that the CISO is prepared for the inevitable and prioritizes the swift and effective handling of security events.

 

Offer advice on setting a 1-year roadmap with measurable goals

 

Finally, as the initial 90 days draw to a close, the CISO must begin to offer advice on setting a 1-year roadmap with measurable goals. This roadmap should build upon the rapid maturity assessment and the identified quick wins. It should outline key strategic initiatives, prioritize projects based on risk and business impact, and include measurable objectives that can be tracked and reported on. For instance, goals could include reducing the mean time to detect (MTTD) by a certain percentage, achieving specific compliance certifications, or implementing a new security technology. This roadmap provides a clear direction for the security team, aligns security initiatives with broader business objectives, and serves as a benchmark for future performance evaluation. It transitions the initial whirlwind of activity into a structured, forward-looking strategy, ensuring that the impact of the new CISO is not just immediate but also lasting.

The first 90 days for a new CISO are a sprint, not a marathon. By focusing on building strong relationships, conducting a thorough assessment, delivering quick wins, establishing clear communication with leadership, and laying the groundwork for a robust incident response and a strategic roadmap, a CISO can establish themselves as a valuable asset and drive meaningful, lasting impact on the organization's security posture.

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