Tue Sep 24 03:38:48 UTC 2024: ## CIOs Need to Empower CISOs to Build Trust in a Digital World

**Sydney, Australia – October 25, 2023** – In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, building trust in IT is crucial for business success. According to Jinan Budge, VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester, one key to achieving this is by empowering the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

Budge emphasizes that CISOs play a critical role in establishing a foundation of security, privacy, and resilience, which are cornerstones of high-performance IT (HPIT). However, she highlights that while CISOs are essential, their expertise needs to be leveraged strategically based on each organization’s unique HPIT strategy.

A recent Forrester study analyzed CISOs across the Asia Pacific region, revealing that the average CISO holds the position for 1.6 terms and typically reaches this level after 20 years in the field. Despite their extensive experience, many CISOs focus heavily on technical aspects, struggling to secure executive positions.

Budge stresses the importance of aligning CISO hiring with an organization’s HPIT strategy. For example, companies in “transforming” mode need CISOs who are true business partners, while those in “enabling” mode might benefit from a more tech-focused CISO.

“You can’t bypass the human task of adapting your hiring and leadership skills to the key guardian of trust in your organization,” says Budge. “Empowering your CISO is not just about technical skills, it’s about recognizing their value as business partners and fostering their growth.”

To delve deeper into this topic, attend Forrester’s Technology & Innovation Summit APAC on October 29th in Sydney (and digitally).

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