Information Security

What does a CISO actually do?

Information security is important - everyone knows that. But who is really responsible for it? In larger organizations, it is usually a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer). In smaller companies, that responsibility often lies with the IT manager, CTO, CFO or the entrepreneur himself. Still, there is a growing need for someone to really focus on this. So time to make clear what exactly a CISO does and why you can't do without one.

This article was last updated on

23/7/2025

CISO: chief information security officer

The CISO is the one who monitors the overview when it comes to information security. That means more than preventing data breaches or complying with ISO 27001 or NIS2. A good CISO provides structure, gives direction and makes information security part of corporate strategy.

The 5 most important duties of a CISO

1. Determine security strategy

The CISO sets the course. What are the biggest risks? Where should the focus be? How do you make sure everyone in the organization is aware of their role? The CISO develops a clear strategy, including awareness programs, policies and priorities.

2. Managing the security team.

If there is a team, the CISO makes sure everyone knows what needs to be done and why. From technical measures to awareness among colleagues. No in-house team? Then the CISO provides external support or performs tasks himself.

3. Advise and report to management

The CISO translates technical risks into clear insights for management. What are the risks if you do nothing now? What will it cost, what will it yield? The CISO also advises on security measures.

4. Responding to incidents

Does it still go wrong? Then the CISO is the director. Incident response, impact analysis, communication: the CISO is responsible. Afterwards there is an evaluation: what went well, what can be improved?

5. Making sure you stay compliant

ISO 27001, NIS2, AVG, BIO - the rules are constantly changing. The CISO makes sure you stay compliant with laws and regulations.

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CISO vs. ISO (Security Officer): what's the difference?

The CISO is responsible for strategy. Who looks at the bigger picture: risks, priorities and policies. The ISO (Information Security Officer) is responsible for implementation. Think about implementing controls, implementing measures, monitoring and documentation.

In smaller organizations, these roles are sometimes combined, but as you grow, it's smart to split them up. That way you keep focus and an overview.

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Aspect	ISO	CISO
Main tasks	Implementing information security measures	Establishing information security strategy and policies
Strategic level	Limited, mainly tactical and operational	Yes, strategic and policy-making
Operational responsibility	Yes, conducts risk assessments, audits, awareness trainings	No, oversees implementation, directs ISO
Reports to	Often to the CISO or IT manager	Directly to management, CIO or Board of Directors
Focus	Practical implementation of policies and guidelines	Strategic security objectives and risk management
Decision-making	Advises, but usually does not decide independently	Ultimately responsible for security choices and investments
Team Responsibility	Works individually or in small team	Directs the entire security team
Compliance and audits	Performs checks and assessments	Oversees high-level compliance, takes ultimate responsibility
Technical knowledge	Often requires in-depth technical knowledge	Greater focus on management, governance and communication

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How do you become a CISO?

There is no set route, but there are clear ingredients:

Experience in IT or information security - many CISOs come from roles as security officers, IT managers or compliance specialists.
Knowledge of standards and regulations - such as ISO 27001, NIS2, AVG.
Strong communication skills - you must be able to explain risk to people with no technical background.
Analytical and strategic thinking - you oversee the big picture and think ahead.

Courses or certifications that often recur are CISM, CISSP, or ISO 27001 courses. But just as important: understanding how organizations work and getting people on board for change.

Why you can't live without it

Without a CISO, information security remains something done "on the side. Often by IT or compliance, in addition to all their other work. And that is risky. A good CISO brings focus, overview and responsibility. Just what you need at a time when threats are becoming more sophisticated.

Don't employ a CISO? Choose CISO as a Service

Don't have enough work for a full-time CISO, but do need expertise? Then CISO as a Service is a smart solution. At Fendix, we supply experienced CISOs, flexibly deployable and immediately available. Remotely or on location. You decide what is needed - we take care of the rest.

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Kilian Houthuijzen

Commercial Manager

085 773 60 05

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