Chief Information Security Officers

Employers

Chief information security officers are employed by any company or organization that needs to protects its IT systems and data from cyberattacks, although large companies are the most common employers of these professionals. Cybercrime Magazine publishes a list of Fortune 500 companies that employ CISOs at https://cybersecurityventures.com/ciso-500. Companies that are featured on the list include Walmart; Apple; CVS Health; Exxon Mobil; Berkshire Hathaway; Ford Motor; Verizon Communications; and JPMorgan Chase.

Starting Out

You’ll need at least five years—but ideally 10 years—of experience in lower-level cybersecurity positions to be eligible for a position as a CISO. Job-search strategies include working with a recruiter, contacting potential employers directly about job opportunities, using the resources of your college’s career services office, joining IT security–focused networking groups (check out MeetUp.com for groups in your area), attending career fairs, creating a profile on LinkedIn, and joining professional associations. A current CISO who develops a strong reputation in his or her field is often approached by other companies with job offers.