By Sonica Laing, Regional Sales Manager, DataGroup IT
Once viewed as the final line of defence against digital threats, today’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has emerged as a central force in shaping enterprise value. The role has transformed dramatically, from behind-the-scenes technologist to boardroom architect of digital trust and resilience.
As digital transformation accelerates and cyber threats grow more sophisticated, businesses are waking up to a new reality: cyber risk is business risk. And the CISO is no longer just managing it – they’re helping to redefine the competitive edge.
From back-office guardian to boardroom strategist, the CISO’s ascent reflects a broader shift: cybersecurity is no longer a cost centre, it’s a business enabler.
Just a decade ago, most CISOs reported into the CIO, operating with limited visibility outside of IT or compliance. But that’s changing fast.
According to Gartner, by 2026, 70% of CISOs will report directly to the CEO, reflecting a shift in how organizations cybersecurity is perceived, from technical silo to strategic imperative.
This evolution is no accident. High-profile cyber attacks, sophisticated nation-state threats, rising regulatory scrutiny, and the explosion of digital transformation have brought cyber risk squarely into the spotlight. In a hyperconnected world, security is now a board-level conversation.
One experienced CISO reflected on this shift:“Today, cyber-risk is persistently reflected in the top 10 enterprise risks of any organisation, irrespective of sector… Organisations must elevate cyber leadership to the boardroom to closely govern and drive mitigation strategies at the board level.”
Boardroom Presence: CISOs Are Being Heard
The shift isn’t just theoretical. In the PwC 2024 Global Digital Trust Insights Survey, 51% of CISOs reported attending board meetings quarterly, more than double the figure from five years ago.
Why the rapid rise?
- Cybersecurity incidents cost millions in direct damages, reputational loss, stock price impacts, and regulatory fines.
- Digital trust fuels brand reputation and investor confidence.
- Agile transformation without embedded security becomes a strategic liability.
In short, forward-looking boards now see cybersecurity not as a blocker, but as a prerequisite for innovation.
From Defender to Enabler: The Modern CISO’s Playbook
Today’s CISO partners across the enterprise, not just with IT, but with product, legal, finance, and marketing. Their mission? Build secure foundations that unlock speed, scalability, and customer trust.
Real-world examples include:
- Collaborating with DevOps teams to embed security earlier in development lifecycles (Shift Left strategies).
- Accelerating market entry by streamlining secure onboarding and compliance for new services.
- Shaping third-party risk strategy in M&A due diligence, often flagging potential deal-breaking vulnerabilities.
Across Africa and globally, we’re seeing CISOs step into roles where security becomes a strategic growth lever, not a checkbox.
CISO by the Numbers: A Role in Transition
- 60% of CISOs now hold an MBA or executive business education certification.
- 45% are now considered “key business partners” by their executive peers (IDC, 2024).
- 33% of boards feel “very confident” in their CISO’s ability to communicate enterprise risk (Forrester, 2024).Average CISO tenure? Just 24–30 months – a reflection of the high stress and constant pressure.
- And by 2025, cybercrime is projected to cost $10.5 trillion globally (Cybersecurity Ventures).
These figures highlight a paradox: while CISOs are gaining power, many will struggle with board communication gaps, resource constraints, complexity and burnout.
New Titles, Broader Mandates: Is the CISO the new Trust Officer?
As digital trust becomes the new boardroom currency, some companies are expanding or rebranding the CISO role entirely – into Chief Trust Officers, Chief Resilience Officers, or Chief Risk and Strategy Officers.
This broader scope reflects the future of the CISO: a multi-dimensional leader who oversees not only cybersecurity, but data ethics, privacy, compliance, ESG risk, and customer trust.
In many African markets, where regulatory frameworks are still evolving, this kind of proactive, cross-functional leadership can set businesses apart.
What Happens When the CISO Leads the Conversation?
Organizations that embrace the CISO Strategist model are seeing real results:
- Stronger resilience against cyberattacks
- Faster digital innovation with reduced risk
- Greater investor and customer trust
Security is no longer just about defence – it’s about vision, value, and velocity. The modern CISO isn’t just protecting the business, they’re designing its future.
The boardroom shift has already begun. And in the enterprises that thrive tomorrow, the CISO won’t just have a seat at the table – they’ll help lead it.