5 roles of the interim CISO (Information Systems Security Manager)

The interim CISO is a highly experienced player, specialized in the security of information systems. Whether it is to manage a crisis, structure a cybersecurity strategy, support an IS project or compensate for an unexpected departure, he intervenes quickly, for a limited time, in order to respond to critical issues with operational excellence.

 

To better understand their field of intervention and the strengths of their expertise, here are 5 key roles of the interim CISO.

What is an interim CISO?

The CISO (Information Systems Security Manager) is responsible for the digital security of an organization. It ensures the protection of information systems, sensitive data and all IT infrastructures. He works closely with the general management, the IT department, the technical and legal teams.

As part of an interim management mission, the CISO intervenes temporarily (generally between 6 and 18 months) to secure a critical situation, manage a project or replace an absent CISO. Highly qualified, he has 15 to 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, often acquired in complex environments and subject to strong regulatory constraints.

The CISO is thus a professional experienced in the management of complex missions with strategic stakes, with cutting-edge expertise and an ability to act immediately.

 

When to call on an interim CISO?

The interim CISO intervenes in demanding contexts, where responsiveness, expertise and neutrality are decisive:

• Job vacancy : in the event of the sudden departure of the incumbent CISO (parental leave, retirement, sick leave, etc.), the interim CISO ensures the operational continuity of the function, manages strategic projects, supervises the teams, optimizes processes, while preparing the ground to ensure a serene and quickly operational start to the future manager.

• Cyber crisis : ransomware attack, data leak, compromise of a critical system, or major security incident… The interim CISO, experienced in crisis management and with excellent composure, quickly rectifies the situation and preserves the integrity and protection of data with responsiveness and efficiency.

• IS transformation project, such as securing the deployment of an ERP, an HRIS, a new cloud architecture, or support for a deep digitalization of business processes.

• Regulatory compliance : GDPR, NIS2, DORA, HDS, ISO 27001… These normative frameworks can be structured and implemented by the interim CISO, who has a solid understanding of the standards and standards specific to his or her activity.

• Cybersecurity diagnosis : prior to an audit, a takeover or an investment, the interim CISO assesses the risks, flaws and priorities for action.

• Corporate restructuring or merger : the interim CISO secures the IS, aligns security practices and manages the technical and human interfaces before an external growth operation or a restructuring.

5 Key Roles of an Interim CISO

The interim CISO plays a key role in maintaining the security of information systems. He knows how to make a diagnosis, prioritize priorities and implement targeted actions, with composure and efficiency.

Here are 5 examples of key roles that he can take on when working in the organization:

1. Carry out a structured cybersecurity diagnosis

The Interim CISO begins its mission with a complete audit of the information system. Upon arrival, he maps digital assets, identifies vulnerabilities, assesses cybersecurity maturity and verifies compliance with current standards. This diagnosis serves as the basis for a realistic and prioritized action plan according to the company’s own resources and risks.

2. Define and deploy a cybersecurity strategy

Depending on the company’s challenges, he designs an adapted cybersecurity strategy, aligned with the organization’s priorities: risk management, security policy, access security, network segmentation, supervision, data encryption, etc. It builds a clear roadmap, with clear deadlines and precise budgets.

3. Manage security crises and incidents

When an incident occurs, the interim CISO takes on the role of conductor. He coordinates internal teams, initiates emergency procedures and arbitrates critical decisions, while maintaining a clear operational course. His composure and excellent stress management are essential to limit damage during a crisis management and quickly restore stakeholder confidence.

4. Raise awareness and train teams

Because IS security is also, and above all, a matter of good practices and responsible behavior, the CISO is able to carry out awareness-raising actions with employees, business lines and managers, such as:

• Training,
• Simulated phishing campaigns,
• The establishment of cybersecurity referents,
• The drafting of a cybersecurity charter with the best practices to adopt on a daily basis,
• …

Through these actions, he contributes to establishing a cyber culture within the organization. It also helps to remove the resistance to change management, by reassuring employees and supporting their acculturation and skills development.

5. Bringing IS into compliance with regulatory requirements

Finally, the transitional CISO can support the compliance of information systems with the texts in force:

• NIS2 to improve governance and cyber risk management,
• DORA for the financial sector,
• HDS for health sector data,
• ISO 27001 for Security Governance…

The interim manager structures procedures, manages audits and ensures compliance with obligations.

 

Are you looking for an interim CISO?

At WAYDEN, we mobilise an immediately operational interim CISO, chosen for his or her ability to adapt to your sectoral challenges (Industry, Agri-food, Health, e-commerce, or Retail and distribution…) and capable of supporting you in all your cyber issues.

 

Contact us to find out more.