Netskope Report: Evolution of the Industrial Sector CISO Role

Netskope, a leading cybersecurity company, has recently released a report that delves into the evolving role of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in the industrial sector. Titled ‘The Industrial CISO: Bringing Balance’, the report is based on research conducted with over 1,000 CISOs globally, focusing on the automotive, manufacturing, logistics, and critical national infrastructure sectors.

The findings of the report reveal that CISOs in the industrial sector are experiencing rapid changes in their roles, with 60% of respondents stating that their responsibilities are evolving at a fast pace. While nearly two-thirds of CISOs express a desire to play a more active role as business enablers, 50% admit that their risk appetite has increased in recent years.

Despite these aspirations, the report highlights a disconnect between industrial sector CISOs and their C-suite peers. A staggering 91% of CISOs in the industrial sector acknowledge that conflicting risk appetites within the C-suite pose a significant challenge.

James Robinson, CISO at Netskope, emphasizes the importance of aligning security strategies with broader business objectives to foster collaboration across the C-suite. He notes that CISOs who can demonstrate how their security initiatives contribute to revenue growth, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance are more likely to be recognized as valuable partners within the organization.

Overall, the report sheds light on the evolving role of CISOs in the industrial sector and underscores the need for greater alignment between cybersecurity and business objectives to drive innovation and protect critical assets.