CISOs Rise to Prominence: Security Leaders Join the Executive Suite
Summary
Organisations are increasingly elevating security leaders to CISO or other C-level roles as cybersecurity becomes an enterprise-level concern. A recent IANS and Artico report shows executive-level CISO titles now outnumber VP- or director-level designations, with large enterprises moving from 33% executive representation in 2023 to 47% in 2025. Drivers include widening attack surfaces, rapid adoption of tools across business units (including AI), and escalating regulatory and disclosure requirements. While the title brings board-level visibility and potential influence, many CISOs still face resource constraints and high burnout—especially in smaller firms where the role often spans enterprise risk management and hands-on tasks.
Key Points
- Executive-level CISO titles have grown markedly; large enterprises saw representation rise from 33% (2023) to 47% (2025).
- Primary drivers: more frequent and severe attacks, expanded attack surfaces (including AI-related tools), and faster-moving regulatory obligations (SEC, GLBA updates, NYDFS rules).
- The role is shifting from a back-office IT function to an enterprise risk and board-level responsibility.
- Benefits of C-level status include a seat at the table, improved ability to prioritise security, and clearer channels for crisis communication.
- Title alone isn’t enough—funding, support functions (privacy, legal, dedicated risk teams) and delegation are crucial to avoid overburdening CISOs.
- Burnout and unrealistic scope remain major issues, particularly at SMBs where CISOs often also handle enterprise risk management and hands-on operations.
- Some organisations may elevate titles to meet regulatory requirements rather than to materially strengthen security capability, risking mismatches between title and resources/experience.
Context and Relevance
As businesses become more digitally dependent, security is now inseparable from overall enterprise risk. This trend reflects a broader shift: regulators are demanding faster disclosure and clearer accountability, business units are deploying their own tools (increasing risk), and boards want someone who understands both technical and regulatory landscapes. For security professionals and executives, the article outlines why organisational structure, funding and support functions matter as much as the CISO title itself.
Why should I read this?
Quick takeaway: if you care about who actually gets to influence security decisions (and not just who gets the fancy job title), this piece saves you time. It explains why CISOs are suddenly common in the C-suite, what that means for board-level risk discussions, and where the gaps still bite—especially in smaller organisations. Handy if you’re hiring, advising, or trying not to burn out.
Author style
Punchy and practical — the article cuts through the hype to show that while the CISO title is spreading, the real story is whether organisations back that title with budget, teams and realistic scope. Read the detail if you want to understand where influence actually sits in modern firms.