Chief Security Officer (CSO)

The CSO oversees and coordinates security efforts across the organization.

Role overview

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) leads operational security and risk management activities with the aim of enhancing the value of the organization. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CSO manages a team of security professionals who safeguard the company’s assets, intellectual property, and systems, as well as the physical safety of employees and customers. Unlike the CISO, the CSO is responsible for the physical security, data privacy and the safety of employees, assets, and facilities.

Chief Security Officers

may also be referred to as:

Chief Security Officer Vice President Technology

Director Contingency Operations and Chief Security Officer

Vice President Physical And Cyber Security

Career Path

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Average Salary

Based upon experience, salary for this role ranges from:

$225,000

National Average

$306,250

$387,500

* based upon those with two plus years of cybersecurity experience

Responsibilities

• Coordination of security efforts across the company, including information technology, human resources, communications, legal, facilities management and more.

• Manage the implementation of global security policy, standards, guidelines and procedures.

• Physical security responsibilities may include asset protection, access control systems, video surveillance, and more.

• Information security responsibilities may include network security architecture, network access and monitoring policies, employee education and awareness, and more.

• Work with a team of executives to develop security initiatives and plan security spending.

• Oversee incident response and the investigation of security breaches, assisting with the aftermath of data breach recovery.

Tools & Environment

CSOs need to be able to use security, risk management, and critical infrastructure protection tools, as well as knowledge of law enforcement and cyber and physical security systems.

Certifications

Category	Organization	Certification
Manage	(ISC)2	CISSP
Manage	(ISC)2	CISSP-ISSMP
Manage	ASIS	CPP
Manage	ASIS	APP
Manage	EC-Council	E\|ISM
Manage	EC-Council	CCISO
Manage	GAQM	CISSM
Manage	GIAC	GSLC
Manage	GIAC	GSTRT
Manage	ISACA	CISM
	Organization