Field CISOs: Role Ambiguity and Industry Perspectives

The role of field CISOs is gaining traction in the cybersecurity industry, prompting discussions regarding their actual responsibilities and titles. Some professionals argue that field CISOs should only carry the CISO title if they have operational accountability for security within an organization, while others suggest that these roles can provide valuable insights without the same level of responsibility. For example, Phil Venables from Google emphasized that staff within the 'office of the CISO' might have extensive experience without being labeled as field CISOs, highlighting the confusion around this title. Additionally, there is a concern that the ambiguous nature of these roles can undermine the credibility of those who hold them, as many may lack direct security responsibilities.