Becoming a CISO requires a blend of technical expertise, business experience, and leadership ability. This five-step action plan outlines the qualifications typically needed, including foundational certifications such as GSEC, CISSP, CISM, or CISA, along with specialized SASE and SSE certifications. Candidates generally need 3–5 years of experience in cybersecurity, networking, or IT, plus an additional 3–5 years in business-related roles that demonstrate operational and managerial strength. Familiarity with industry standards like NIST, ISO, SANS, COBIT, HIPAA, and privacy regulations such as GDPR and CCPA is essential. An MBA or similar advanced degree can further strengthen readiness for the CISO role.

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