6 ways your CISO and Batman are the same person

In a world where "123456" is the most commonly used password, your Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) truly is the hero we don't deserve but all need. But that's where the similarities between your CISO and Batman are just beginning. If your organization employs a CISO, here are 6 reasons why that's the same as having Batman on your payroll:

1. Your CISO is always ahead of cutting-edge technology

While they may not cruise in a batmobile with all the latest gadgets, your CISO's role involves staying ahead of the curve in technological developments. Cybercriminals are constantly devising innovative ways to steal data, making it essential for your CISO to remain ever-vigilant and knowledgeable about emerging threats.

Few people can attest to the importance of knowing everything there is to know about technology as your CISO. Think about it: every bit of technological progress comes with the disclaimer that anything which can be used to make our lives easier and better can also be used with the opposite intent. Cybercriminals never take a day off when it comes to finding new, innovative ways to steal your data. That's why your CISO, much like Batman, is always vigilant today and knows what to look out for tomorrow.

As highlighted in the Forbes article "Five Cybersecurity Resolutions CISOs Can Actually Keep In 2023" staying up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies is paramount for CISOs, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. By attending industry conferences, subscribing to relevant publications, and following thought leaders on social channels, they ensure they are well-prepared to counter evolving cyber threats and protect their organization effectively.

Similar to Batman's reliance on intelligence and resourcefulness to outsmart his enemies, the CISO must continuously anticipate and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. They must remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and mitigating potential threats before they can cause harm. By employing cutting-edge technology and staying informed about emerging cyber threats, the CISO ensures that the organization is well-prepared to face any challenges that may arise.

2. Your CISO can think like a business executive

Batman by night, Bruce Wayne by day. A CISO is not just a hero who fights cyber criminals, but also a strategic leader within an organization. Much like Batman, who navigates the complicated corporate landscape as Bruce Wayne, a CISO needs to have a thorough understanding of the business and industry they work in.

Cybersecurity after all is an essential requirement for most organizations, but not an end goal. That's why your cybersecurity expert is equally proficient in aligning the (business) needs of an organization with a proper safety strategy. By combining their knowledge of the business with their expertise in cybersecurity, the CISO can develop a comprehensive safety strategy that meets the unique needs of the organization.

To do this successfully, your CISO must appease many stakeholders and even get political at times. Technological skills are just as important as knowing how to be persuasive, resolve conflicts, and stand your ground. The CISO knows that defending the organization and its data requires a delicate balance of strength and wisdom, knowing when to assert authority and when to negotiate.

Therefore, having a CISO on your payroll is like having Batman on your side. They are not only skilled in the technical aspects of cybersecurity but also possess the strategic mindset and leadership qualities necessary to protect the organization from potential harm. Their ability to navigate the corporate landscape, understand the business needs, and develop a comprehensive safety strategy makes them an invaluable asset in the fight against cybercrime.

3. Your CISO upholds the law

In our online world, corruption lurks as it does in the fictional Gotham City. Just as the infamous Joker uses deceit and manipulation, cybercriminals steal valuable data from individuals and organizations. For instance, think of the son of the deposed king of Nigeria "offering" money in exchange for your data as a classic example of this digital corruption. Similar to the Joker, cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities, posing a serious threat to our digital safety and privacy.

As data leaks occur, this corruption gains ground, highlighting the crucial role of your CISO. They are more than an IT expert, they are also a guardian of the law, armed not only with technological knowledge but also a deep understanding of the legal landscape surrounding cybercrime.  Similar to Batman's mission to protect Gotham City from injustice, your CISO fights to prevent data breaches and uphold fairness and integrity in the digital realm.

To be effective in countering cybercrime, your CISO must navigate a complex web of laws, regulations, standards, and requirements. They stay up-to-date with the ever-changing legal landscape, ensuring your organization remains compliant with all relevant rules. By combining IT expertise with legal know-how, your CISO becomes a formidable force against cybercriminals, capable of delivering justice and protecting your organization from harm.

Put simply, your CISO doesn't just fight to prevent data breaches. They fight to prevent injustice, making them a legal and IT expert in one.

4. Your CISO handles stress, lots and lots of it

Remember that time Batman had to diffuse a nuclear bomb in order to protect an entire city? Replace "nuclear bomb" with "data breach" and you're left with what your CISO might refer to as "Monday".

In a world where data breaches are an ever-increasing risk, odds are your CISO eats stress for breakfast. According to research from Gartner, the work stressors faced by cybersecurity professionals are rising and becoming unsustainable. Accelerated by the pandemic and staffing shortages across the industry, nearly half of cybersecurity leaders are expected to change jobs by 2025, with 25% opting for different roles entirely due to multiple work-related stressors.

"By 2025, nearly half of cybersecurity leaders will change jobs, 25% for different roles entirely due to multiple work-related stressors." - Gartner

When you think about it, a CISO's job is never done and doesn't abide by office hours. Like Batman, they can be called upon at any given moment. And without exception, these situations need to be treated as emergencies.

So, when Gotham City calls on Batman to save the day, they expect him to be up and ready and wearing a cape in mere seconds. That's exactly the kind of constant readiness your CISO goes with every day.

Gartner suggests that while eliminating stress is unrealistic, people can manage challenging and stressful jobs in cultures where they are supported. Changing the rules of engagement to foster cultural shifts will help cybersecurity professionals cope better with the mounting stress they face.

5. Your CISO gets the blame when things go wrong

As seen in one of our recent polls, a majority of people think their CISO is responsible in the event of a data breach. While your CISO takes it upon themselves to do whatever they can to prevent a data breach from happening (by being an IT, business, and legal expert as well as a people person), no superhero can prevent someone from accidentally sending a file to the wrong person.

With most of data leaks caused by "small" human mistakes like these, it's almost a little harsh that your CISO gets the most attention when things go wrong.

Like any superhero, your CISO barely gets credit for disasters that didn't happen, and all the blame for those they couldn't stop.

6. Your CISO, like Batman, could use a helping hand

If you think that maybe your CISO could use some help, you're right. Every superhero comes with one or more trusted sidekicks after all. Where would Batman be without Robin, Alfred, or whoever made that Batmobile? Likewise, where would your CISO be without a data solution that in and of itself prevents data leaks from happening, a data solution that increases awareness without distracting from your organization's main goal? Or rather, where would your CISO be without an IT solution that's Robin, Alfred and a batmobile in one?

Discover more about data protection that:

• is at the forefront of technology;
• tailors to your organization's needs;
• ensures you comply with rules and regulations;
• makes life less stressful for your CISO (and for you as well);
• makes everybody in your organization an asset in your CISO's efforts to prevent data breaches.

Go to https://www.smartlockr.io/en/teams/ciso to see how you can make life easy, for CISOs and superheroes alike.