What is a BISO?

A BISO is a senior position within an organization that bridges security and overall business strategies. The BISO's role is to act as a strategic liaison between the security team and business units, aligning security initiatives with organizational goals to ensure security supports operational effectiveness. Unlike the chief information security officer (CISO), who oversees the organization's overall security strategy and technical teams, the BISO focuses on integrating security with the business side and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

BISOs act as intermediaries and advisors, ensuring cybersecurity considerations are integrated into other departments and business processes. They help other departments and non-technical staff understand security concepts, fostering a security-first culture across the organization. BISOs report to different executives depending on the organization's structure—sometimes to the CISO, sometimes to the IT department—and this reporting structure affects security communication and collaboration. BISOs must gain buy in from the business side and stakeholders to ensure effective security initiatives. Several factors, such as organizational size and business needs, influence the adoption of BISOs. BISOs help businesses improve their security posture and protect the organization's assets by aligning security initiatives with business goals. To be effective, BISOs must understand both technology and business operations.

BISO Acronym: Full Form (Business Information Security Officer)

BISO is an acronym and stands for Business Information Security Officer and is pronounced "Bee-so"

BISO vs. CISO

At a high level, a BISO’s role in an organization is more strategically focused, acting as an intermediary between the security team and other departments to help align security initiatives with business goals. The placement of the BISO affects security communication and the organization's security posture. Business information security officers help protect the organization's assets by integrating technology and business processes.

We’ve outlined this in more detail in our post, The CISO vs The BISO.

Key Skills and Certifications for a BISO

To excel as a BISO, professionals must bring together a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and strong communication skills. BISOs play a pivotal role in ensuring that security measures not only protect the organization’s assets but also support business growth and operational efficiency.

Key skills for a successful BISO include:

1. Technical expertise: A deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, network security, and the latest cybersecurity technologies is essential. BISOs must assess and implement security best practices, respond to security incidents, and ensure the organization’s information systems are protected against evolving cyber threats.

2. Business acumen: BISOs need a thorough understanding of business operations, business processes, and organizational goals. This enables them to communicate effectively with business units and leaders, ensuring that security strategies are tailored to support business objectives and drive business growth.

3. Risk management: The ability to conduct comprehensive risk assessments, prioritize risks, and implement effective risk management strategies is vital. BISOs must ensure that security measures align with the organization’s risk appetite and regulatory requirements, helping ensure compliance and protect sensitive data.

4. Communication skills: Strong communication skills are necessary for BISOs to bridge the gap between technical security teams and business teams. They must be able to explain complex security principles and incident response plans in a way that is accessible to non-technical stakeholders, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for information security.

5. Certifications are another important aspect of a BISO’s qualifications. Earning credentials such as Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) demonstrates a BISO’s expertise in security principles, risk management, and technical skills. For those working in highly regulated industries, certifications like Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) can be particularly valuable for ensuring compliance and effective risk management.

Staying current with the latest cybersecurity technologies and industry best practices is essential for BISOs. Ongoing education and training help BISOs maintain their technical expertise and adapt their security strategies to address new threats and business challenges.

The average BISO salary reflects the importance and complexity of this role, typically ranging from $120,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on factors such as location, experience, and industry. As organizations continue to prioritize business information security, BISOs play a crucial role in aligning security measures with business strategies, supporting business operations, and safeguarding the organization’s assets.

BISO Job Description in Cyber Security

BISOs act as strategic advisors and intermediaries, ensuring security measures align with the organization’s business goals and objectives. Their key responsibilities often include

• Risk Assessment
• Policy Development
• Incident Response
• Compliance
• Awareness Training
• Collaborating with other departments to align security initiatives with business goals

By bridging the gap between security and the business side, BISOs play a crucial role in protecting the organization's assets and improving its security posture by leveraging technology.

See Also: 

1. BISO Role
2. CISO Board Report Template 
3. Board Questions for CISOs 
4. Reporting Cybersecurity to the Board
   

Return to Security and Risk Terms Glossary