CIO OPINION
security, AI-enhanced threat detection and effective vulnerability management are crucial in countering modern threats. The ability to implement and manage Zero-Trust frameworks and build comprehensive risk management strategies is essential.
Leadership and communication skills are equally important, as CISOs must foster a security-conscious culture and guide teams through complex, highstakes challenges. An understanding of regulatory requirements, data privacy and the ability to quickly adapt to new threats are key to a successful security strategy.
Saqib Chaudhry, Field CISO, CPX
CISOs must evolve from technical experts to becoming strategic business enablers. They are expected not only to manage cybersecurity risks but also to be business partners, communicators, and drivers of organisational culture change. Soft skills, board engagement, and the ability to report on security posture with confidence are now as critical as technical knowledge.
CISOs must clearly communicate risks and solutions in non-technical terms, enabling informed, risk-based decision-making. Collaboration with CIOs and CTOs is vital to drive secure digital transformation. CISOs must also stay ahead of an evolving threat landscape, including ransomware, AI-driven attacks, and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Shane Grennan, Senior Channel Director, Middle East and Türkiye, Fortinet
policy, influencing culture, and steering cybersecurity as a business enabler rather than a cost centre.
This includes being able to communicate risks in a way that resonates with both the C-Suite and technical teams. The most effective CISOs are those who combine deep security knowledge with strong communication, strategic insight and adaptability.
Miguel Khouri, General Manager, GBM Abu Dhabi
CISOs face a complex and rapidly evolving threat landscape, with increasing pressure to balance security, compliance, and business agility. While AI is accelerating innovation and business transformation, it is also introducing significant cybersecurity and privacy challenges.
Securing the modern enterprise requires CISOs to
transcend traditional technical roles and step into the realm of strategic business leadership. Beyond deep technical expertise, today’ s security leaders must stay ahead of evolving data privacy regulations, AI-driven risk modelling, and emerging cybersecurity practices.
Soft skills are equally important, particularly the ability to communicate cyber risk in business terms, influence stakeholders, and foster a security-first culture. To thrive, CISOs must develop a multidisciplinary skill set that bridges IT and business, empowering them to lead with clarity, adaptability, and impact.
Ray Kafity, Vice President Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, Halcyon
CISOs are grappling with a security landscape that is expanding faster than teams can adapt to. At the same time, skills shortages, complex multi-vendor environments, and pressure to align security with business outcomes are adding to the burden.
CISOs need a hybrid skill set that blends technical depth with business acumen. Strategic thinking, crisis leadership, and cross-functional collaboration are no longer optional. As cyber risks evolve, security leaders must become change agents capable of shaping
Enterprise CISOs are navigating an era where digital environments grow more complex by the day, even as cyber threats become faster, more automated, and increasingly relentless. Pressure to reduce mean time to detect and respond, while maintaining business continuity, places CISOs under constant strain to do more with limited resources.
CISOs expect cybersecurity vendors to deliver more than just tools— they seek strategic partners who understand evolving threat models and regional
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