PANEL – Breaking the Chain: Should CISOs Stop Reporting to IT?
As cybersecurity evolves from a technical function to a core business risk discipline, more organizations are rethinking the traditional CIO-CISO reporting structure. In this candid discussion, seasoned security leaders who report outside of IT — including to CFOs, CEOs, and boards — will unpack how this shift changes everything: visibility, influence, funding, and risk framing. The panel will explore the real-world pros and cons of reporting beyond IT, how it redefines the CISO’s role, and what organizational maturity is required to make it work.
Key Discussion Questions & Talking Points:
Strategic Impact
How does reporting to the CFO or CEO reshape the CISO’s ability to position cybersecurity as a business enabler rather than a technical function?
What influence does this shift have on cybersecurity’s role in enterprise risk management?
Funding & Resource Allocation
Does reporting to finance improve conversations around cybersecurity funding and ROI?
How can CISOs build a compelling business case for investment when security outcomes are preventative and often intangible?
Communication & Influence
What new communication skills or business fluency must CISOs develop when moving outside of IT?
How can CISOs better translate cyber risk into financial and operational terms that resonate with the C-suite?
Conflict of Interest with IT
Does separating the CISO from the CIO help reduce conflicts of interest in areas like project timelines, performance, and user experience?
How can CISOs maintain healthy collaboration with IT when they’re no longer in the same reporting line?
Organizational Readiness
What kind of organizational structure, leadership support, and culture are needed to successfully reposition the CISO role?
When shouldn’t a CISO report outside of IT — and what signs suggest the organization isn’t ready?
Career & Role Evolution
How has this shift changed the panelists’ career trajectories or the perception of the CISO within the business?
Does reporting outside IT create opportunities for broader responsibilities, such as enterprise risk or data governance?
