Starting off as the new chief in charge of a company’s cyber safety – also known as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – can feel like stepping onto a rollercoaster with tons of ups and downs. It’s not just about being a whiz with computers and technology. Turns out, it’s also about working well with other people in the company and having a good game plan.

Take, for example, Mike Britton from Abnormal Security, who had a whole bunch of ideas when he first started, only to find out he had to switch gears fast to tackle the really urgent stuff. Or Nate Lee from Cloudsec.ai, who reminds us that being a CISO means looking after information safety, not just fixing gadgets.

Adapting to new situations, like a game of dodgeball with office politics, is key. It’s also important to be ready for anything, keeping a cool head, and not setting super-high expectations that can’t be met.

The day-to-day tasks might not be the most thrilling – think more paperwork and less James Bond – but they’re crucial. Sue Bergamo from BTE Partners warns that if security alerts are going off like popcorn but they’re mostly false alarms, that’s a big problem. And skipping the technical jargon when talking to other bosses in the company is really important. Otherwise, they might tune out.

Here’s the thing: being a CISO means not getting in the way too much. Dimitri Chichlo from BforeAI advises that it’s all about balancing safety features with making sure everyone can still do their jobs. And then there’s the money side of things. Funds aren’t endless, so it’s all about prioritizing what really needs those dollars.

Teaching co-workers about cyber dangers is also part of the gig, according to Chichlo. It’s better to partner up than point fingers when mistakes happen. Renee Guttmann, the founder of CisoHive, points out that it’s critical to remain supportive and not always be the bearer of bad news.

Building relationships is also a big deal. How else can you be seen as a teammate instead of a foe? Even small gestures, like maybe bringing cupcakes to work, can make a difference. And let’s not forget that life isn’t all about work – family comes first. Guttmann’s personal story about missing her daughter’s school event is a touching reminder of this.

All these tips come straight from the pros who have walked the walk. They’ve learned these lessons the hard way, so new CISOs don’t have to.

To read more about what these CISOs had to share, check out the full story at www.csoonline.com/article/3526638/10-things-cisos-wished-they-knew-from-the-start.html.

And don’t forget, for those looking to get a grip on their company’s cyber security without the added stress, Diversified Outlook Group is here to help. For assistance on navigating the challenges that come with being a CISO and beyond, reach out to support@diversifiedoutlookgroup.com.