--- title: Why CISO Oversight is Critical to a Steadfast Security Program description: Security is one of the fastest evolving and most complex areas of information technology and a critical concern for most companies. image: https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Blog%20Assets/Blog%20Feature%20Images/060120_CISO.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/ciso-oversight-steadfast-security-program#main) [![cropped-Ascend-Technologies\_Vertical\_FullColor\_White](https://blog.teamascend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/cropped-Ascend-Technologies_Vertical_FullColor_White.png?width=150&height=118&name=cropped-Ascend-Technologies_Vertical_FullColor_White.png) ![cropped-Ascend-Technologies\_Vertical\_FullColor\_White](https://blog.teamascend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/cropped-Ascend-Technologies_Vertical_FullColor_White.png?width=150&height=118&name=cropped-Ascend-Technologies_Vertical_FullColor_White.png)](https://teamascend.com/) - [Show submenu for Services Services](http://teamascend.com/services/) - [Show submenu for IT Consulting IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/) - [Healthcare Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/healthcare/) - [Show submenu for Cybersecurity Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/) - [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/) - [Managed Detection & Response](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/managed-detection-response/) - [Identity Protection & MFA](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/identity-protection-mfa/) - [Email Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/email-security/) - [Perimeter Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/perimeter-security-ngfw/) - [vCISO](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vciso/) - [Security Risk Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/security-risk-assessment/) - [Penetration Testing](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/penetration-testing/) - [Vulnerability Management](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vulnerability-management-program/) - [Security Awareness Training](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/security-awareness-program/) - [Show submenu for IT Infrastructure IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/) - [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/) - [VCIO](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/vcio/) - [Managed Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/managed-infrastructure-services/) - [Data Protection (BaaS)](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/data-protection/) - [Onsite Rounding](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/onsite-rounding/) - [Application Administration Services](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/application-administration/) - [IT Infrastructure Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/infrastructure-assessment/) - [Product](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/product/) - [Show submenu for Cloud Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/) - [Ascend Cloud | Managed Private Data Center](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/edafio-cloud/) - [Hybrid Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/hybrid-cloud-solutions/) - [Cloud Security (CSPM)](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-security-posture-management/) - [Cloud Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-assessment/) - [Digitial Workspace Deployment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/digital-workspace-deployment/) - [Cloud Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-migration/) - [Show submenu for Microsoft Services Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/) - [Microsoft 365 Copilot](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot/) - [Microsoft Licensing](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-licensing/) - [Microsoft 365 Management](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-management/) - [Microsoft 365 Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Show submenu for Salesforce Salesforce](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/) - [Consulting Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-consulting-services/) - [Implementation Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-implementation-services/) - [Managed Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-managed-services/) - [Embedded Experts](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-embedded-experts/) - [Optimization Assessment](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-optimization-assessment/) - [Salesforce AppExchange](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-appexchange/) - [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/) - [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/) - [Show submenu for Industries Industries](https://teamascend.com/industries/) - [Financial Services](https://teamascend.com/industries/financial-services/) - [Private Equity](https://teamascend.com/industries/private-equity/) - [Insurance](https://teamascend.com/industries/insurance/) - [Manufacturing](https://teamascend.com/industries/manufacturing/) - [Healthcare](https://teamascend.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Legal](https://teamascend.com/industries/legal/) - [Accounting](https://teamascend.com/industries/accounting/) - [Show submenu for Resources Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - [Client Success Stories](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/) - [Events](https://teamascend.com/events/) - [Solutions-Focused PDFs](https://teamascend.com/resources/#solutions) - [Blog](https://blog.teamascend.com/) - [Webinars](https://teamascend.com/resources/?_resource_type=webinar) - [All Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - Show submenu for Company Company - [About Ascend Technologies](https://teamascend.com/about/) - [Leadership Team](https://teamascend.com/about/team/) - [Partners With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/) - [Awards & Recognitions](https://teamascend.com/about/awards/) - [Certifications](https://teamascend.com/about/certifications/) - [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/) - [Internships](https://teamascend.com/careers/internships/) - [Connect](https://teamascend.com/contact/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for Services Services - Services - [Services](http://teamascend.com/services/) - Show submenu for IT Consulting IT Consulting - IT Consulting - [IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/) - [Healthcare Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/healthcare/) - Show submenu for Cybersecurity Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity - [Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/) - [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/) - [Managed Detection & Response](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/managed-detection-response/) - [Identity Protection & MFA](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/identity-protection-mfa/) - [Email Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/email-security/) - [Perimeter Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/perimeter-security-ngfw/) - [vCISO](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vciso/) - [Security Risk Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/security-risk-assessment/) - [Penetration Testing](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/penetration-testing/) - [Vulnerability Management](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vulnerability-management-program/) - [Security Awareness Training](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/security-awareness-program/) - Show submenu for IT Infrastructure IT Infrastructure - IT Infrastructure - [IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/) - [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/) - [VCIO](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/vcio/) - [Managed Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/managed-infrastructure-services/) - [Data Protection (BaaS)](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/data-protection/) - [Onsite Rounding](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/onsite-rounding/) - [Application Administration Services](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/application-administration/) - [IT Infrastructure Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/infrastructure-assessment/) - [Product](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/product/) - Show submenu for Cloud Cloud - Cloud - [Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/) - [Ascend Cloud | Managed Private Data Center](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/edafio-cloud/) - [Hybrid Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/hybrid-cloud-solutions/) - [Cloud Security (CSPM)](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-security-posture-management/) - [Cloud Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-assessment/) - [Digitial Workspace Deployment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/digital-workspace-deployment/) - [Cloud Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-migration/) - Show submenu for Microsoft Services Microsoft Services - Microsoft Services - [Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/) - [Microsoft 365 Copilot](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot/) - [Microsoft Licensing](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-licensing/) - [Microsoft 365 Management](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-management/) - [Microsoft 365 Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - Show submenu for Salesforce Salesforce - Salesforce - [Salesforce](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/) - [Consulting Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-consulting-services/) - [Implementation Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-implementation-services/) - [Managed Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-managed-services/) - [Embedded Experts](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-embedded-experts/) - [Optimization Assessment](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-optimization-assessment/) - [Salesforce AppExchange](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-appexchange/) - [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/) - [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/) - Show submenu for Industries Industries - Industries - [Industries](https://teamascend.com/industries/) - [Financial Services](https://teamascend.com/industries/financial-services/) - [Private Equity](https://teamascend.com/industries/private-equity/) - [Insurance](https://teamascend.com/industries/insurance/) - [Manufacturing](https://teamascend.com/industries/manufacturing/) - [Healthcare](https://teamascend.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Legal](https://teamascend.com/industries/legal/) - [Accounting](https://teamascend.com/industries/accounting/) - Show submenu for Resources Resources - Resources - [Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - [Client Success Stories](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/) - [Events](https://teamascend.com/events/) - [Solutions-Focused PDFs](https://teamascend.com/resources/#solutions) - [Blog](https://blog.teamascend.com/) - [Webinars](https://teamascend.com/resources/?_resource_type=webinar) - [All Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - Show submenu for Company Company - Company - [About Ascend Technologies](https://teamascend.com/about/) - [Leadership Team](https://teamascend.com/about/team/) - [Partners With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/) - [Awards & Recognitions](https://teamascend.com/about/awards/) - [Certifications](https://teamascend.com/about/certifications/) - [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/) - [Internships](https://teamascend.com/careers/internships/) - [Connect](https://teamascend.com/contact/) - [24/7 Client Services](https://portal-ascend.okta.com/) [24/7 Client Services](https://portal-ascend.okta.com/) # Why CISO Oversight is Critical to a Steadfast Security Program ![Default Author](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Logos/Ascend/Ascend%20Technologies_Vertical_Blue.png) TEAM ASCEND June 1, 2020 - [![LinkedIn](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/LinkedIn-color%20(1).svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fciso-oversight-steadfast-security-program) - [![Facebook](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Group%203%20(1).svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fciso-oversight-steadfast-security-program) - [![Email](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Group%20427320686.svg)](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EWhy+CISO+Oversight+is+Critical+to+a+Steadfast+Security+Program%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fciso-oversight-steadfast-security-program) ![](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Blog%20Assets/Blog%20Feature%20Images/060120_CISO.jpg) ##### **Security changes quickly; a CISO can help** Security is one of the fastest evolving and most complex areas of information technology and a critical concern for most companies. Threats to the security of data are increasing and organizations continue to struggle with the changing cybersecurity landscape and regulations. Sadly, security incidents and data breaches are common occurrences. Companies are realizing the need for having a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) as an executive responsible for making security decisions. ##### **A dedicated CISO** Still, relatively few companies have a dedicated CISO. And hiring that expertise can be very expensive.  Based on the size of your organization and the complexity of your business structure, a full time CISO might not be the best investment. Ascend Technologies offers an alternative to a full-time hire; a vCISO (virtual Chief Information Security Officer). Having worked with dozens of clients on many projects across many industries, below are the most common questions we get regarding what the CISO should be doing. ##### **What is the role of a CISO?** The CISO advises the executive team on what is required to meet security requirements to do business in their given industry. The CISO oversees a team that, together, has as a view of the risks facing the enterprise and puts in place the necessary security technologies and processes to minimize the risks to the organization. He or she is empowered to communicate risks to decision makers and take action independently when necessary. ##### **Do I need a CISO?** Yes. The role grows in importance with every security breach, vulnerability and incident that occurs. Security threats have been much more aggressive in the last few years and range from a hacktivist to criminal organizations. ##### **What attributes does a CISO need?** ###### *Executive Presence* The CISO should have the executive presence to effectively represent the organization’s position regarding information security and the ability to influence executives. Being able to identify and assess threats, and then translate the risks into language executives can understand is critical. ###### *Business Knowledge* The CISO needs to understand business operations and the critical data the organization is trying to protect. He or she needs to view business operations from a risk versus security perspective and implement controls to minimize risks and business disruptions. ###### *Security Knowledge* A CISO must be capable of understanding complex security configurations and reports from a technical perspective, and then translate the relevant technical details into language that other executives can understand. ##### **What job responsibilities does the CISO have?** A CISO would be tasked with the following objectives, but specific responsibilities would depend on the size and maturity of the organization. ###### *Reporting & Executive Management Communication* Developing reports, presenting, and advising top executive management on all security matters. ###### *Risk Assessment* Performing risk assessments to understand the overall vulnerabilities of any particular asset within the organization. ###### *Strategic Security Roadmap* Developing a roadmap and budget with sized, sequenced, and prioritized initiatives. ###### *Risk Management Program* Evaluating and advising on new security threats while maintaining a risk register and corrective actions plan. ###### *Regulatory Compliance & Audits* Documenting high level requirements for compliance and assure that strategic goals are implemented within a controlled, secure framework. ###### *Vendor Management* Managing and providing oversight of vendors and leading associated due diligence. ###### *Policy & Procedure Management* Development and adherence to security policies and procedures. ###### *Asset Assessment* Classifying assets based on their criticality and business value. ###### *Security Architecture* Reviewing security architecture for new projects and applications. ###### *Awareness & Training* Maintaining and updating training and awareness plan and materials. ###### *Incident management* Managing, communicating, and coordinating a response to security events and incidents. ##### **Do all organizations need a CISO?** In a perfect world, every company would have a CISO. The role of CISO has become critical to the operation of organizations, regardless of the industry and size. However, a small to mid-sized business may not be able to justify a dedicated CISO. In those cases, a vCISO, partnering with the CIO could look to share responsibilities of a more traditional CISO and leverage partners to provide guidance. ##### **What are common pitfalls with hiring a CISO?** Organizations often find themselves using existing internal IT professionals who are focused on operations and have little experience with delivering a risk assessment to solving complex business-related issues. The CISO really needs to understand the business risk, not just the IT risk. ##### A holistic information security approach An effective information security program can only be achieved when a holistic approach is adopted. This approach should take into consideration the people, processes and technology of information security while adopting a risk-balanced, business-based approach. The success of an information security program has as much to do with people and process as it does with technology. Ascend’s Managed Security Services team can help with management and oversight of the information security program at your organization. And leveraging one of our security experts as a vCISO is a critical piece in building an overall strategy that protects your business and critical data. [Contact us to learn more about our vCISO support options](https://teamascend.com/consultation/). *By Mike Manske* ### Table of Contents #### Get Insights Sent to Your Inbox ## Related Articles ![How to Build an AI Governance Framework a Lean IT Team Can Run](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/software-engineers-collaborating-on-code-in-office-2026-09-21-23-15-07-utc.jpg) ### [How to Build an AI Governance Framework a Lean IT Team Can Run](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/ai-governance-framework-for-lean-it-teams-ascend) September 24, 2026 [Read Now ![arrow](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/SVG%20(2).svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/ai-governance-framework-for-lean-it-teams-ascend) ![How to Choose the Right Salesforce Products for Your Business](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1458786464.jpeg) ### [How to Choose the Right Salesforce Products for Your Business](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-salesforce-products-for-your-business) September 22, 2026 [Read Now ![arrow](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/SVG%20(2).svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-salesforce-products-for-your-business) ![What Is Shadow AI, and Why Is It a Compliance Risk Right Now?](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/woman-working-from-home-at-desk-with-laptop-2026-03-13-01-57-07-utc.jpg) ### [What Is Shadow AI, and Why Is It a Compliance Risk Right Now?](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/shadow-ai-compliance-risk-regulated-industries) September 17, 2026 [Read Now ![arrow](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/SVG%20(2).svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/shadow-ai-compliance-risk-regulated-industries) [![Ascend Technologies](https://blog.teamascend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Ascend/Ascend%20Technologies_Horizontal_FullColor_White.png?width=200&height=107&name=Ascend%20Technologies_Horizontal_FullColor_White.png)](https://teamascend.com/) Contact 833-639-2285 - - - - - - Company - [About](https://teamascend.com/about/) - [Services](https://teamascend.com/services/) - [Testimonials](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/) - [Partner With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/) - [Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - [Contact](https://teamascend.com/contact/) - [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/) - Services - [IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/) - [Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/) - [IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/) - [Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/) - [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/) - [Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Salesforce Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/) - [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/) - [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/) ### Empowering Technology. Powered by People. Technology is critical to businesses across all industries. Today's technology must be smart, reliable, adaptable, and secure. At Ascend Technologies, we deliver solutions at the highest level, from cloud computing to proactive cybersecurity strategies to Salesforce excellence. And the team? As impressive as the tech. Our practical support is focused on one thing: your success. Let's see what we can do together. [Contact Us](https://teamascend.com/contact/) ©2026 Ascend Technologies, LLC, All Rights Reserved | [Privacy Policy](https://teamascend.com/privacy-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebPage", "breadcrumb" : { "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://blog.teamascend.com", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 } ] }, "dateModified" : "2023-11-10T22🇲🇲43", "description" : "Security is one of the fastest evolving and most complex areas of information technology and a critical concern for most companies.", "name" : "Why CISO Oversight is Critical to a Steadfast Security Program", "primaryImageOfPage" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://content.teamascend.com/hubfs/Blog%20Assets/Blog%20Feature%20Images/060120_CISO.jpg" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://content.teamascend.com/hubfs/Ascend-Technologies-HubSpot-Logo.png" }, "name" : "Ascend Technologies", "url" : "https://blog.teamascend.com" }, "url" : "https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/ciso-oversight-steadfast-security-program" } ```