CISO Talk by James Azar

CISO Talk by James Azar

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CISO Talk by James Azar
CISO Talk by James Azar
Cybersecurity Is Not the Center of Everything—And That’s OK

Cybersecurity Is Not the Center of Everything—And That’s OK

Why It’s Not the Business Epicenter—And How Agentic AI Will Streamline Security for Tomorrow

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James Azar
Mar 08, 2025
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CISO Talk by James Azar
CISO Talk by James Azar
Cybersecurity Is Not the Center of Everything—And That’s OK
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One recurring mistake many CISOs make is believing cybersecurity sits at the absolute center of all business operations. For years, cybersecurity professionals have been led to think that our field drives every facet of the company. But as we’ve learned, that notion is flat-out wrong. Cybersecurity is not the be-all and end-all of business. It’s a cost most organizations are willing to shoulder only because regulators or compliance frameworks demand it—or because it’s part of the bare minimum needed to acquire or retain clients.

Why the CISO Shouldn’t Report Directly to the CEO

CISOs have no business reporting directly to CEOs. The fact is, a CEO already has a full plate. Beyond basic oversight every quarter or twice a year (depending on company size and needs), cybersecurity should be managed by a structure that enables it to align with business goals—but not overshadow them.

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