EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
It would be nearly impossible to overstate just how crucial technology is to business today . In today ’ s world , technology is the linchpin that enables customer and employee satisfaction across almost every industry . Hiring the right CIO is crucial to ensuring success for many businesses . While nearly everyone is aware that CIOs are responsible for enabling the technology to function , many don ’ t appreciate that CIOs are often responsible for much more than technology delivery alone .
Most recruiters will know to vet that the CIO is experienced in the latest trends like containerization and adept at navigating cloud-based services . This expertise is crucial for implementing scalable , flexible infrastructures that adapt to fast-changing security requirements .
CIOs can cultivate an innovative atmosphere by encouraging staff to think creatively and explore new AI applications .
are . If those threats are not addressed by a CISO or other security officer at the company , it is likely those responsibilities will fall to a CIO . Therefore , tech recruiters should look for a robust blend of technical proficiency as well as security expertise for an ideal CIO – starting with the candidate ’ s proficiency in security , especially around leading vectors for attack , such as email spoofing or phishing .
For experienced recruiters , they will go a level deeper . They will know that the ideal CIO should demonstrate a history of setting or contributing to industry standards or partnering with those who do . This indicates a forward-thinking approach and an ability to stay ahead of technological trends and security threats . Excellent communication skills are also necessary , particularly the ability to engage openly and frequently with internal teams and external stakeholders . This ensures that security policies are robust and transparent , further enhancing the organization ’ s trustworthiness .
If you were to create a check-off list , start with the basics . For example , does the CIO know what is required to protect the organization ’ s own domains from simple email spoofing ? Ideally , the first box should be that the candidate has an in-depth knowledge of DNS infrastructure and specialized email security protocols like DMARC , DKIM , and SPF . Understanding these systems is essential for ensuring the “ front door ” of the organization is locked and not susceptible to attack . p
But is proving your CIO is technically capable and demonstrates sound leadership enough to ensure success in today ’ s ever-changing technology landscape ? Specifically , is your CIO also responsible for ensuring the security of the technology being delivered ? Or do you have a CISO accountable for this and willing to advocate for security at the C-level ?
With constant threats like phishing and domain spoofing , a company ’ s success – or even its survival – can really depend on how solid its security measures
DON BOXLEY , CEO AND CO-FOUNDER , DH2I
www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO NORTH AMERICA 35