How will Gen AI impact the roles of CISOs?

The advent of GenAI has facilitated the infiltration of organizations by hackers through self-adapting malware, thereby rendering it increasingly difficult to detect and contain cyberattacks. To employ AI technology securely in business, it is crucial to comprehend its capabilities and exercise prudence when dealing with data input and interpretation. The existence of risks associated with deep-fakes and sentient platforms necessitates regulatory oversight.

GenAI tools in cybersecurity have proven to be a double-edged sword, providing benefits to both defenders and attackers. As these tools continue to evolve, it is essential to recognize their implications on the overall security landscape. While defenders can leverage GenAI to better identify and respond to threats, attackers can also use these tools to launch more sophisticated and targeted attacks. It is crucial for organizations to keep up with GenAI advancements and implement robust security measures to reduce risks.

GenAI Impact on CISO roles and responsibilities

• In the contemporary era of GenAI, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) bears the onus of evaluating and balancing the potential risks and advantages of employing GenAI. This necessitates a comprehensive comprehension of the prospective risks and gains and an in-depth understanding of the particular needs and objectives of the organization. Through meticulous consideration of these factors and the formulation of a robust risk management strategy, the CISO can ensure that the organization can effectively harness the benefits of GenAI while mitigating potential risks and maintaining a strong overall security posture.
• The implementation of Gen AI can significantly strengthen an enterprise’s security operations. However, risk and compliance should be top priorities when adopting this technology. CISOs must comprehend how threat actors can exploit GenAI to jeopardize the security of their organizations and products. The CISO role is evolving into a strategic leader overseeing the organization’s cybersecurity program. They must collaborate with the board of directors to ensure the program framework is approved and that the board plays an active role in its oversight.
• The emergence of Gen AI has led to an expansion of the CISO role, which now encompasses the management of AI-powered cybersecurity tools. This includes overseeing skilled professionals who can develop, implement, manage, and maintain these tools for effective deployment and protection against threats. Additionally, incorporating AI functionality into cybersecurity workflows is a vital responsibility of the CISO.
• Adopting a biased GenAI model can result in significant repercussions for a company’s brand reputation and the trust and loyalty of its clientele. Thorough testing is essential to ensure the accuracy and impartiality of AI systems and prevent adverse outcomes.  The emergence of Gen AI is compelling CISOs to expand their purview beyond technology. They are transitioning from being mere governance and assurance experts to becoming enterprise leaders with a commercial focus. This entails their evolution from being mere policymakers to being business advocates. The CISO’s role is becoming increasingly similar to that of the Chief Risk Officer, who operates across all business areas and reports directly to the CEO rather than being a part of the technology function.

The ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape has led to the emergence of Gen AI, which equips both defenders and threat actors. As a result, the role of the chief information security officer must also adapt quickly to keep pace with these changes.