The CISO's role in the digital age: AI and cyber security

How is the CISO's role evolving in the digital age?

The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is evolving from a technical guardian into a strategic architect of digital trust. In today's transformative business era, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), the CISO must lead a new vision that encompasses the ethical, operational, and strategic integrity of AI systems.

According to the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2025), developed by CEPAL and the National Center for Artificial Intelligence of Chile (CENIA), Latin America is experiencing accelerated growth in AI adoption, accounting for 14% of global visits to AI solutions, surpassing its relative weight in the global internet user population.

This new mandate requires moving beyond traditional cyber security to proactively manage algorithmic risks, ensuring that AI enhances business value without introducing unacceptable vulnerabilities. This shift positions the CISO as a crucial leader in navigating the complexities of the digital age.

From technological guardian to digital risk strategist

Historically, the CISO was responsible for firewalls, access policies, and incident response, acting as the guardian of the digital castle. This reactive stance is no longer sufficient. Today, critical business decisions are often made by algorithms, requiring security to evolve and proactively manage algorithmic risk.

The modern CISO needs a deep understanding of how AI models work, the data that feeds them, and how they can fail. As highlighted by the Digital Trust Ecosystem Framework from ISACA, CISOs are fundamental in generating the trust that customers and partners place in an organisation's technology. In this new paradigm, AI is both a catalyst for trust and a potential source of its erosion.

What is the impact of AI on business operations?

AI is being integrated into the value chain of almost every industry, but this integration is not without its challenges. According to the 2025 Stanford University study, leaders have highlighted risks such as inaccuracy, regulatory compliance, and cyber security as key concerns, with 64%, 63%, and 60% of respondents, respectively, acknowledging these vulnerabilities.

Organisations, including SMEs and middle market businesses, that adopt AI without a comprehensive security and governance strategy risk amplifying their vulnerabilities. The CISO must understand the full operational scope of AI, from training to deployment, to safeguard models, algorithms, and the decisions they enable.

How can CISOs manage threats in an AI-driven environment?

AI-related threats differ fundamentally from traditional cyber risks. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework identifies several risk domains, including data manipulation and model vulnerabilities. New attack paths are also emerging:

• Prompt injection: Manipulating instructions to extract sensitive information.
• Data poisoning: Intentionally inserting malicious data into training datasets.
• Adversarial evasion: Small changes in data that trick a model into making incorrect decisions.
• Model theft: Replicating the behaviour of a proprietary AI model.

To counter these, the CISO must lead AI-specific threat modelling, adapting frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK (Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge) or using its new ATLAS (Adversarial Threat Landscape for Artificial-Intelligence Systems) framework for AI systems. 

Research from Micosoft’s Digital Defense Report 2025 recommends an in-depth strategy focused on the entire model lifecycle, integrating technical controls, human validation, and ethical audits.

What strategic opportunities does AI offer CISOs?

While the risks associated with AI are significant, the opportunities it presents to enhance cyber security functions are equally transformative. According to Microsoft Security data, organisations that integrate AI into their security operations can dramatically reduce threat detection and response times, improving overall resilience.
The CISO is uniquely positioned to become a transformational leader, combining strategic vision with technological expertise. The objective is not to hinder innovation but to ensure it develops within a framework of trust, security, and ethical purpose. By embracing this role, the CISO evolves from a technical manager into a strategic architect, safeguarding the organisation’s integrity and enabling sustainable growth in an AI-driven world.

Essential steps for SMEs or middle market organisations to securely adopt AI

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and middle-market organisations are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to drive growth, streamline operations, and improve customer experiences. However, adopting AI comes with its own set of challenges, including data security risks and ethical considerations. These can be particularly difficult to manage for organisations with limited resources. Below are clear and actionable steps to help businesses adopt AI securely and responsibly, while building trust with clients and stakeholders.

1. Conduct a thorough AI risk assessment

Start by identifying the potential risks associated with your AI systems. This includes examining vulnerabilities in data security, decision-making processes, and operational workflows. A well-executed risk assessment will help you prioritise the areas that need immediate attention and ensure your resources are used effectively.

2. Use established frameworks and tools

Make use of widely recognised, free resources such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework or MITRE ATLAS. These tools offer practical guidance on identifying and addressing AI-related risks, making them particularly useful for organisations with limited budgets or technical expertise.

3. Focus on critical AI applications

Prioritise securing the AI systems that are most vital to your business operations. For example, customer-facing platforms or decision-making algorithms often carry the highest risks. By addressing these first, you can protect your most valuable assets and reduce overall exposure.

4. Partner with managed security service providers (MSSPs)

If your organisation lacks in-house expertise, consider working with MSSPs. These providers specialise in cyber security and can offer tailored support to monitor and protect your AI systems. This approach is both cost-effective and scalable, allowing you to access expert guidance without the need to hire additional staff.

5. Implement cost-effective security measures

• Use cloud-based AI platforms: Many cloud providers offer built-in security features, reducing the need for expensive, custom solutions.
• Upskill your existing team: Train your current IT staff to understand and manage AI-specific risks, avoiding the need to recruit new talent.
• Establish basic governance policies: Start with simple measures, such as validating data quality and setting ethical guidelines for AI use, to create a strong foundation.

6. Build trust through transparency and accountability

Earning the trust of clients and stakeholders is essential when adopting AI. To demonstrate your commitment to secure and ethical practices:

• Publish transparency reports that explain how AI is used and safeguarded within your organisation.
• Obtain recognised certifications, such as ISO/IEC 27001, to show adherence to industry standards.
• Participate in ethical AI initiatives to position your organisation as a responsible and forward-thinking leader.

7. Highlight the Business Value of AI Security

Robust AI security is not just about managing risks; it also creates opportunities for growth and innovation. By securing your AI systems, you can:

• Strengthen customer trust and loyalty by demonstrating a commitment to ethical and secure practices.
• Minimise operational disruptions by reducing the likelihood of breaches or system failures.
• Enable innovation by addressing risks early, allowing your organisation to confidently explore new AI opportunities.

Conclusion: Redefining the CISO's role in the AI era

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries and reshaping leadership. For CISOs, this development means stepping beyond technical oversight to become strategic leaders who foster and sustain digital trust. Their role now involves balancing innovation with security, ensuring AI systems deliver value while protecting their integrity.

For SMEs and mid-market organisations, adopting AI securely may seem daunting, but it also presents a significant opportunity. By leveraging established frameworks, prioritising transparency, and implementing practical strategies, these businesses can employ AI to drive growth and build trust with stakeholders.

The CISO’s ability to adapt to emerging risks, lead with a clear vision, and champion ethical AI practices will define their organisation’s success in the digital age. By embracing this expanded role, CISOs are not just safeguarding their organisations but enabling them to succeed in a future where trust will continue to be critical.

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