When you run an organization, the changes and evolution in the technology space are difficult to get your mind around. It’s a good thing you can hire an IT executive to handle all of those systems for you, right? But once you begin to look into a job description for your next IT hire, you run into a few terms that require your understanding and attention – should you hire a CIO, a CISO, or a CTO?

Basic Definitions of Technology Executives

The CIO is the Chief Information Officer, the person typically tasked with managing and developing the IT department systems and growth. They look over all business processes, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of individual employees and departments. Traditionally, security was another key focus area for the CIO so as to maintain the security of company information. While this is still a concern for the CIO, the role grew to include far more responsibility than one person should manage.

The CISO is the Chief Information Security Officer and has evolved as the individual responsible for monitoring and protecting against any threats to the company’s IT system. This senior-level executive oversees an organization’s information, cyber, and technology security. The CISO develops, implements, and enforces security policies to protect critical data. It is estimated that in 2022, approximately 61% of organizations have put this role into action.

A CTO, or Chief Technology Officer, also utilizes technology to improve the company’s bottom line. but instead of being responsible for the needs of internal employees, the CTO’s focus is on those outside the organization. A CTO often interacts closely with the development team to ensure that all updates and growth strategies pertaining to technological offerings align with the needs of existing and potential customers.

In most organizations, the CIO is at the top of the IT infrastructure and will need to determine who they need in their hierarchy. For the purposes of this article, we will examine the roles of the CISO vs. the CTO.

Did You Know? Most organizations under 100 employees outsource some or all of their IT functions, including cybersecurity, IT support, IT budgeting, IT operations and infrastructure, and risk/compliance. Learn more about how managed services can benefit your organization.

Should You Hire a CISO or CTO?

Keep in mind that every organization is different, and your delineation of responsibilities may differ from another – but there is some general agreement on roles and titles.

CISOs are typically responsible for:

  • Strategy development for the use of technological resources within the organization
  • Technology development and implementation to provide the company with a competitive edge.
  • Budget and KPI monitoring to keep IT budgets in line with technological performance.
  • Quality assurance and data protection processes that ensure quality and provide comprehensive data protection capabilities
  • Maintaining functioning IT infrastructure and ensuring efficiency and security

CTOs are typically responsible for:

  • Create a vision for how technology will be utilized within the company
  • Outlineorganizational goals and timelines for R & D
  • Develop a technical strategy to align with business goals
  • Ensure that the technology assets will satisfy short and long-term requirements
  • Guarantee that all technology practices adhere to regulatory standards and compliance
  • Manage large teams, big data, and the product life-cycle
  • Build quality assurance and data protection processes
  • Monitor KPIs and IT budgets
  • Utilize stakeholders’ feedback to make recommendations for necessary improvements and adjustments
  • Communicate the organization’s technology strategy to partners and investors
  • Maintain a consumer-focused outlook

CTO, CISO, or Managed Services?

If you are responsible for the technology strategy for your organization and your thoughts after reading the above article include “how can we afford to hire these people?” you may wish to consider looking into outsourcing your technology requirements. Managed services companies offer a deep bench of expertise and the latest, state-of-the-art technology solutions – but allow you to share the cost of the expertise with other SMBs. Call today to learn more about how your organization can capitalize on the very latest in technology – without the necessary budget, it typically entails.

Alliance IT serves Sarasota-area businesses with cutting-edge capability, no matter their size.