In a recent article, SEC research highlights a crucial challenge in benchmarking corporate security programs—the sheer variance in responsibilities across organizations [see
The Perils of Benchmarking: Why Corporate Security Programs Are Radically Different].
A chart in that article that was based on SEC findings identifies 24 key domains commonly falling under corporate security.
There were three main ways proposed to use this information in the original article:
- Understanding and explaining your role
- Mapping domain ownership
- Analyzing internal stakeholder or cross-functional expectations
However, the CSO Security Domain Responsibilities chart offers even more nuanced opportunities, consider the following.
Educating and influencing executive management.
Corporate security is often not understood at the executive level. This chart can help business leaders grasp the breadth of security functions beyond “typical” programs like uniformed security and investigations. By showcasing the dependencies among different domains, the security function can better advocate for resources and incorporation related to broader business decisions.
Defining role complexity and justifying training, experience, skills, and salaries.
Security practitioners often juggle responsibilities that require specialized knowledge across multiple domains. Using the chart to illustrate the complexity of their roles helps justify the need for extensive training and better compensation. It can also support arguments for continued professional development.
Career growth discussions.
Security professionals seeking career advancement can leverage the chart in discussions about promotions, lateral moves, or leadership roles. By mapping out the domains they oversee and those they’d like to develop expertise in, they can make a stronger case for comprehensive security.
Exploring opportunities with hiring companies.
Job seekers can use the chart to better understand a potential employer’s expectations for a security role. It provides a structured way to discuss which domains are a priority and how responsibilities might evolve over time.
Evaluating employee candidates.
When assessing job applicants, hiring managers can use the chart to evaluate candidates' knowledge and experience across different security domains. Candidates might be asked to rate their expertise, helping employers gauge strengths, identify training needs, and ensure a good fit for the role.
Reassessing organizational structures and interdependencies.
Organizations looking to optimize their security operations can use the chart to reevaluate how various security domains interact. This can guide decisions on restructuring teams, improving collaboration with other departments, and identifying gaps in coverage that need to be addressed.
Communicating the corporate security role internally and externally.
Employees outside the security function often lack awareness of how security protects the business. The chart can serve as an educational tool to communicate security’s broad scope internally. It can also be used externally to highlight an organization’s security priorities for stakeholders, clients, or regulators.
Next Steps
By leveraging this CSO Security Domain Responsibilities chart effectively, security leaders can foster greater awareness, justify key decisions, and drive meaningful conversations about the evolving scope of corporate security. This helps ensure that security programs function not merely as reactive safeguards but as proactive enablers for their organizations.
Security leaders for hundreds of organizations have utilized the Security Executive Council to start or enhance their security programs.
Contact Us to find out more about how we might assist you.
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