#None #Cisco #agentic AI #CISO Report

The Evolving Role of CISOs in the Age of Agentic AI and Cyber Resilience

In today's digital landscape, the role of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) has become increasingly critical and complex. According to Cisco's latest report, "The CISO Report: From Risk to Resilience in the AI Era," nearly all surveyed CISOs now face the dual challenge of managing both cybersecurity and AI governance. The report, which draws insights from a survey of 650 global CISOs, underscores the transformation of these executives into strategic leaders tasked with navigating an intricate world of threats and innovations.

The Increasing Significance of Agentic AI

A central theme of the report is the emergence of Agentic AI as a powerful tool for cybersecurity teams. CISOs acknowledge that while AI can facilitate immediate benefits, such as enhancing threat detection and response, it also poses new risks.

Key Insights from the Report:

• - Threat Sophistication: A striking 95% of CISOs cited the growing sophistication of threat actors as their paramount concern. The majority also flagged improving detection and response as their top priority.
• - Efficiency Boosts: The deployment of AI technologies is seen as a game-changer, with 89% of CISOs reporting better data correlation due to AI implementation.
• - Increased Engagement: The use of Agentic AI has led to 82% of respondents believing they can review a greater number of security events and correlate data more rapidly.

However, alongside the enthusiasm for AI's capabilities, there's a palpable level of concern. Approximately 86% of CISOs fear that AI may inadvertently heighten the sophistication of social engineering attacks, while 82% worry about its potential to complicate the persistence of certain threats.

Expanded Responsibilities and Personal Stakes

The evolving landscape signifies a shift in responsibilities for CISOs, with close to 80% reporting that their roles have become considerably more complex. Notably, more than 75% of respondents expressed increased anxiety over personal liability related to security incidents, a significant jump from previous years.

The expanded role now includes overseeing AI governance and risk management, with 80% of CISOs also engaged in ensuring the secure development of software, a domain termed DevSecOps. This multi-faceted approach not only represents heightened accountability but also reflects a broader understanding of security as an integral part of business strategy.

Prioritizing Human Talent

Despite the seamless capabilities of AI, CISOs remain cognizant of the essential role of human talent in cybersecurity. Many emphasize the need to close critical skills gaps through upskilling existing personnel, hiring new specialists, and bringing in contractors. This focus underscores the belief that human ingenuity and creative problem-solving are irreplaceable assets in cybersecurity.

Collaboration as a Cornerstone

The report also highlights the significance of collaborative approaches to enhance security. Shared ownership of security initiatives is deemed essential, with collaborative accountability driving improvement in security budget allocation, key initiatives, and access to relevant data. When departments work together, the synergy not only fortifies organizational resilience but also cultivates a culture of proactive cybersecurity measures.

Addressing Burnout Among Security Teams

A concerning finding from the report is that nearly two-thirds of security teams report experiencing moderate to significant burnout due to stressors like high alert volumes and false alerts. To combat this, many CISOs are focusing on consolidating security data and crafting clear, actionable narratives that communicate cybersecurity's value to executive leadership.

However, obstacles such as data privacy concerns and costs associated with data storage can impede effective data sharing among departments.

Reframing Security as a Business Asset

CISOs are increasingly tasked with translating cybersecurity metrics into business value. Elements like incident reduction, improved Mean Time to Detect (MTTD), and Mean Time to Respond (MTTR) are critical for demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) of cybersecurity efforts to organizational leaders. Collaborating closely with C-suite peers remains a key strategy for successful outcomes in this highly interconnected environment.

In summary, the 2026 CISO Report illustrates how the responsibilities of CISOs are not merely reactive but are evolving into proactive leadership roles focused on ensuring digital resilience and fostering agile security practices. By capitalizing on AI technologies and prioritizing human talent, CISOs are more equipped to tackle the complexities of modern cyber threats while steering their organizations toward safer, more resilient futures.

To access the full 2026 CISO Report, visit the Splunk website for further insights into how these leaders are shaping the future of cybersecurity in the era of AI.