CISO first 90 days: navigating strategic and operational landmines in 2025

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Executive Summary

The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has transformed dramatically by 2025, evolving from a technical specialist to a strategic business leader with profound organizational impact. Today's CISOs face unprecedented challenges: managing AI-driven threats, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, securing decentralized infrastructures, and addressing chronic talent shortages while demonstrating concrete business value from security investments.

The first 90 days for a new CISO represent a critical window that defines long-term success. This paper outlines a comprehensive approach to this crucial period, structured around strategic orientation, operational assessment, and building the foundation for transformative security leadership.

Introduction: The Evolving CISO Landscape in 2025

The cybersecurity landscape has undergone seismic shifts since 2023. Several key factors define this evolution:

  1. Elevated Organizational Prominence: The CISO now regularly reports to the CEO (41% of organizations) or board (17%), reflecting cybersecurity's critical business dimension.

  2. AI Transformation: While 78% of organizations use AI in cybersecurity functions, 71% have experienced AI-powered attacks, creating an ongoing technological arms race.

  3. Regulatory Complexity: Between 2023 and 2025, over 30 major cybersecurity regulations have been enacted globally, introducing new compliance requirements and personal liability for executives.

  4. Resource Constraints: The global cybersecurity workforce gap reached 4.1 million in early 2025, creating acute operational challenges despite budget increases.

  5. Shortened Tenures: The average CISO tenure has decreased to 26 months in 2025, down from 30 months in 2022, highlighting the pressure and turnover in the role.

The 90-Day CISO Success Framework

Our framework divides these 90 days into three distinct phases:

Phase 1: Days 1-30 – Strategic Orientation and Discovery

  • Business alignment and stakeholder engagement

  • Initial security assessment and risk understanding

  • Team evaluation and relationship building

Phase 2: Days 31-60 – Operational Assessment and Quick Wins

  • Detailed capability assessment

  • Risk prioritization and initial remediation

  • Early value demonstration

Phase 3: Days 61-90 – Strategy Development and Foundation Building

  • Security roadmap creation

  • Governance enhancement

  • Communication of strategic direction

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