CISO’s Guide to Survival: Insurance, Parachutes, and the Art of Not Trusting HR
At the RSA Conference, experts advised CISOs to secure personal liability insurance and a golden parachute before signing on with a company. This way, they won’t be left out in the cold if they’re scapegoated after a network breach. After all, in the corporate world, CISO sometimes stands for “Chief Scapegoat Officer.”

Hot Take:
In the wild world of cybersecurity, it seems like CISOs should start their day by putting on a suit of armor before they even think about hitting the ‘on’ button on their computers. Between playing defense against cyber threats and dodging metaphorical knives in the boardroom, it’s a wonder they have time to worry about their latte order. Who knew being a “Chief Scapegoat Officer” could come with so many perks—like the potential for public flogging and a starring role in corporate drama?
Key Points:
- CISOs should negotiate personal liability insurance and a golden parachute at the start of a job.
- Whistleblowing without suing is advised to avoid being blacklisted in the industry.
- Documenting conversations and actions is crucial for CISOs to protect themselves.
- Human Resources departments may not always act in the employee’s best interest.
- Negotiating insurance like D&O and PLLI can save CISOs from personal financial ruin.