From Degree to Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): A Framework for Consideration

Abstract

Educational entities are establishing program degree content designed to ensure information security skills are adequate and efficient for preparing students to be successful. Due to a perceived gap between academics and field knowledge, programs may not fully consider the competencies of C-Suite members. This study suggests the use of the Leavitt Diamond framework in conjunction with a DACUM approach to assist researchers in examining C-Suite skills as they relate to academic studies. This framework will assist researchers in examining C-Suite skills as they relate to academic studies. Since the Chief Information Security Officer position is new to the industry with reporting structures and roles varying widely, this study focuses on that role as a benchmark. This paper explores historical aspects of the computer science skills gap and provides survey validation results from invited faculty (n=5; 24%), who are both practitioners and academicians. A comparison between degree attainment and employment position is recorded to explore academic preparatory to job skill needs. Future curriculum designs will be discussed.