Balancing a daunting number of responsibilities, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are no longer just enterprise network guardians, and they really haven’t been limited to that role for quite some time. 

CISOs are often tasked with everything from maneuvering through complex compliance regulations to working with upper management to maintaining security operations throughout super dynamic environments. This expanding list of duties leaves them little opportunity to focus on an area increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats: mobile app protection.

A demanding mix of responsibilities

The CISO’s role is uniquely demanding. On the one hand, they’re required to engage in boardroom discussions; they must present security strategies in a way that resonates with executives, sales teams, and operations leaders. This means they must be knowledgeable not only in cybersecurity but also in regulatory guidelines, financial risks, and communication plans. CISOs must regularly explain potential risks and suggest preventive measures in plain-spoken language for non-technical audiences.

Yet, these boardroom responsibilities are just one part of the picture. CISOs must also be technical experts who are able to assess, implement, and manage complex IT tools. They are not simply strategists—they are practitioners with hands-on expertise in threat detection, data encryption, and access control systems. As technology continues to progress, so must their technical prowess.

Examining the mobile app and executive management control mix

Mobile app protection is frequently underemphasized or even largely disregarded in this stretched environment. Mobile apps are at the forefront of consumer interaction—handling everything from financial transactions to personal data storage. However, mobile app protection often falls through the gaps while CISOs hurry to meet other demands. 

In many cases, mobile apps remain outside the scope of CISO oversight. Sometimes, they land under the responsibility of marketing or product departments, members of which may not prioritize stringent protection measures. Without sufficient attention, mobile apps are vulnerable to flaws that hackers can exploit. Many CISOs understand the need for mobile app protection but lack the bandwidth to ensure that it’s sufficiently executed.

Government mandates add another layer of complexity. Today’s CISOs must stay informed on a broad range of regulations. 

The failure to meet guidelines, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU or the cybersecurity requirements set by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), can have serious legal implications. Potential consequences may include serious pressure for CISOs, such as personal liability in cases where lackluster protection led to data breaches.

There’s a lot to digest and address

The recent regulatory emphasis on disclosure has driven many CISOs to spend more time preparing thorough compliance reports rather than actively enhancing security infrastructures. This shift has led to what some describe as “checkbox security,” whereby meeting regulatory standards becomes more important than addressing actual security needs. 

This can mean mobile app vulnerabilities remain unresolved because regulatory bodies have yet to explicitly emphasize mobile app protection protocols.

With responsibilities piling up, many CISOs can feel overtasked. Studies have shown that the average duration for a CISO is around 18-24 months. This length of tenure is much shorter compared to other executive positions. 

The pressure to keep up with evolving threats while meeting the demands of executive teams and third parties creates what could even be perceived as an overchallenging environment. Many actively pursue new roles—sometimes outside traditional corporate security roles.

The high turnover rate of CISOs has deep implications for mobile app protection. It can leave holes in an organization’s cybersecurity strategy. During such transitions, mobile app shielding initiatives are often the first to be overlooked. New CISOs may prioritize stabilizing current frameworks rather than investing in mobile app protections, in which case the potential cycle of neglect continues.

Pay attention to mobile app shielding before it’s too late

Mobile app shielding requires specialized tools and staff, but many organizations struggle to allocate needed funds. While mobile app protection remains low on the totem pole, cybersecurity budgets often prioritize network security, endpoint protection, and compliance tools. 

This lapse could lead to costly consequences. A single weakness in a mobile app could compromise sensitive data, which could lead to financial losses and reputational damage that far exceed the original investment required to ensure adequate protection.

One challenge that organizations encounter is the need for real-time monitoring and threat detection in mobile apps. However, many companies only conduct occasional security assessments because of limited budgets. These random checks leave mobile apps vulnerable to threats that elude traditional defenses.

Given these factors, mobile app protection should be a higher priority within organizations. Protecting mobile apps is not only about safeguarding consumer data but also about preserving trust. When users download an app, they assume it’s safe and that their information will be protected. A single breach may not only harm an organization’s reputation but also lead to a loss of consumer confidence, an aspect that is often difficult to rebuild.

A proactive approach requires regular updates and comprehensive testing. For CISOs, this means consistently integrating mobile shielding into the broader security framework and allotting enough resources to monitor app performance and address vulnerabilities. For mobile app protection to receive the attention it deserves, organizations may need to reconsider the structure of the CISO role. 

As regulatory and technical demands continue to increase, splitting the CISO’s duties into two roles—one focused on strategic oversight and the other on technical implementation—could be beneficial. This division could allow CISOs to focus more specifically on high-risk areas like mobile app protection without compromising their ability to engage in strategic decision-making.