People are routinely abandoning traditional file storage systems for modern, cloud-based systems. Cloud adoption has accelerated IT modernization thanks to:

• Simplified scalability
• Reduced costs
• The flexibility to transform IT models based on evolving business requirements

It’s not all good news. Cloud adoption has disrupted traditional security models, which were designed to secure data and apps operating via on-premises servers. Protecting your data stored in the cloud—that’s an entirely different situation.

With the worldwide increase in remote work, organizations have come to rely on cloud vendors even more heavily. This uptick in cloud computing and cloud storage has also opened myriad opportunities for cyber criminals and bad actors to attempt to access and corrupt our data.

The users of cloud, though? We’re a little in the dark.

Customers tend to assume that vendors are doing everything necessary to keep their data safe in the cloud, and they are—to a point. Unfortunately, the nature of keeping data in the cloud means that information is more susceptible to breaches, no matter how tight the security is on the vendor’s end.

Customers are directly responsible to ensure that their own data is always available, protected, and recoverable. Just like when you use an external hard drive, you may trust the manufacturer, but you still put your own measures in place to prevent the hard drive from being damaged, lost, or stolen.

How to protect cloud data

An effective data security protection program for cloud environments can include the following strategies and best practices:

Plan for security

Define the unique security profile for various cloud environments deployed or proposed for your organization. The process may begin from defining the scope and boundaries of the infrastructure requirements, leading to the definition of an Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) policy for anything cloud-bound:

• Data assets
• Applications
• Processes

Understand the various deployment models in context of your risk tolerance, security, and compliance considerations as well as potential risk exposure to data, apps, processes and end-users. Map the data flows between your organization, cloud environments, and end-users to determine the appropriate security protocols and control frameworks for each workload. This information will enable IT to support the diverse security needs of multiple data sets, services, and tools required to protect sensitive data. Further management approval would also be required to account for the residual risk that may appear despite the security controls in place.

For different cloud solutions, it’s important to work with the vendors to understand the true requirements of the shared security responsibility model.

Mitigate vulnerabilities

For dynamic cloud architecture models, the perimeter of security controls may deviate and require organizations to take additional measures in protecting their assets in the cloud. It is important to understand that cloud networks are not physically separated and isolated like the traditional on-premises network infrastructure. Organizations must build security from the ground up, extending security across all layers of the network that may evolve over time.

The following controls and best practices can help mitigate risk associated with the cloud-bound assets:

• Encrypt the data at rest, in process, and in transition between the networks. Encrypting at each point of contact helps to reduce the opportunities for a breach. Healthcare, defense, and governmental institutions should enforce stringent encryption requirements for data security in cloud environments, as they deal with particularly sensitive information.
• To protect data at rest, manage access privileges to limit access to confidential information. Employ the principle of least privilege that allows users the bare minimum controls over the data as necessary. Extend these controls to prevent data integrity compromise, through resource permissions, data integrity checks, backup, replication, and versioning.
• Infuse redundancy into the system and regularly backup data offline so that data can be replicated at the application level and remain accessible as required. In addition to protection against data disclosure and modification, organizations must also ensure the communication channels are equally protected against identity spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
• Establish trust controls across federated cloud environments between multiple vendors and delivery models. This means that organizations will be required to manage identity and access, authentication, audits and API security across multiple cloud vendors and infrastructure. Understand how these controls can be standardized, prioritized, and automated across the hybrid cloud environments through a DevOps approach. For controls that cannot be automated, organizations must train their workforce to follow the necessary standardized procedures.

Consider a combination of storage tiers

Files across an organization can have a variety of accessibility, security, and storage needs. Fortunately, there are different tiers that allow files to be stored safely and thoughtfully. It would be wise to utilize multiple tiers in order to cover all bases.

• Hot storage is when files are stored locally on desktops, laptops, mobile phones, etc. Files in hot storage are easily accessible at a moment’s notice. They require no extra download time and are available without internet connection. When data exists on the edge, it’s not as accessible to other parties in the organization and if anything happens to that local storage location, it can be lost. (On the other hand, edge computing reduces the number of instances where data is touched by other humans, servers, and databases, thus reducing the chance of a breach.)
• Warm storage is when data stored on the edge is made easily accessible to the network via a gateway. This is a common way to replace traditional file servers in offices and cut down on hardware storage restraints. These gateways make data more accessible for remote users and enables collaboration and productivity.
• Cold storage refers to files stored on the cloud. This is best for files that are not used too regularly, need to be stored securely, and perhaps require a larger storage capacity. Cold storage is great for long-term archival and allows files to be seen and identified before downloaded. When cold storage is connected to hot storage via a gateway, all the data remains accessible, but everything has the security, capacity, and availability best suited for the type of file it is.

Security-enhancing tools

Of course, there are some third-party apps or programs that can be utilized to help keep your data secure.

• Cloud storage gateways. As mentioned above, a cloud storage gateway bridges the gap between files in local hot storage, and files stored in cold storage on the cloud. A good gateway can reduce latency, security risks, and bandwidth concerns. It will ensure the retention of edge-generated data, allow access across data tiers, and maintain security.
• Cloud security posture management. CSPM is a class of security tools that identify and remediate potential security issues, providing a means of reducing the attack opportunities. The processes are automated, and they continuously monitor cloud systems to identify any gaps in the armor and they will alert the customer if something is out of sync.
• Security incident event management. SIEM utilizes analytics and AI to determine what internal and external behaviors could generate potential threats. SIEM updates its threat awareness in real time and is able to adequately respond to security events as they pop up.

Consider the vendor, too

Of course, when shopping for a cloud provider, it is vital to consider the vendor’s security and risk management practices, financial stability, transparency toward compliance, long term strategy, and past track record in relevant contextual situations. Also, make sure that what the vendor provides aligns with your business needs, including the cost of storing and retrieving data.

Even with the most reliable vendor, it is important that any organization also shoulder the responsibility of keeping their data safe from potential loss or corruption.

Related reading

• BMC Multi-Cloud Blog
• BMC Security & Compliance Blog
• The Cloud Today: Growth, Trends, Market Share & Outlook
• Common Roles in Cloud Computing
• Risk Management: A Complete Introduction To Managing Enterprise Risk
• What Is Threat Remediation? Best Practices for Remediating Threats

Consumers rely on businesses to deliver customized services in exchange for their personally identifiable information. Consumers participate in this exchange through trust and reliance upon the service provider to protect their sensitive information.

This information—in the wrong hands—has the potential to inflict tangible losses to both parties.

Business organizations therefore invest significant resources to protect consumer data as part of regulatory compliance objectives and a defense mechanism against growing security threats. The threats, however, are growing in sophistication, defeating some of the most technologically advanced enterprises to compromise valuable consumer data.

(This article is part of our Security & Compliance Guide. Use the right-hand menu to navigate.)

What is a data breach?

A data breach occurs when information is accessed and taken from a system without the consent of the operator. Bad actors seek to obtain sensitive data, and once acquired, they can often sell it to the highest bidder. Usually, the target is personal identification information (PII).

There are many ways for a data breach to happen, from old-fashioned hardware theft to cleverly engineered AI phishing scams. Information theft is so profitable, in fact, that it is worth the time for criminals to continue to innovate new ways to steal that data. This is why every year we see an uptick in data breaches, especially targeting well-known and otherwise trusted organizations.

(Understand information security in detail.)

4 Major Data Breaches from 2020-2021

This year was no different: a diverse range of organizations with a vast pool of end-users fell prey to cybersecurity incidents.

The following list contains some of the top data breaches of the past year or so, in terms of number of consumers affected, impact in the industry, criticality, and nature of consumer data compromised as well as the acknowledged security stature of the affected business organization.

SolarWinds

Impact: Thousands of large private companies and high-security governmental departments were left vulnerable to Russian hackers.

Revealed: December 2020

Story: SolarWinds is a major US company that provides IT software to 33,000 customers, including large corporations and government entities. Hackers added malicious code to one of their software systems, which then transferred to every customer during a regular system update. The malicious code allowed hackers to install even more malware and ultimately spy on companies and organizations, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Treasury Department.

SITA

Impact: Frequent flyer data from numerous airlines worldwide were exposed.

Revealed: March 2021

Story: Hackers accessed data through the company SITA’s Horizon Passenger Service System. Not all affected airlines utilize SITA’s system, but their frequent flyer information was accessible due to their connection through the Star and Oneworld Alliance.

Facebook

Impact: The personal information of 533 million Facebook users was found posted online by a hacker, including names, birthdays, phone numbers, locations, and email addresses.

Revealed: April 2021

Story: According to Facebook, the stolen data had been originally scraped a few years ago due to a vulnerability that the company patched in 2019. Cybercriminals could use the exposed data to impersonate people to both:

• Gain access to even more sensitive information
• Convince people to hand over login information, orchestrating very convincing phishing scams

The data was posted on a hacking forum for free, allowing almost anyone to access it. The breach affected people from 106 different countries.

T-Mobile

Impact: Compromised the personally identifiable information of more than 50 million previous and current customers.

Revealed: August 2021

Story: A 21-year-old hacker by the name of John Binns accessed T-Mobile’s servers and pulled the personal data from millions of previous and current customers. A breach of this magnitude at a phone company is particularly troubling—so, so many two-factor authentication checks for other services go through one’s mobile phone.

What to do in the event of a data breach?

The way things are going, the question is not if a breach will happen, but when. Data theft is incredibly lucrative and that makes it a worthwhile endeavor for bad actors to continue to innovate how it is done.

Of course, there are many things an organization should do if there is a breach on their end, including:

• Informing your customers of the breach and its included risks
• Providing some harm mitigation, such as free credit monitoring

As an individual, once you catch wind of a breach that may have affected you, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from further risk.

Monitor your correspondence

When a company’s data is compromised, they might reach out to inform users of the situation. Be sure to verify via the organization’s secure website or a direct telephone call that the information in the email is correct and not a phishing scam.

It is also important to monitor any unfamiliar communications or unexpected bills that might come your way. Be extra wary when responding to requests for information or password resets.

Confirm what data was stolen

All data breaches expose users to potential hazards, but some data is more sensitive than others. For example:

• Email addresses and telephone numbers can open the victim to phishing scams and access to login information.
• A stolen social security number can cause a lot more damage—loans and mortgages could be taken out in your name, without your knowledge.

Verify what information was stolen so you can take the correct measures to protect yourself.

Keep an eye on your financial accounts

Pay attention to your bank and credit card statements to make sure there are no unfamiliar charges posted to them. Many providers allow you to set up alerts to new activity, which will help you stay on top of things as they occur.

Activate fraud alerts

A fraud alert can let lenders know that you are a potential victim of fraudulent activity. This will put a note on your credit reports and ensure that lenders contact you before any line of credit is opened in your name. If you initiate an alert with any of the big three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian, or Equifax) it will translate to the other two and stay active for 90 days.

Regularly check your credit report

Whether you do so through one of the big three, or if you utilize Annualcreditreport.com for free, it is a good idea to monitor your credit report on a regular basis. This is especially true if you know you may have been the victim of a breach so you can keep an eye out for any unusual activity.

From an Internet consumer perspective, it is important to understand the risks associated with performing transactions, sharing information, or even browsing social media online. It is recommended not to rely on the Internet companies as your last line of defense, but to personally walk the extra mile in protecting your online presence and watching out for any suspicious activity associated with your online or financial accounts.

Related reading

• BMC Security & Compliance Blog
• DataOps Explained: Understand how DataOps leverages analytics to drive actionable business insights
• What Is Threat Remediation? Threat Remediation Explained
• DevSecOps: Combining Development, Security & Operations
• Data Ethics for Companies
• Top IT Security, InfoSec & CyberSecurity Conferences To Attend

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a successful organization that is not data-driven in some capacity. In the era of big data, becoming data-driven is an imperative. Whether data is collected from customers, clients, internal processes, financials, etc., a business can use their data to:

• Improve product performance
• Strengthen their competitive edge

The prevalence of technology in business makes the collection of data easier than ever, but with all that data comes great responsibility.

That’s where the Chief Data Officer (CDO) comes in. Let’s take a look at this role.

What’s a Chief Data Officer?

The Chief Data Officer (CDO) first appeared in the early 2000s. Originally, the role was focused on data governance and compliance, but now the CDO utilizes data to drive business outcomes.

An integral member of the C-suite, the CDO (not to be confused with Chief Digital Officer) has many data-related functions, including:

• Overseeing data management, data analytics, and data governance
• Ensuring data quality
• Spearheading data and information strategy

The CDO leads the utilization and governance of data across an organization. As CDO, you’re an executive that understands strategy as well as how to use data to drive a business in the desired direction. The best CDOs are then able to justify that direction to investors and stakeholders.

A Chief Data Officer supports good data operations, or DataOps. DataOps is an emerging concept that takes a process-oriented, automated, and collaborative approach to designing, implementing, and managing data workflows and a distributed data architecture.

(Learn more: DataOps Explained.)

Chief Data Officer summary

We’ll look at more specific tasks in a moment, but here’s a brief summary. A successful CDO will:

• Create a data management system that facilitates the secure collection and processing of data.
• Establish a culture within your organization that normalizes sharing this data and making informed decisions on how to improve future business outcomes.
• Implement proper data analytics to identify and, hopefully, reduce pain points at all stages of the business process, increasing not only profit, but also trust in the eyes of stakeholders and clients.

Hierarchy of the CDO

When updating the company org-chart, it might seem like a no-brainer to have the CDO report to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), but that is not the case.

In fact, it’s probably best to have the CDO report directly to the CEO or the COO. That’s for a couple reasons:

• The CIO and the CDO have to work in conjunction, as a team, so it can be harmful to have one report to the other
• The CDO is not actually a tech position—the CDO’s responsibility is not focused solely on technology.

Key roles/responsibilities of a Chief Data Officer

To succeed as CDO, you will need to utilize your data management experience, C-level credibility, understanding of business, and numerous soft skills. The details of the position will depend largely on the organization, but these six areas are something that every CDO must focus on.

Data as an asset

Every organization collects data in some form. As CDO, you have the responsibility to take that data and turn it into value for the company. After all, data on its own isn’t valuable.

One way to do this is to utilize data collected to inform business practices and increase revenue or cut costs. When looking at the data, consider what it is telling you. What benefits do each type of data generate for your organization?

Data can and should be used to stay ahead of the competition, drive revenue, optimize process, and reduce costs. It tells you how things are working—and how they could be working. Regular collection of data allows organizations to:

• See potential gaps or anomalies
• Predict consumer behavior

Speaking of customers, you could also decide how to monetize data. If taking this path, it’s important to consider the best way to do so while making sure you are remaining ethical and doing right by your customer base.

(Explore data monetization strategies for companies.)

Governance

Data governance will be a very important part of your role as CDO. Primarily, you will be responsible for protecting your organization’s data from interference, theft, corruption, and loss. Governing data includes creating strategic data access policies, both internally and externally.

• Keep up with ever-changing data protection regulations.
• Avoid data breaches by ensuring that everyone who can access information is authorized.
• Put measures to protect stored data and data that is being transmitted.

As CDO, you will be responsible for driving data security awareness across the organization by outlining and enforcing rules, rights, and accountabilities. It is helpful if a set of standards is in place in regard to naming, abbreviation, acronyms, etc. Consistency in these areas will help data to be easily catalogued and make sure that employees can find the data they are looking for without wasting time.

Crucially, you will need to keep data ethics at the forefront of your operation. This includes

• Protecting collected data from leaks.
• Being aware of the intentions of anyone who might want to purchase your data.
• Ensuring your own organization is using data ethically.

Analytics

It will be hard to turn data into an asset without data analytics. As CDO, you will drive what this looks like by:

• Leading the design of the data architecture and analytics infrastructure
• Developing a system to conduct analysis in a way that gives meaning to the data.

Automate data collection and processing and create algorithms to make the analytics process consistent and pain-free. A good analytics system will enable business leaders to present the data in a way that informs business operations by reporting on products, customers, operations, and markets.

With a solid data management strategy, correlations and causations will become clear over a period of time and it will put your organization in a place to optimize performance by being better informed when making decisions.

Reporting

Analytics are nothing without transparent reporting. Comprehensive and accurate reports can help you to see what happened in the past and anticipate what will happen in the future, communicating this information to various stakeholders.

Business leaders, investors, and even clients are interested in how things are going with your organization, and reports can help them to make plans for the future. Many reports can be automated so departments don’t have to worry about this extra step.

But, the CDO must continue to initiate new reports that look at the data in a different way. A solid reporting system can reveal:

• How much was produced/earned
• What has been the most successful and under what circumstances
• How to reproduce or improve upon desired results
• What isn’t working or could be working better

Furthermore, reports are valuable for both internal and external purposes and they help to ensure compliance and accountability among staff.

Collaboration

Teamwork skills are essential for anyone in the C-suite, and especially for the CDO. Since the data informs specifically what happens in each business unit, as CDO you will have to work closely with the other members of the C-suite to ensure that their departments actually:

• Understand the data
• Utilize it to make real change

For example, if your organization has a Chief Transformation Officer, they will be hard-pressed to initiate forward movement and innovation without the data to back up their strategy.

In addition to sharing analytics and findings with fellow members of the C-suite, you should also be working alongside the members of your own team to make sure algorithms and reporting are running smoothly.

Communication & storytelling

As CDO, you will need to be an expert communicator.

So often, it will be up to you to communicate the data findings to folks from other departments who may not have analytic minds. That means you’ll have to present results in a visual and user-friendly way so that non-data-minded folks can understand its importance and implication.

When talking with other members of the C-suite, you will need to stress the importance of data collection and analytics and how your data vision is a critical part of growth strategy. Data drives business outcomes, and in order for data to be valued and properly utilized, business unit leaders need to understand and respect the data.

Beyond the C-suite, it will be up to you to create and foster a data culture within the organization by infusing data literacy into every business unit. That means you will be communicating best practices and fostering a culture of data sharing. If folks stop feeling territorial about their data, team leaders can data collection and reports, removing any bottleneck for a data specialist.

Chief Data Officers support data-driven businesses

Becoming a data-driven business is a key tenet of an Autonomous Digital Enterprise (ADE). An ADE is any organization that embraces intelligent, tech-enabled systems across every facet of the business to thrive during seismic changes.

(Find out how to become an ADE.)

Related reading

• BMC Business of IT Blog
• BMC Machine Learning & Big Data Blog
• Data Management vs Data Governance: An Introduction
• 3 Keys to Building Resilient Data Pipelines
• 4 Essential Leadership Qualities for CIOs
• Data Engineer vs Data Scientist: What’s the Difference?

In order to stay relevant, businesses need to be constantly evolving, the C-suite ever changing and expanding. No role embodies these outlooks better than the Chief Transformation Officer (CTO), a new C-suite role that is gaining popularity in organizations focused on digital transformation and the future.

So, let’s take a look at this role—and don’t confuse this CTO with the Chief Technology Officer.

What is a Chief Transformation Officer?

The role of the CTO is to drive growth and change within an organization. Transformational leadership positions are growing in popularity as a result of digital disruption across all industries.

Due to the complex structures and hierarchies of large organizations, the CTO is particularly valuable to the mature organization who might otherwise struggle with red tape when trying to make a change. Many of these organizations are set up for success in a previous era and it can take a lot of energy for a large ship to change course.

The CTO is meant to see the whole picture and consider people, data, and infrastructure in a cross-functional way, thus ensuring a seamless transformation across the organization. This executive oversees the transformation of every business process and anticipates changes and obstacles along the way.

With this position dedicated to transformation, the CTO can drive forward momentum and hold people accountable across the organization. Best of all? Because this role is designed specifically to support transformation, you are able to focus and prioritize without worrying about distractions and other responsibilities.

Skills of a Chief Transformation Officer

To become a CTO, your soft skills, industry knowledge, and overall experience are more important than a particular skillset.

You might benefit from being involved in change management and/or other significant transformations. You likely are also a well-rounded individual who can make sense of both the technical side of transformation and all the roles and departments that support it.

Lastly, communication is an absolutely vital component. As we’ll look at next, you’ll be communicating with every person and every level of your organization. Knowing how to talk to them, and adjusting for context, is key. (Being likable, with a bit of humor, will certainly help, too!)

What does a Chief Transformation Officer do?

Despite their streamlined position, focusing solely on transformation, the CTO must juggle numerous roles in order to ensure a seamless transition.

You could see these various roles as overlapping efforts, a balance of each. Or, you could view them as a progression, moving from one role into the next, all in the name of transforming the business, processes, and culture successfully.

1. Consumer Advocate

Any business or organization has a customer, client, end user, etc. Before embarking on any transformational change within the organization, it is important to consider how it will affect the consumer. The CTO can spearhead this effort.

Instead of merely considering the impact a transformation will have on a customer, a CTO would do well to consider the customer’s experience as the agent—the driver—for change:

• What do our customers need?
• How can we better serve these needs?
• How can we make the customer experience easier, more efficient, or truly outstanding?

The CTO can weave in relevant research and ask the right questions in order to anticipate your customers’ needs—before they are even aware of them. By connecting with consumers, the CTO can discover both:

• What your customers expect
• What your customers are willing to pay

2. Corporate Architect

Once the CTO understands the needs and desires of your consumers—and  before any meaningful change can happen—you need to become an expert on the inner workings of your own organization.

• How are folks connected internally?
• What are the valuable networks set up externally?
• Are there any third-party vendors or providers who are integral to the business operations?

The CTO needs to know who the important players are, what they do, and how they interface with one another. To do this, you will map out the corporate hierarchy and the connections between departments. This activity illustrates all those connections, so you can better understand how a change in one department would affect another team and vice versa.

With this intimate understanding of how each team contributes to the whole, you will be able to visualize the optimal pathway to transformation.

3. Storyteller

Getting an entire organization on board with changes that may be a little uncomfortable at first is no small feat. It is important that the CTO is able to craft a compelling narrative as to why the organization needs to change. Your story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end—a story that inspires folks into action.

You’ll need to be able to clearly articulate the specific goals of the transformation project. It’s up to you, the CTO, to spell out how these changes will help the organization best the competition, or at least maintain your status as a competitive player in your market.

Once you know the ins and outs of your transformation story, you must:

• Share and disseminate the story
• Educate and communicate with folks at all levels of the organization
• Adjust the story so the message resonates with every player

Once you’ve dialed into the rationale for transformation, it should be easier for the CTO to keep everyone aligned on the purpose, targets, and approaches needed for a smooth transition.

A well-spun story will also help to build trust, making any necessary adjustments in the future easier to come by.

4. Collaborator

Once the CTO has their narrative laid out, it is time to get everyone on board. If the transition plan is going to work, it is essential that the CTO plays well with others.

First, you should connect with other C-suite members. These roles are integral to ensuring a smooth transition company-wide.

You’ll also need to understand the expectations of any internal stakeholders (the board, financial advisors, investors, etc.). It is up to the CTO to facilitate connections and build rapport with teammates across departments. These relationships will foster a smoother execution across each business unit.

By balancing the need for change and adaptation with respect for the employees’ need for consistency and stability, the CTO will be able to:

• Get everyone on the same page
• Maintain a consistent forward momentum throughout the process

5. Bookkeeper

Before setting any large-scale change under way, the CTO will need to assess the resources and capabilities of your organization. Knowing the strengths isn’t enough—you need to know how to wield them to better facilitate change.

You’ll also need to identify any gaps. Prioritize closing those gaps and streamlining operations. When encountering hurdles, the CTO must be persistent in solving them without letting hurdles derail the process. In the name of improving, an obstacle is merely a clue to what needs to be done.

Additionally, the CTO must identify any available funding. Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure proper resources are available for the transformation and that budgets are adhered to. It would be wise to:

• Maintain a separate account
• Earmark funds for change
• Have a plan on how to replenish those funds

Keeping an up-to-date catalog of all resources will help to avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line.

6. Innovator

Things change so rapidly in business and tech these days. Any organization that anticipates change will be light years ahead of competitors who wait for change to come to them. This is where the CTO comes in.

As CTO, you must stay ahead of the curve; not only anticipating changes and innovations coming down the pike but also taking the lead and setting them in motion.

Many successful executives and business leaders end up in a place where they are hesitant to change due to the success they have experienced doing things the old way. By remaining agile and flexible, a CTO can help to facilitate and oversee the transformation process and prevent their organization from getting stuck in a familiar groove.

7. Role Model

Once the research has been done, resources accounted for, and the path set, the best way to motivate folks to do the work is to lead by example. The CTO is in a position to be both the motivation to change and the reward for doing so.

If the CTO is willing to dig in, do the work, and get their hands dirty, folks will feel more motivated to be an active part of the team. As CTO, you should model what you expect of your colleagues and employees:

• Maintain a positive attitude
• Remain resilient in the face of challenges
• Show grace, especially when accepting feedback

CTOs are in a unique position to take responsibility, practice self-care, and prioritize the wellbeing of their teammates.

Importantly, the CTO should not micromanage. If you trust your team—and show it—your team around you will rise to the occasion.

CTOs for successful digital transformation

Bringing a CTO on board is a great way for organizations to ensure that they are planning for the future and have an interest in not only staying relevant but maintaining a cutting-edge product. If the CTO adopts these 7 vital roles, they will pave the way for their success in being a leader of transformation and innovation.

Related reading

• BMC Business of IT Blog
• Organizational Change Management (OCM): A Template for Reorganizing IT Around Your Vision
• Business vs IT vs Digital Transformation: Strategy Across 3 Critical Domains
• Digital Transformation Trends in 2021
• Digital Transformation Metrics & KPIs for Measuring Success
• 4 Essential Leadership Qualities for C-Suite Leaders

2020 has been a year of the unexpected, requiring us all to make big changes, adjustments, and compromises in order to keep ourselves and each other safe. Service providers are seeking new ways to reach clients in this time of social distancing, and for many that means holding their highly anticipated events in the virtual space. Who better to pioneer this move than tech leaders?

Conferences and live events are essential avenues for businesses looking to sell their products, for professionals looking to learn about new trends, and for everyone in the industry to do valuable networking. At the end of the day, attendees leave these events feeling inspired and ready to do some serious work. While nothing can replace the value of face-to-face connections, a virtual conference is accessible to a greater number of people around the globe.

In an industry that already requires leaders to be at the forefront of innovation, it’s only natural that those leaders would be quick to respond to global change. Many events have been postponed or canceled, but just as many are being offered virtually.

Reach out if you would like to add a virtual tech/IT conference to the directory. To be considered, please email the conference name, dates of the event, location, and a link to the event’s website to blogs@bmc.com.

For more topic-specific conference, check out our other conference round-ups on the right-hand menu, including Top DevOps Conferences, Programming & Software Dev Conferences, and CyberSecurity Conferences.

(This article is part of our IT Conferences & Events Guide. Use the right-hand menu to navigate.)

Online Tech/IT Conferences

Below is a list of the top virtual tech conferences coming up this year—all taking place online, so watch out for those time zones. Don’t forget to sign up for email updates from any event you are thinking of attending, as details are subject to change.

Microsoft Ignite

Dates: September 22-24, 2020
Location: Online
Cost: Free

Microsoft Ignite will be launched as a complimentary digital event experience this September. Join us to learn innovative ways to build solutions, migrate and manage your infrastructure, and connect with Microsoft experts and other technology professionals from around the globe.

VMWorld

Dates: Week of September 28, 2020
Location: Online
Cost: Registration opens June 23
Twitter: @vmworld

This year, VMWorld is a virtual event for the tech professional looking to gain knowledge and momentum in the realm of cloud-based applications, security issues, and innovations.

BII SUMMIT

Date: October 7, 2020
Location: Online
Cost: Various packages available

BII SUMMIT is an event that specializes in helping technology companies and investors meet under one (virtual) roof to create long-term business relationships.

Google Assistant Developer Day

Date: October 8, 2020
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Twitter: #GoogleAssistantDevDay

Join us live on October 8th for the virtual Google Assistant Developer Day, where we’ll announce new features and tools and showcase highlights and use cases from our partners. We will also host interactive sessions for you to connect with the Google Assistant team, including a fireside chat to answer top questions we hear from developers.

BMC Exchange

Date: October 20-22, 2020
Location: Online
Cost: Free

Join industry leaders and innovators to learn, engage, and take away new ideas to move your business forward. As businesses continue to manage ongoing global disruption, BMC Exchange can help you prepare your organization with the strategies to anticipate and adapt to changes and succeed as an Autonomous Digital Enterprise.

BMC are thrilled to bring BMC Exchange to you this October in an exciting, virtual, customizable format featuring insightful keynotes, powerful educational sessions, unique networking opportunities, and tried-and-true best practices for ensuring the automation, security, service, and operational excellence your business relies on.

ACCELERATE Global

Date: October 28, 2020
Location: Online
Cost: Free

To help you stay ahead of the competition in the new world where speed and agility are critical, Creatio compiled insights of 12+ offline events in Americas, Europe, Australia, Middle East and Asia, and prepared one virtual 24-hour conference – ACCELERATE Global. Connect with business transformation experts from all over the world, ready to share knowledge on how to build a low-code enterprise, strengthen tech strategy, ensure higher agility for your business, and drive the industry forward.

You can expect 200+ content-packed sessions available in your time zone and language, filled with insights, trends, real-world cases and practical workshops on business transformation and shaping the future of enterprise with low-code.

More online tech conferences in 2020

Many popular events that might be out of reach for you cost or travel wise are now online! Look for big events you’ve always wanted to attend and try out niche conferences that offer something new.

If a popular event is firming up virtual details, like the Salesforce Dreamforce, sign up to get updates on virtual events.  There’s no better time to follow tech leaders into uncharted territory.

As technology is increasingly intertwined with every area of business, tech professionals need to consider what skills will help them to be the best at their jobs. Of course, having the technical know-how to get the job done is important, but as IT professionals expand their responsibilities and engage with various departments and both internal and external stakeholders, hiring managers look at more than just a candidate’s technical prowess.

Let’s look at the top soft skills tech professionals need to have to excel at their jobs and maximize career potential.

What are soft skills?

The technical know-how is important to be competent in your field. Those technical skills and knowledge can be learned. Unlike hard skills, which showcase knowledge acquired through training and experience, soft skills refer to traits and habits that inform how one works, both on their own and with others. This includes:

• Personality traits
• Work ethic
• Interpersonal skills

Possessing, and using, the right soft skills can directly affect how you are treated in the workplace and how likely you are to receive recognition or a promotion. Some soft skills are more inherent and are programmed into our personalities. Luckily for all of us, it is possible to make improvements in these areas, even if certain soft skills do not come naturally.

Top soft skills for tech employees

The following four soft skills are some of the most important for an IT professional.

Communication

Communication skills are the bread and butter of many industries. It is no different for those working in technology. Especially now that tech professionals are working together with colleagues from various departments, listening, speaking, and writing skills are vital to success.

Professionals who work in a support capacity, like on a service desk, must be able to adjust their tone, vocabulary, and methodology to their audience. In the same day, you might be working with someone who is tech savvy followed by someone less familiar with technology. A good communicator will be able to break down complex issues and be able to explain them in terms laypeople will understand.

Supervisors and executives will need to have the capability to explain not only how something works, but also to explain why. Those in higher-level positions may have to convey to those in charge why their particular project should receive funding. The best way to get executives and stakeholders on board with an idea is to successfully communicate why it is valuable to the business. It is imperative that someone working in tech has the ability to both understand and relay complex ideas.

Even if you are not a natural communicator, there are steps you can take to improve your communication skills. The goal is to be able to actually hear the needs of people, fully understand, be able to come up with a solution, and then describe the merits of that solution to those in power.

Teamwork and collaboration

A traditional stereotype of someone working in technology was a lone wolf: logging in and clocking hours from your remote location, often at whatever odd hours work best for you. That is no longer the case.

It is now widely understood that building tech as a team, besides being more enjoyable, often leads to better products. Technology leaders recognize this and are more likely to hire someone who can integrate well with their team. It is important that team members be able to give and gracefully receive feedback, as well as collaborate with colleagues who may have different perspectives. Being adept at these things leads to greater efficiency for the whole team.

While tech positions require more collaboration, it is still true that a large number of IT professionals work remotely. In these instances, the ability to effectively collaborate and come together as a team is even more important, as most meetings will be handled virtually. It is incredibly valuable to have someone who is able to adequately use technology to connect and maintain that open dialog. Additionally, someone with the ability to discern when to take the lead on a project or step back and take direction, depending on what is required, will prove themselves to be an indispensible asset.

In addition to the ability to work collaboratively within one’s own department, it is vital that a tech professional be able to utilize these skills to collaborate across the organization. Now more than ever, those in IT are vital to the running of a successful business.

Flexibility and adaptability

Part of being an asset to any team is the ability to handle setbacks or unexpected challenges with grace. Working in technology requires the capability to accept and adapt to changes in order to keep up with a market that is continually growing and evolving. Examples of this flexibility and adaptability:

• Showing resilience
• Thinking quickly
• Anticipating new developments or needs
• Bouncing back from any unforeseen delays or developments

Similarly, an employee who is open to feedback and willing to implement any necessary changes is vastly more valuable to the organization than someone who digs in their heels when challenged. This is true no matter your specific role, as both employers and customers or clients will appreciate working with someone who commits to being flexible.

Time management

Being able to manage one’s time is a key part of being both an autonomous adult and a successful professional. Missing a deadline can affect the whole team and push back a whole project, which can have a ripple effect across an organization.

The IT department is simultaneously dealing with business development, product development, maintenance, customer service, and solving problems companywide. In order to excel, one needs to be able to adequately manage regular day-to-day duties while also being prepared for the unexpected: whether a system crashes, an error is made, or hardware malfunctions.

As the IT department is integrated throughout an organization, it therefore has influence over how the company performs. A tightly run and efficient tech operation will lead to success for the whole business. Thus, a tech professional who has a solid handle on time management will become a much more valuable employee and colleague. An efficient and reliable person will be given more responsibility, leave a favorable impression among colleagues, and eventually become indispensible.

If your time management skills are not where you want them to be, here are some concrete steps you can take to improve.

The value of soft skills

Employees who exhibit a strong hold on soft skills can prove themselves to be even more valuable than those with specific experience or training in hard skills. In a field such as technology, the actual processes and protocols are constantly evolving.

If you’re a team player who can effectively communicate, manage your time, and adapt to new challenges, you’ll become an essential member of your team—and you’ll also stand out for future opportunities.

Additional resources

For more on tech staffing and skills, browse our BMC Business of IT Blog and check out these articles:

• Types of IT Teams
• I&O Organizations Defined: Roles, Structures, and Trends
• Essential Leadership Qualities for CIOs
• Agile Roles and Responsibilities
• The IT Skill Gap Explained
• How to Solve the IT Skills Shortage

IT Service Management (ITSM) is vital in the day-to-day operations of virtually every business. Originally, the main function of an ITSM tool was to manage the service desk and handle requests, services, and incidents. Nowadays, ITSM solutions streamline processes throughout the IT department, with many solutions expanding to increasing the efficiency of business operations as a whole. Just like your company’s needs, available ITSM services are evolving and changing at a rapid pace.

When looking to adopt a new ITSM tool, take the following steps to ensure your choice is made with complete confidence.

Understand your ITSM needs

The first thing to nail down when beginning the search for a new ITSM provider is what is required to keep your organization running smoothly. With many ITSM tools on the market, where do you start? The primary consideration is what both service delivery and IT support look like for your business. Ask yourself, “What processes are singular to our operations?”

Start by breaking down daily requirements, recognizing consistent pain points, and identifying processes that could be automated to increase efficiency and improve the user experience. Some areas of needs to consider are:

• Workflow automations
• Logging of actions and communications
• Reporting
• Notifications
• Incident management
• Service requests
• Asset management
• Security

Many ITSM providers are also entering into the world of Enterprise Service Management (ESM), which applies the strategies of ITSM to other areas of the business, such as HR or production. Take time to consider if this is something that could benefit your organization, now or in the future.

Seek staff feedback

Before you cement your list of required features, seek the opinions of the people who will be using it. Definitely include your IT staff in this process, but also consider creating a focus group of select employees from other departments. Since they will be the end users of the tool, they are likely to have valuable insights. Send a survey to users asking what works well in your current ITSM system—and what could be improved. Find out what features they might desire in an ideal world. Including employees not only collects useful input from the very people who will use and benefit from the new ITSM system, it also makes them feel valued and engaged.

In fact, once you have narrowed down your choices for a potential ITSM tool, circle back and allow your group to review the choices and engage with any user demos the provider might have. Once again, they may catch something you and your team have missed. You want to be sure that your new service is user friendly in order to avoid spending money on a tool that users find a way to circumvent out of frustration or a steep learning curve.

Distinguish wants from needs

Choosing a new ITSM tool provides the opportunity to completely redesign what your IT processes look like. Once you have an idea of the needs of your organization and its end users, it’s time to prioritize. Before shopping around, it is important to differentiate between what is necessary for the base level of functioning and what features would be great to have, but not essential.

Devise a system that helps you to give weight to certain tasks so you can adequately “grade” a potential tool for how effective it will be within your organization. To do this, you can apply numerical ratings to each task or find a different valuation system that works for you. Don’t forget to also anticipate future needs based on the goals and projected growth of the organization.

For example, some solutions utilize what is called a skills matrix when assigning staff to certain requests. IT team members are indexed based on their skill set so that specific types of tasks are targeted to the individual best suited to the job. For some larger teams, this could be an essential feature that saves time, for others it might just be a bonus. The same could be said for HR functionality or other ESM tasks. It is up to you and your team to determine what features would ultimately streamline operations.

Once your list is made, necessary requirements should not be compromised in favor of any bells and whistles. Stay focused and do not fall prey to sales tactics if the features they are peddling do not address your basic needs.

Anticipate integrations

Consideration must be given to how the new ITSM tool will integrate with corporate systems, both now and in the future. If you utilize cloud services, your new tool will need to be able to integrate with a third-party provider as well as be equipped to handle the extra security needed for cloud computing. Research the potential tool’s available pre-built integrations. A successful tool must integrate with the network and any software that the organization relies on to run smoothly such as event management platforms, data management systems, etc.

Consider the provider—not just the tool

An ITSM tool’s functions and integrations are certainly paramount, but they aren’t the only facets to consider. When shopping, you must consider the company you’re buying, not just the tool or system. When you adopt a new ITSM tool, you are building a long-term relationship with the provider (vendor). Your contact with them does not end after point-of-sale, so you want to make sure they can go the distance.

Understand the service the vendor provides

Look into their customer service record. Learn exactly how they offer support. Ask for references from existing customers and seek out online reviews. Pay attention to how company representatives, from sales to the service desk, speak to you and about their company. If anything seems off during the sales process, it could signify greater issues once the checks are signed.

Be sure you can answer questions such as:

• How do they assist with changes, both anticipated and unanticipated?
• How poised are they to evolve with the market?
• Does the company offer new ideas and innovations or do they simply optimize your existing processes?

Think about vendor longevity

It is also vital to research the viability of a provider and consider their longevity potential. This is true of both fresh start-ups and longstanding industry players. If a company goes out of business, at best you would be left with an unsupported tool, at worst: no tool at all.

Set your budget

Make sure to map out a concrete budget before you begin your search. When considering a new tool, calculate the total cost of adoption over the course of 5 years, anticipating potential scenarios that could incur extra costs such as maintenance and potential upgrades.

Look into the specific capabilities offered. Be sure that the features you need are included in the cost plan you are considering. For example, some platforms offer basic reporting functions, but in order to obtain the kind of detail you are looking for, you might need to upgrade or even hire a consultant. Be aware of any extra charges for integrations or customizations—are you prepared for these costs?

BMC for ITSM solutions

Whatever ITSM tool you choose will be integrated into the fabric of your business. If you go into your search with a clear head about what your organization truly needs, you are more likely to find the solution that ultimately enhances your operations.

For more information on IT service management, browse BMC Blogs Service Management, with hundreds of articles on best practices, guidance, and how-to’s. Ready for the only end-to-end ITSM and ITOM platform for your company? Explore BMC Helix.

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way we do business. The cloud allows for increased productivity, making sure employees and stakeholders can access the files they need from anywhere at any time. This is particularly helpful in the event of a global emergency that requires people to stay in their homes and limit face-to-face interactions. The cloud also allows companies to reduce cost, stay agile with certain functions, and try out new products easily.

Most businesses keep at least a portion of their data in the cloud. Despite the innovations in cloud security, no cloud service can be completely immune from security threats such as:

• Hacked accounts
• Malware
• Loss of data
• Accidental changes or deletions
• Abuse of privileges

Losing important data can have severe, long-lasting effects for business owners, employees, and customers. While these threats will always be present, it is possible to minimize them, ensuring your organization’s data remains secure while enjoying the benefits of cloud computing. Follow these tips to further protect your business from potential security breaches.

Back up your backup

Any system can fail—even those from Amazon, Microsoft, and Google—but your business doesn’t have to. It is vital that an organization plan for the eventuality of a server crashing, a disk being damaged, or a security breach. It’s always wise to back up important files in more than one location. Much like building reliability and resiliency into your systems for dependability, you can also build this dependability into your data.

When you store important data on the cloud, a best practice is to securely back up your original backup. Here are the two most common ways of backing up your data:

Local backup

Using a local/on-prem storage solution as a backup is great for prompt access. If something goes wrong on the cloud or with the network, recovering data from a local server is much faster than waiting for a virtual system to make the connection. (And we know how vital speed is for customer satisfaction during incidents.) This is especially true if you need to recover a significant amount of data.

Backing up your organization’s data locally can require more of an up-front investment in hardware and office space, but it does provide piece of mind for those who like to keep their important files close and in their control. While a local server may be quicker and easier to access in a pinch, it is still susceptible to the unexpected. On-site storage can fall prey to environmental factors such as a loss of power, a fire or flood, or something as simple as overheated equipment. This is why it is critical to diversify your back up plans.

Cloud-to-cloud backup

Cloud-to-cloud (C2C) backup solutions are becoming increasingly popular. Utilizing a second cloud to back up your data often offers more comprehensive protections than a local storage option. If the office network is attacked, data backed up on a C2C server is immune. Of course, C2C ensures that your backed-up data is accessible from anywhere. Plus, restoring from C2C is more flexible because it is possible to customize the back up to specific machines.

Overall, the initial cost of C2C is lower as there are no costly hardware expenditures, but it is important to note that services are scalable and costs can rise easily as the volume of data increases. Additionally, certain third-party providers charge a fee to recover data lost on their systems. It would be wise to assess these costs before choosing a provider. With C2C storage, security measures are twofold, coming from both the provider and any in-house strategies you may apply. However, having your data on two different cloud servers does add another opportunity for internet-based breaches.

Double encrypt your data

When it comes to data security, encryption is a known best practice. Even if the wrong person gains access to your documents, their login attempt will fail without the decryption code to unscramble it. When shopping for cloud providers for your organization, be sure to choose services that offer encryption services.

Furthermore, you should be encrypting your own files before you upload them to the cloud. This provides an extra layer of security, and it protects your data from the service provider and its administrators. There are third-party encryption tools that will encrypt and add a password to your files before you upload them anywhere. If you encrypt at the file level before uploading, and then use a service that encrypts as well, you will be doubly protected.

Manage user access

The biggest risk to cloud data security is the unpredictability of its users. The cloud is an essential way to keep employees connected and to maintain up-to-date files. However, giving employees access to vital documents from a variety of access points increases the risk of something going wrong.

Organizations need to be strategic when planning how to manage the way users utilize the cloud. Here are two common ways to control user access:

Implementing permissions

Most employees don’t need access to every file or application. One way to limit risk is to set levels of authorization. Only allow access to what is needed for an employee to do their job. This prevents users from accidentally causing damage, and it protects from hackers who may have acquired the employee’s login credentials.

In addition to controlling who can access data, focus on who has permission to edit and share. In many cases, someone may only need to view the pertinent information. To do this, your IT department can define groups and assign privileges. This limits the odds of data being accidentally changed, deleted, or shared to the wrong party.

As important as it is to manage the access of current employees, it is also vital to have a plan for departing employees. Organizations should have a clear and comprehensive off-boarding process in place to ensure that former employees can no longer access customer information, systems, intellectual properties, and other data.

The more humans that have access to your information, the more at risk you are. Even if a user isn’t purposefully trying to harm the company, they can fall prey to a phishing scam or log on using an insecure network. Limiting downloads to pre-approved networks and devices also goes a long way.

Educate and promote transparency

With all the above regulations in place, it is impossible to control the behavior of every user at every moment. For example, employees may access their own cloud storage providers over the company network.

This shows the importance of regulating which cloud providers employees are using for company business as well as communicating with complete transparency why these regulations are in place. Stay updated on trends and safety statistics of third-party cloud storage services and communicate this to staff.

Furthermore, scammers and so-called “social engineers” are consistently refreshing the tactics they use to acquire information. In order to keep data secure and to cut down on the opportunities for human error, organizations should provide anti-phishing training regularly. If employees are informed, they will be better prepared when, not if, they are targeted.

Cloud security protects your business

Cloud computing allows businesses to increase productivity and connectivity. While most providers have security measures in place, it is important for organizations to take initiative in protecting their own data. Utilizing these methods in addition to keeping anti-virus software up to date, using multi-factor authentication, and encouraging the use of strong passwords can help to ensure the security of your data and, ultimately, your business. Of course, for the utmost in cloud security, a cloud management tool with a focus on minimizing cost and maximizing security might be exactly what you need.

Learn more about cloud strategy and security with these BMC Blogs:

• How to Secure Your Public Cloud
• The Cloud: Here, there and everywhere
• Getting Started With a Multi-Cloud Strategy
• Advantages of Cloud Computing: 5 Benefits
• Best Practices for Cloud Ops Success

The role of a Chief Information Officer (CIO) was once understood to be that of an executive focused mainly on IT. Now that technology is an essential component for companies both great and small, the role has been evolving. All organizations rely on IT, whether they are multi-national conglomerates, small family businesses, or municipal holdings such as schools or libraries. Technology is integral to maintaining daily operations; it is no longer a niche contained within tech start-ups or software companies.

In the current climate, CIOs are not only tasked with leading technological initiatives, but are integral, valuable participants at the top of the organizational ladder. In addition to being knowledgeable and strategic in the tech space, it is vital for a CIO be a proficient businessperson. Successful CIOs must balance the goals and objectives of an organization while also making sure their teams remain supported, motivated, happy, and successful. CIOs are called upon to be decision makers, leaders, and anticipators.

Not to be confused with the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), the CIO’s focus is on streamlining operations: increasing efficiency, productivity, and adapting to changes as they come. You’ll need to be aware of needs and pain points and able to direct your teams to anticipate and react to those needs. As CIO, you’re an invaluable member of the C-suite, as you’re as a cross-functional leader and conduit between departments.

(This tutorial is part of our IT Leadership & Best Practices Guide. Use the right-hand menu to navigate.)

1. Be an Effective Communicator

Communication skills are vital for any manager, but this is especially true for the CIO. This role is simultaneously responsible for leading their own teams as well as facilitating dialogue between multiple parties across the organization.

As a CIO, you must be able to effectively exchange information with those who report to you. This includes:

• Clearly and succinctly explaining the scope of a project
• Outlining business goals and objectives
• Adequately handling miscommunications

A CIO must be comfortable tackling difficult or sensitive topics as they come up; avoiding these conversations does a disservice to the whole team.

A leader who remains approachable will experience a more robust and, ultimately, successful relationship with their team, which will also keep them informed on what’s going on in those departments. Transparency between the CIO and the rest of the team makes it much easier to communicate with other departments in the organization.

Another vital component of the CIO’s skill set is the ability to convey how the work of their team connects to the overall needs of the business. The CIO acts as the conduit between the executives in the C-suite and their team members on the frontlines. It is the CIO’s responsibility to take the interests of various stakeholders into consideration and make sure all parties feel heard.

2. Be a Champion of Creativity and Innovation

It is no secret that technology evolves daily. CIOs need not only anticipate advances in technology, but stay flexible and ready to respond to new developments at a moment’s notice. The willingness to take risks and embrace new ideas is imperative for the health of the entire organization, and a leader who embodies these qualities will inspire team members to do the same.

As CIO, it is vital that you promote a culture of innovation from day one. Furthermore, you need both to manage the response to external change and to lead it by being the catalysts for change yourself. This sort of forward thinking prevents stagnation and, worse, being outpaced by competitors.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial that a CIO be a disrupter. You need to be ahead of the game and versatile in the face of unexpected adjustments. Simultaneously, a CIO should be supporting current and future business demands. You cannot be risk-averse, as embracing risk is the way to true innovation.

3. Be Emotionally Intelligent

Once considered a soft skill, emotional intelligence is front and center in discussions regarding competent managers. It is very difficult to manage a team if one is unable to recognize and, ultimately, appreciate the differences between staff members. A true leader understands that each colleague has unique strengths and areas for improvement, and is able to use these to the team’s advantage.

Emotional intelligence is a much more important component in a CIO’s toolbox today than it was even a decade ago. Whereas CIOs of the past favored a “command and control” leadership style, these days “guide and support” is proving to be more successful, especially when it comes to fostering inspiration and innovation. It is imperative for executives to be self-aware while also understanding their people and how to respond to their needs. A good CIO provides direction while empowering others.

Instead of micromanaging or trying to control every aspect of operations, the best CIOs trust their teams, acknowledging that since they deal with changes and updates in real time, they may have more intimate knowledge of the inner workings of each system. In this role, it is just as important to display cultural competence as it is competence in technology or business.

4. Be a Data Strategist

Data can be a powerful tool in informing best practices and business operations. A CIO needs to understand each step in the data collection process so they can better lead their team and make sure the right people are collecting and synthesizing the data. If a CIO provides this crucial support to data scientists, data from all facets of the organization can be utilized to inform decisions and inspire growth.

While it is important for CIOs to be willing to meet risks head-on, they need to be able to utilize data to calculate exactly how risky a move will be. Data does nothing as an entity on its own, it needs people trained to appropriately analyze it and draw the proper conclusions, turning those findings into something actionable and informative. A CIO needs to understand both where data comes from and how to use it.

No longer solely relegated to the tech space, today’s CIOs must wear multiple hats. In addition to managing and optimizing IT teams, a successful CIO must maintain a head for business, improving the customer experience by streamlining operations and staying on top of new technological developments. Furthermore, they must be consistent and transparent communicators, appreciating the nuances of their teams while clearly and succinctly transmitting information to and from the rest of the organization. The CIO must both anticipate and encourage change, propelling their organization forward.