As the cyber threat landscape evolves rapidly—targeting vulnerabilities across every layer of an organization’s digital infrastructure—the need for a holistic approach to information security has never been more critical. It is essential that modern security strategies are not only agile and advanced but also aligned with business goals and operational realities. This calls for a top-down approach to security governance, where leadership drives the integration of cybersecurity into the core of business strategy.
At the helm of this integration is the chief information security officer (CISO), a strategic leader who bridges the gap between cybersecurity and business needs. Today’s security professionals increasingly aspire to step into this role, which demands the ability to defend against complex threats while ensuring business agility and continuity. To support this transition, the Certified CISO (CCISO) program by EC-Council equips professionals with the leadership, governance, and risk management skills essential for executive-level cybersecurity roles.
To understand the real-world impact of the CCISO program, EC-Council spoke with Ernesto Zapata, a CCISO. This article explores his career journey—from ethical hacking and red teaming to becoming a CISO—and how the CCISO certification played a pivotal role in shaping that transformation. Below is the transcript of the interview, where Ernesto shares his insights on the value of the CCISO program and its influence on his professional evolution.
