To thrive as an Interim CISO, you need deep expertise in information security, risk management, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in cybersecurity or IT and certifications like CISSP or CISM. Familiarity with security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001), incident response tools, and governance platforms is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and crisis management skills help guide teams and reassure stakeholders during transitional periods. These abilities are essential to quickly assess security posture, mitigate threats, and maintain organizational resilience during leadership changes.