The New CISO

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Ash Hunt, Global CISO at Apex Group Ltd.Today, Steve and Ash dive into the action of M&A (mergers and acquisitions) and how to conduct it well. As a CISO at one of the world’s largest administrators, Ash shares his valuable insight on loss, risk, and revenue generation in a constantly changing IT environment. Tune in to learn more about what causes loss during a merger, why decision management and risk management are one and the same, and the cultural changes in the security industry. Listen to Steve and Ash discuss how to quantify loss and what jaywalking and cyber security have in common.Meet Ash (1:34)Ash shares that he is proud to work for a fast-moving organization that has expanded worldwide. This growth has led to an exciting time from a technology and cybersecurity perspective.Successful M&A (5:16)Steve presses Ash on how to conduct M&A successfully. What hurts a business during an acquisition is when there are breaks in infrastructure that get overlooked.Luckily for Ash, he has a strong team that prioritizes infrastructure integration to avoid loss and increase revenue.Things in Common (12:25)Ash reveals what jaywalking and risk have in common. For example, everyone in London jaywalks, but like in cyber security, there is a degree of risk. Risk Management (15:10)According to Ash, risk management is decision management. Decision science is a critical part of Ash’s approach to security.Psychological barriers in the workplace halt optimal investment decisions that can generate revenue.Adding Value (25:36)Ash acknowledges that his most significant contribution toward his company is successfully integrating their infrastructure into one operating platform. He knows it will rationalize his tool stacks and clean up his budget, amongst other benefits.He has seen other companies experience operation inefficiency, access control failure, and inadvertent data disclosure, which he actively prevents.Changing the Operation Process (30:48)Steve and Ash marvel at the operational changes that need to be done in security. For example, many people still default to email versus a more secure portal for data exchange.In order to mitigate risk, cultural changes need to be made to operational processes. Links:LinkedIn

In this episode of The New CISO, host Steve is joined again by guest Ron Banks, CISO at Toyota Financial Services.In part two of his interview series, Ron shares his career advice for new cyber leaders. Listen to the episode to learn more about Ron’s take on China’s strategies, the importance of being inquisitive, and why we must be calm under chaos.Listen to Steve and Ron discuss key attributes CISOs look for in a young manager and the importance of communication and leadership:Where We Left Off (1:43)Piggy-backing from the last episode’s conversation, Ron explains the current state of our security concerning China and how they’ve recently gone dark. According to Ron, China has been playing 3D chess for a while and has found tangible ways to disrupt American life.A Shoutout To Ron (10:19)Steve gives a shoutout to Ron’s book, highlighting the state of American security and its relationship with China. Academic with numerous footnotes, Ron’s work provides readers with meaningful context related to cyber security.Valuable Advice (12:20)Ron reflects on the advice he wishes he could have given his younger self. He asserts that there is a path to cyber if you gain a technical foundation. He also shares how you need to be creative and curious to thrive in this industry.Evaluating Young Leaders (15:16)Steve presses Ron on how he evaluates young leaders in the security field. For the young manager, you must have the technical chops in addition to the personality.Managers need leadership and communication skills to inspire their teams. And, of course, practice makes perfect.Calm Communication (21:50)Ron and Steve discuss why leaders should practice calm communication. Leaders must put their teams at ease when there is chaos.New CISO (28:00)To Ron, being a new CISO means also being a business leader. Bridging the gap between the worlds is becoming more and more necessary as the world progresses.Links:Linkedin

In this episode of The New CISO, host Steve is joined by guest Ron Banks, CISO at Toyota Financial Services.In part one of his two-part interview, Ron shares how he transitioned from a fighter pilot to a cybersecurity leader. He also digs into what is required for a joint government, private industry, cyber offensive response. Listen to the episode to learn more about Ron’s years as a combat veteran, how the government can improve security strategies, and the necessity of political will.Listen to Steve and Ron discuss the importance of public-private partnerships and the challenges of posing consequences on adversaries:Meet Ron (1:35)Steve introduces guest Ron Banks, a CISO, author, veteran, and academic. Ron details his duties as a fighter pilot and how he transitioned to education and then cyber security.What He Misses Most (5:17)Ron shares that what he misses most about his fighter pilot days is the rush from flying. However, he found the transition into cyber security simple because he gets to evaluate offensive and defensive security strategies reminiscent of his time serving.Possible Friction (8:10)Steve presses Ron on whether there is friction between cyber teams, their capabilities, and the grounds they are trying to defend on the private side.Ron explains that the virtual defense of the United States contains over 200 government organizations, each controlling a different lane. The cyber camp mainly covers the DOD, which comes with problems. On the Private Side (12:07)When discussing the lack of consequences for bad actors, Ron shares the great strides the FBI has made to improve their relationships with law enforcement in other countries. Despite these efforts, the behavior of cyber criminals has not changed enough, demonstrating that there is more our government can do.Things to Work On (17:54)Ron shares some advice for new security leaders working within the government. He suggests focusing on public/private partnerships because sharing information is critical.How Breach’s Occur (21:54)Ron discusses his tips for dealing with a breach and why they occur. There is a strategy where they can impose consequences on cyber criminals, which his team has accomplished by focusing on counter-terrorism.Ultimately, no more money needs to be invested, the relationships are built, and the technology is there, but there has to be the political will to defeat threat actors effectively.Advice to Lobby (29:01)Steve presses Ron on what it would take to lobby the government and get the necessary resources. Since the capability is there, Ron reaffirms that change is in the president’s control.Links:Linkedin

In this episode of The New CISO, host Steve is joined by guest Mani Masood, Head of Information Security and Applied AI at a prominent healthcare MSP.Also a professor and family man, Mani’s various life experiences shaped his impressive decades-long career. Today, he shares his insight on balancing education with experience and embracing AI as a security leader. Listen to the episode to learn more about Mani’s career and education journey, the importance of having real-world skills, and what inspired Mani to write a book.Listen to Steve and Mani discuss how to adapt to new technology advancements and if InfoSec professionals should champion AI:Meet Mani (1:35)Steve introduces guest Mani Masood, who has worked in the security industry for two decades. First, Mani started in IT before transitioning into Information Security. Now, AI has quickly become a significant component of his role.Mani shares a story when a college professor saw his nervousness before an exam and suggested he get a job. His professor assured him that getting real-world experience would be extremely valuable.Real World Expertise (6:49)Mani reflects on how getting a degree is not the be-all-end-all of getting a job. Often, employers want to know what you’re capable of, which comes from having tangible skills applicable to your field.He also explains to Steve why it took him six years to finish his education instead of four: because he was gaining real-world experience.Times Have Changed  (18:18)Steve asks Mani about his perspective on the famous quote, “For those who can’t do, teach.” As technology has changed, Mani shares that nowadays, what you can do is more important than doing things right or following the status quo. The Time For AI (24:28)Like the tech boom, the AI era allows professionals to adjust to new advancements. Mani reveals that they have been trying to use artificial intelligence to solve InfoSec problems for some time, and this will become increasingly more possible as the tech matures. Defending The Tech (28:49)Mani discusses why security leaders should support AI and champion the technology within their organizations. Since InfoSec professionals have been working with AI for years, they should inspire others to believe there is a way to interact safely with this tech.Mani’s Recommendations (32:18)Steve presses Mani on his recommendations for security leaders when supporting artificial intelligence. Mani suggests that these leaders become comfortable with the tech themselves.Every InfoSec tool now has some AI faction, so security leaders should learn as much as possible about its benefits before championing it. Ultimately, CISOs must do their homework to ease their organization’s worries and create the necessary safeguards.Writing A Book (41:32)Mani shares why he is writing a book and what drives this project. He was first inspired to do so by a conversation with his wife. He initially sought to write a guide for his children, which led him to write a guide for other professionals.The New CISO (48:23)To Mani, being a new CISO means dealing with a new crossroads with technology. Whether you’ve been in the business for a long time or are new to the role, you must adjust quickly, pivot, and learn with your team.

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by returning guest Dr. Adrian Mayers, VP and CISO at Premera Blue Cross.As a veteran CISO, Dr. Adrian reveals his stress management and career tips. He also shares his thoughts on AI and its effect on the current threat landscape. Tune in to this week’s episode to learn more about determining your next career move, giving yourself grace, and why we shouldn’t vilify artificial intelligence.Listen to Steve and Dr. Adrian discuss evolving technology and approaching the research part of the job:Welcome Back, Dr. Adrian (1:32)Dr. Adrian reintroduces himself and his current CISO role to the audience. Steve also reveals why Dr. Adrian is a pleasure to have as a guest and his appreciation for the spark he brings to the conversation.Cutting CISOs Slack (5:40)Dr. Adrian unpacks why CISOs deserve grace as the role evolves and the stresses change. Detecting threat actors is a lot of responsibility, which creates tremendous pressure and leads to burnout.You can do better in your role long-term by understanding your limits and providing accurate expectations for the role.Working Together (12:33)Nowadays, taking criminal entities down requires foreign governments and the FBI to work together. Dr. Adrian shares his thoughts on this dynamic and how it takes a village to cover the defensive and offensive bases needed in the digital space.The Right Research (19:28)Steve presses Dr. Adrian on how he conducts research related to the job. Dr. Adrian has taken MIT classes and uses many online resources to obtain information. There are many sources to pull from, but you must use common sense to determine your gaps on various security topics, including AI. The Benefits of AI (25:02)Dr. Adrian discusses the benefits of artificial intelligence and how it is a technology that will open up the possibilities of what cybersecurity professionals can do. Although people fear this new tech will replace jobs, it fits the natural order of human progress.What Comes Next? (28:10)Steve and Dr. Adrian contemplate the off-ramps of what can come after being a CISO. To move up, you must understand the industry's business side or have enough knowledge to transition into teaching. Sponsorship is another aspect that CISOs can gain to determine their next career move. Ultimately, Dr. Adrian would like to redefine the work environment to support CISOs on their professional journey.Keeping Your Eyes Open (36:56)Steve asks Dr. Adrian how he knows when a CISO should seek new opportunities. How does he manage that internally?Dr. Adrian believes people should be self-aware enough to understand if they want to move on based on interest or if they want a new professional environment. It is an individual decision.Do CISOs Need Sports Agents? (45:46)Steve presses Dr. Adrian on his quote about how CISOs need sports agents. Dr. Adrian means by that quote that security professionals, like many others, need management to guide them and help them find new opportunities.Links mentioned:LinkedIn

In this episode of The New CISO, guest Chris Fredrick, Deputy CISO at Baxter International, returns for the final part of his interview series with host Steve.In parts one and two, Chris shared his background and the lessons he’s learned during a breach. Today, Chris joins host Steve to discuss maintaining a productive outlook while looking for a new position. Listen to the episode to learn more about the lessons you can learn at every role, the importance of perception, and job-hunting challenges.Listen to Steve and Chris discuss the best time to leave a position post-breach and how to stay positive in the face of rejection:A New Job (1:40)After working on the SOC with Steve, Chris felt ready for a new challenge. He then saw a role that scared him, making him believe that that was the right position. This decision set him down his CISO path.However, this new position was temporary because when he threw his hat in the ring for the permanent role, it didn’t work out. Ultimately, this rejection caused Chris to reflect on his career journey.Doing Things Differently (6:03)Steve asks Chris if he would have done things differently in his interview, knowing what he knows now. Chris would make the same decisions, especially since his time there had many challenges. Even though that role didn’t pan out, Chris learned a lot during this time. He built confidence in his presentation skills and had the opportunity to meet more established CISOs. By networking with other CISOs, Chris realized he truly belonged in the security world.The Value of Stoicism (10:05)Chris advises on how to handle job rejection. He refers to Stoicism, which states we cannot control the outcome but can control our perception.When bad things happen, we can perceive it as a positive that will set us on the right path.Looking For Work (15:35)Despite Chris’ impressive career history, it took him months to find his next role. After evaluating his many interviews, Chris recommends that security recruiters learn more about the field to better choose candidates. Chris and Steve then discuss the other lessons Chris learned during the job-hunting process, including what questions interviewers should or shouldn’t ask. Referring to Stoicism again, Chris also recommends structuring a routine around job hunting, including doing a positive hobby you enjoy.The New CISO (28:32)To Chris, being a new CISO means understanding that we are tasked with the impossible. Therefore, it’s essential to build an environment where people never feel like they are being asked to do the impossible for the ungrateful.Links:Linkedin

In this episode of The New CISO, guest Chris Fredrick, Deputy CISO at Baxter International, returns for the second part of his interview series with host Steve.In part one, Chris shared his background and the beginning of his professional journey. Today, Chris joins host Steve to discuss a pivotal moment in their careers: a significant breach. Listen to the episode to learn more about how Chris transitioned into a managerial role and stepped up during a crisis.Listen to Steve and Chris discuss who managers really work for and the mark of a great leader:Welcome Back, Chris (1:52)Steve and Chris discuss where they left off in the last episode when they left their security team for a new opportunity.Focusing on insider threats, Chris shares his daily work for this specific role. During this time, Chris focused less on operations and built a program instead. He also researched what would be in an insider program.Vulnerability Management (4:10)Chris reflects on the lessons he learned while doing vulnerability management that made him the leader he is today. Chris believes this time taught him how to tell a good story and have clear metrics to back himself up.Network Security (9:28)After working in vulnerability management, Chris moved into network security with Steve and created a Soc. Chris initially came in as an individual contributor until he became a team lead before eventually becoming the manager.When he was a manager, Chris realized his role now was to worry about his team and less about himself. It was a profound moment for Chris when he discovered this truth.The Breach Itself (15:14)Chris shares what lessons he learned from a significant security breach. Chris and his team noticed for a while that there were warning signs of the breach but were initially ignored.However, when the event happened, they could take what they knew and move forward. Because Chris had working partnerships with other teams, he was able to get the help they needed, showcasing the importance of building your relationships before a crisis.Client Management (20:48)Steve presses Chris on what he remembers regarding the client management side of this time. Chris recalls dealing with many calls from clients who were understandably concerned. Many of these calls became heated, but one client assured Chris he understood what he was going through. As a result, Chris tries to be empathetic with others since they could be having a bad day, which could affect their behavior.Pride In Their Team (28:25)Steve reflects on how working with this incredible team was one of the best memories of his career. He has immense pride in this group, which Chris shares.Chris loved building something from nothing and seeing the great things their colleagues have done since. Forming a great team requires a healthy culture that brings people together.Stepping Up (31:38)After Steve left, Chris had to step up into a higher leadership role. This change became a pivotal moment in Chris’s career, coinciding with the birth of his first child.Links:Linkedin

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is kicking off the first part of a three-part series with guest Chris Fredrick, Deputy CISO at Baxter International.Chris began his career as a technician and met Steve on a small security team managing a large network. Now, Chris joins today to share key lessons from his early career and set the stage for the next upcoming episodes. Listen to the episode to learn more about Steve and Chris’ time working together, the process of changing companies, and learning to be a better leader.Listen to Steve and Chris discuss how to deliver the news you’re leaving a company and how managers should accept said news:Meet Chris (1:46)Chris has worked in IT security for over twenty years and knew since college that this area of the industry was his passion. Since starting a leadership role, he has found his new calling: becoming the best leader he can be.Infosec Memory Lane (5:04)Chris shares the memories of his time working with Steve on their small infosec security team. Chris remembers feeling overwhelmed initially but learned to handle the scope of his many responsibilities. Steve and Chris reminisce about the positives of this experience and the challenges. The best part was the camaraderie they felt as a team.Lessons Learned (9:43)Steve presses Chris on the lessons he learned during their time on the infosec team. This experience taught Chris the importance of curiosity and building credibility.Another valuable lesson was learning to have respectful conversations when colleagues disagree.Changing Companies (18:23)While working together, Steve and Chris had the opportunity to change companies after their CISO left. Chris walks through what occurred and the communication lessons it taught him. He wishes he had done some things differently since multiple people leaving put his manager in a tough spot, but he also learned valuable leadership skills.Links:Linkedin

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Scott Moser, CISO at the Sabre Corporation.After twenty-five years, Scott retired from the Air Force to try his hand at the private sector. Now, Scott is transforming the CISO role from technical expert to business executive. Listen to the episode to learn more about Scott’s professional journey, being a customer-focused security professional, and what he learned from the Sabre interview process.Listen to Steve and Scott discuss contributing to the success of your organization and the importance of transparency:Meet Scott (1:44)Scott explains that Sabre is a software often used by hotels and airlines since the sixties. As a result, data protection is of the utmost importance to Scott in his CISO role.Scott then explores his career journey, where he started in the Air Force and eventually retired as a Colonel. During this time, he did cybersecurity-related work, which led him to the career he has today.Broad Experience (9:33)Scott shares how he had the opportunity to lead and mentor many people during his time in the Air Force, including police officers, firefighters, and more. He believes this time gave him the broad experience to communicate with business leaders. Now, he also meets with his customers, where he can easily explain the value that Sabre software can provide them, showing the value of a customer-focused CISO.The Importance of Trust (16:05)As CISOs, it’s essential to represent your company to customers and business leaders alike successfully. To do that, Scott recommends building trust, which requires significant transparency.A culture of trust will help your team through challenging times, so you should prioritize this when times are good.Effective Prep (24:40)Scott mentors his team by giving effective feedback and assessing his employee’s strengths. He works with his team to perfect their skill sets, including public speaking since that is a crucial part of business leadership.As long as people are doing the right thing, they shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes, learn, and grow because it strengthens the company in the long run. Ultimately, we must transform ourselves to be what our organization needs.Scott’s Presentation (28:55)Steve asks Scott about his popular CISO leadership presentation. Scott reveals that this presentation is a passion project of his because he wants to be more than just a technical expert but a business leader.Scott had to evaluate his strengths and weaknesses to become the CISO he wanted to be, which informed his presentation.An Aha Moment (33:44)For Scott, his interview process at Sabre informed his perspective on becoming a business leader. When board members interviewed him, he understood what they wanted from their CISO.Board members want security professionals who think about improving the business, not just the technical side of the job.One Last Thing (41:46)Steve presses Scott on the last piece of advice he wishes to share. Scott tells the audience always to take advantage of a good crisis because it is the smartest time to get your organization to make a necessary change.The New CISO (44:42)To Scott, being a new CISO means being a business executive leader focused on the customer and financial success of the company.Links:Linkedin

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Mike Melo, CISO and VP of IT Shared Services with LifeLabs.After switching his studies from human viruses to computer viruses, Mike dedicated his career to technology and the people who use it. Today, he shares his methodologies for post-breach cyber-security transformations and leading remote teams. Listen to the episode to learn more about Mike’s career journey, the importance of the customer mindset, and the three tenets of his Zelda-inspired CISO Triforce.Listen to Steve and Mike discuss how to build human connections in a remote environment:Meet Mike (1:40)Mike has worked at LifeLabs for over five years and balances two positions.Although Mike faces many challenges, he has created synergy between the two teams.Getting His Start (4:02)When Mike was a teenager, he originally wanted to be a musician. Instead, he went into computer studies and studied human viruses. At the end of the day, he realized he didn’t want to be in a lab and instead wanted to explore his love for cybersecurity.The Customer Mindset (7:02)Mike recommends new security professionals go and see how businesses work. Learning the customer mindset early in your career will have great benefits later because you will understand what users need.Ultimately, security professionals must better interact with their customers and understand how humans behave daily. You must find ways to show up to the business and show you are here, especially in remote work environments. Socializing And Remote Work (16:42)Mike feels we’ve lost social currency with remote work because people are social beings. However, there are pros and cons to being in remote environments. As a leader, Mike developed a team charter to ensure better communication and created opportunities for positive socialization.Going Back In Time (27:28)Steve presses Mike on his time in university when he also worked as a security analyst. A double major as well, Mike had to balance a lot while he learned.However, Mike wouldn’t change anything because it allowed him to push his capabilities in the classroom and set him apart from his peers.Modern Learning (31:08)As a mentor, Mike recommends new professionals talk to many people. When you put yourself out there, you’ll find that people are receptive to teaching you about their experiences.Being Successful During a Breach (35:02)Steve asks Mike about his presentation on “Being Successful During a Breach.” From that presentation, Mike discusses his CISO Triforce, which he based on Zelda.You must have a wish list, an effective execution strategy, and assurance with your stakeholders. When you have those three pieces, you will be prepared to get through a breach.The Coaching Experience (44:46)Mike has found that mentoring has always come easy to him. He has always been passionate about it since he tutored other students in his youth and has found helping others incredibly fulfilling.The New CISO (49:43)To Mike, being a CISO means being agile and having a customer mindset. It’s essential to improve yourself constantly as a security professional and leader.Quote: “Just because you get a bucket of money doesn't mean that solves your problems. And one of the biggest challenges of the post-breach world is the actual transformation. You got this, okay, you get this money, you have this wishlist. Cool, now you have to find, hire onboard, ramp up, transition, ramp down, and then sustain, right? Those are such complicated stages in the whole process, and you have to start giving some of that...

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Dan Creed, CISO at Allegiant.Dan first discovered his love for computers as a teenager. He has since then channeled his skills into a career in security leadership, where he balances his technical expertise with business acumen and storytelling. Today, he shares his thoughts on supply chain risk and the SEC’s new changes to cyber security guidelines. Listen to the episode to learn more about the importance of coding, coping with stress, and his critiques of the SEC.Listen to Steve and Dan discuss how reporting protects shareholders and the new stakes for CISOs :Meet Dan (1:30)Today’s guest, Dan Creed, is the CISO for Allegiant, a travel company.Dan discovered how to take over his school’s television channel in high school, which stemmed from his friend getting dumped. Dan and his friend used the cable TV channel to post some unflattering messages about his friend’s ex.Although Dan was rightfully punished at the time, he was allowed to take over the school’s computer lab, and his career journey began.Maintaining Excitement (7:02)Dan maintains his excitement for technology by keeping up with all the changes in the industry, like changes in coding. If you love learning and learn fast, you will have a rewarding and lasting career in cyber security.An Important Role (13:23)Steve presses Dan on the importance of Absec. Dan reveals that Absec is related to code and that the most essential security aspect is code.If you are in a customer-facing role, you need to be able to install software on other people’s machines and make sure their vulnerabilities are shielded.Coping Mechanisms (16:45)Dan copes with workplace and personal stress by understanding that humans are imperfect and make mistakes. There’s risk in everything we do, so keeping a balanced perspective is critical when mitigating potential cybersecurity issues. Ultimately, the stress in the security industry is building as the stakes grow, so finding ways to cope is necessary.SOAR Review (19:27)Steve asks Dan about his opinion on the automation software SOAR. He thinks it has its place, but finding people who can automate themselves is better. People need to use the right tool for the job.Building a Response Playbook (21:58)Dan shares the first thing to automate when building a response playbook for the first time. First things first, make sure you can monitor strange behavior. Starting there allows you to work on the more complex procedures.His Driving Force (26:16)Dan reflects on his reasons for finishing his degree later in life. He wanted to learn how to “speak business,” in addition to his computer skills, which drove him to complete his undergraduate degree and MBA.Choosing One (31:02)Steve presses Dan on which one to choose if you could only pick one: storytelling or culture. Dan says it depends on the person and what they are good at.If you look at what’s more important, it would be building work culture first and seeing how your team reacts to phishing and annual security training.What is Material? (33:23)Dan and Steve discuss how reports influence the stakeholders and what they invest in. Dan is critical of how the SEC changed the cyber security guidelines, partly because they are poorly organized and confusing.There are good things, but more context is needed to determine materiality. These guidelines also do not factor in how to deal with third-party risk and supply-chain issues. Reporting Issues (41:23)The SEC has intended to help shareholders with these guidelines so that they can protect the share

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by returning guests Michael Meis, Associate CISO at The University of Kansas Health System, and Mark Weatherford, the Chief Strategy Officer at The National Cybersecurity Center.For the 100th episode, Mark and Michael are back to share their thoughts on decision-making, mentorship, learning, and leadership, amongst other topics essential to the security industry. Tune into today’s episode to learn more about the career opportunities Mark and Michael didn’t take, how to measure your journey and the importance of an effective team.Listen to Steve, Michael, and Mark discuss managing stress while diving head-first into challenging situations and how to maximize the growth of junior team members:Welcome Back (1:32)Jumping in, Steve presses returning guests Mark and Michael on the most interesting career opportunities they didn’t take. While in the navy, Mark received a call transferring him to Virginia for a promotion. Although he did not want to go, this transfer was great for him.For Michael, when he was in the army, he turned down a promotion multiple times. He decided early on in his career that the military would not be his long-term career.Sound Career Advice (13:04)Determining when you feel fulfilled professionally allows you to make better career choices. Although our goals evolve, it’s important to reevaluate our priorities at different life stages.From a leadership perspective, it’s valuable to not think of yourself as the most intelligent person in the room but instead surround yourself with people who can fill in the gaps in your skillset. Leaders need their junior-level colleagues to succeed, and giving these employees real responsibilities allows them to transition into more significant roles.Best Mentorship Books (21:30)Mark and Michael share the books they would recommend to new and future leaders. These books are worthwhile resources that help prepare CISOs to take on higher-level work when it is presented.New To The Job (28:02)Mark and Michael explore what new CISOs should assess when new to running their teams. It’s essential to determine if you have good people who have lacked effective mentorship or if your organization lacks talent. Ultimately, you must ensure you have the right employees to succeed.Ultimately, you need to see if people add value or not in a crisis.Owning A Crisis (35:40)Steve presses Mark and Michael on their leadership perspective in a crisis. Mark reflects on an experience involving the government, where one of his employees took ownership of their security breach. Mark is still in touch with this colleague today and credits his help resolving a high-level issue.Michael reflects on a junior analyst who quickly worked his way up because he had a can-do attitude. The best career advice is to take work off of other’s plates because the people you help will never forget.Staying Grounded (40:46)To close, Steve asks Mark and Michael a more individualized question. What helps them stay grounded during stressful times in the field?For Mark, he admits he’s not great at taking a step back from work. He is passionate about the business and understands a 9-5 clock would not work for most security professionals. He can manage his stress, but he knows he lacks life balance. Though to relax, he keeps honey bees.Michael encourages everyone to eliminate the preconceived notion that this path is like other jobs. Security professionals are all-in on their work and must decide what balance means to them. For Michael, he does meditation to center himself and regulate the physical manifestations of stress.Links mentioned:a...

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Maria Sexton, Chief Information Officer at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada.Before starting her security career, Maria worked as a self-described secretary, seeking a better financial future for her family. Now, with her dream job, she shares how to become a strong communicator and leader. Tune into today’s episode to learn more about Maria’s passion for the healthcare industry, her strong people skills, and why you shouldn’t fake it until you make it.Listen to Steve and Maria discuss being confident in your strengths while understanding your weaknesses and what first-graders and board members have in common:Meet Maria (1:36)Maria reflects on why her current role is her dream job. With a diverse background, Mara found that healthcare customers were the people she wanted to serve.She didn’t plan on landing in healthcare, but she resonates with the mission of the field, which is why she feels she has her dream job. She recommends that everyone find an industry that aligns with them.Getting Her Start (6:00)Before starting her IT path, Maria worked as a secretary, a term not often used today. During this time, Maria went through personal family issues and needed to evaluate her financial future for herself and her children.Always interested in computers, Maria talked to the IT department at her company and asked how to get involved. Their advice led Maria to get a certificate, thus beginning the rewarding career she has today. It was scary initially, but Maria allowed herself to try and fail to succeed.Successful Communication (13:39)Steve presses Maria on whether she always had the clarity and confidence she showcases today.Maria understood she would never be an engineer, but her strengths lay in being diligent and taking notes. Therefore, she was excellent at communicating technology to people without a technology background, giving her a robust career skill set. Empathy, communication, and public speaking abilities made her the leader she is today.Explaining to a First Grader (16:33)Maria shares her experience talking to her granddaughter’s first-grade class about her job. She found these kids incredibly bright and showed a firm understanding of technology and computers.Learning how to communicate technology ideas to an audience without experience is critical. Standing Out (23:45)When evaluating a resume, Maria likes to see if they have motivation. Nowadays, more people than ever are interested in security. So, it’s essential to evaluate if the people coming in are serious.Maria is looking to hire a self-starter who takes advantage of the resources available to work in security. She also admires when applicants understand their strengths and weaknesses and where they can be best utilized.Confidence In Communication (27:22)Maria could always communicate effectively. As the child of Italian immigrants, Maria was responsible for speaking on behalf of her parents and helping them navigate the US.Her childhood also gave her empathy and the ability to read non-verbal cues, which has been helpful throughout her career. Learning to communicate with those around you is critical, no matter your role.Don’t Fake It Until You Make It (39:51)In terms of security, you really can’t fake it because the consequences could be dire. But outside of security, Maria has never liked the phrase “fake it until you make it.”This saying irks Maria because she thinks it is terrible advice. If you don’t know something, you should learn it. If you need a mentor, find one. You should want to get whatever you don’t have because...

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Frank Vesce, CISO for Allvue Systems.Beginning his life in a Brooklyn orphanage, Frank is now a cyber security leader, government advisor, youth mentor, and community advocate. Today, he joins Steve to discuss the technical and human side of cyber security. Tune into today’s episode to learn more about Frank’s professional journey, his approach to interviewing, and his motivation to mentor.Listen to Steve and Frank discuss the power of communication and the four types of complaints that can affect your organization:Meet Frank (1:36)Host Steve Moore introduces our guest today, Frank Vesce, who has over twenty years of experience, including global leadership positions.Frank first became intrigued by cybersecurity through the Matthew Broderick film War Games. During a coding class at university, Frank became even more interested in this field after reading the book The Cuckoo's Egg. First Gig (4:23)Frank's first security position was at Goldman Sachs. Before, Frank worked in IT and technology, but in 2010, Frank transitioned from infrastructure to security risk, and things moved forward from there.The Interview (5:16)Frank shares his unique approach to interviewing. He would call the interviewee by the wrong name to understand their personality. The best response would be when someone would politely and quickly correct him, how people answered demonstrated if they would fit on the team.Being Human (12:59)When people come to work and complain, it typically has nothing to do with their employer. They may have something going on in their personal lives, so it’s essential to get to the root of the problem before making assumptions.Frank then shares the different kinds of complainers in the workplace and how to work around them to strengthen your team.The US Coastguard (19:24)Steve presses Frank on his experience with the US Coastguard.Frank gained this opportunity from a few colleagues who asked Frank to join. The coastguard wanted someone from the financial sector to do tabletop exercises, and Frank was the right fit. Ultimately, these exercises helped inform public policy.Working in government also taught him the importance of communication chains and how to determine which phrases and words can or cannot be shared. Steve and Frank discuss managing your words effectively when security is essential.Bad Advice (29:51)Frank tries to learn from his mistakes and turn them into positives. However, he has one example of bad advice.He shares a story where his boss took him to coffee to yell at him for a mistake. However, Frank told his boss he wasn’t coached on that aspect of his job. Frank lacked advice during this circumstance. Different Philosophies (36:21)To Frank, teams need to be transparent with boards today as boards get savvier. Especially if there is a breach, you don’t want to lose your reputation with your firm.Learning how to translate what’s on the technology side to the business side is critical. Everything boils down to communication.What’s In A Word? (39:21)When Frank returned to Goldman Sachs, he was tasked with creating a change management system.During this project, Frank had an issue with a colleague over the word “re-engineer.” The colleague felt more comfortable with the word “enhance.” When new to a firm, using the right words to gather the most support is critical.Origin Story (43:50)Steve presses Frank about his life in an orphanage. Frank spent some time there but was later adopted by a caring family. This motivated Frank to give back, and now Frank works with the...

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Brad Sexton, Chief Information Officer, and Information Security Officer at Terrible’s.After having issues with a Dot Matrix printer, Brad was inspired to transition from a career in education to IT. Through conflict, change, and self-reflection, Brad has become the effective leader he is today. Tune into today’s episode to learn more about Brad’s career journey, the consequences of “ego,” and how to leave a job gracefully.Listen to Steve and Brad discuss how leaders can walk the fine line between confidence and arrogance and the right motives for becoming a leader:Meet Brad (1:44)Host Steve Moore introduces our guest today, Brad Sexton, who started working at Terrible’s in Las Vegas last April.Brad shares that before becoming a CISO, he worked at a boys and girls type club where they all shared one printer. Wanting to be able to print from different areas of the office, Brad took on the task of updating the printer to fit his office’s needs. Brad has been in IT ever since.Next Steps (5:09)Brad reveals the next steps of his career transition. His boss at the education center asked Brad for IT-related help. Brad was then moved into the IT department and used this moment to finish his education.During this time, Brad could see tech from a bigger picture and eventually was designing a forklift upgrade for the theater. He started working with routers and did more and more. By the time Brad settled in Vegas, he could use his experience to manage teams successfully.Checking The Ego (11:13)Steve presses Brad on the lessons he learned from his first IT job. Brad believes that his ego got in the way of his ability to do his job. After many years, Brad finally understood what he could have done differently. Thankfully, his boss knew he had potential and was willing to have a difficult conversation that resonated with him later.The Clues (16:30)Brad explores the clues of a person with an ego problem. In addition, Brad explains that leaders should always create a safe space for their employees to communicate with them.Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and it’s helpful when leaders can help their employees identify theirs. Ultimately, there is a “fine line between confidence and arrogance,” and leaders must have the confidence to articulate challenging feedback.The Right Motives (25:54)Steve presses Brad on what his motives were for becoming a leader. Brad reflects that he wanted a sphere of influence and recognized that he could make more of a difference in a higher position.Brad suggests always knowing your “why” before approaching leadership roles.The Wrong Fit (29:53)Brad worked in government and realized two things. He was in the wrong place, and they didn’t want them there either. Knowing there was tension from the beginning made Brad’s time in this role very challenging.Brad learned later that this company did not want anyone in that position, but he was the most qualified. Now, Brad understands the importance of finding the right fit for a role and considers that when interviewing future colleagues.Mutual Contact (34:58)Brad and Steve discuss a mutual connection named David, who is an individual who helped Brad move into the casino gaming space. Brad appreciates that David took a chance on him and is still in touch.Relationships are critical as you advance in your career because no one knows everything.Leaving Gracefully (40:04)Brad shares his tips on leaving a job gracefully. He suggests managing the emotion that you let someone down. Having an open communication line with your boss and feeling comfortable articulating your...

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Andrew Wilder, Adjunct Professor at Washington University in St. Louis and a multi-time CISO.After eighteen years, Andrew left a job he loved to transition into global security. Now, he gives back to the cybersecurity community by sharing his insight as a professor and mentor. Tune into today’s episode to learn more about his IT journey, expanding your network, and company red flags.Listen to Steve and Andrew discuss his five-step mentorship plan and essential interview guidelines for CISOs:Meet Andrew (1:38)Host Steve Moore introduces our guest today, Andrew Wilder, who has worked in cyber security for twenty years.Andrew got his start in cybersecurity by working at a paper company, where he worked in marketing, sales, inventory, customer service, and more. One day the owner came to him, wanting to change their computer systems. Being the youngest in the office, Andrew was given the project, beginning his IT journey.Eighteen Years (6:23)Andrew reveals why he stayed at Nestle for eighteen years. Andrew loved the people and culture and even met his wife on the job.Steve presses Andrew on why he didn’t stay longer, and Andrew reveals that he progressed as far as he could go. Wanting to move forward in his career, Andrew felt inclined to make the jump.A Difficult Move (8:12)Andrew shares how challenging it was to leave Nestle. Although his co-workers were shocked, Andrew knew going was right for him.If you’re in a similar situation, you may always find something to regret, but no situation is perfect. Ultimately, you have to do what’s best for you.Care About Your Career (11:50)When contemplating a career transition, Andrew recommends finding a mentor. Of course, no one will care for your career for you. You will make time for something and seek the necessary resources if you care about it.The Five-Step Plan (13:59)Andrew shares his five-step plan for changing careers, which includes creating a development plan with your mentor and filling in the gaps in your desired skill set.In addition, Andrew shares a helpful tip he received from Nestle, which is that 70% of your learning should be learning by doing. 20% of learning is through relationships, while 10% should be through a course or learning program.Getting In The Room (20:00)Steve presses Andrew on what steps CISOs should take to get in the room. Andrew recommends ensuring people know who you are and your expertise.If people don’t know you, you’ll never be able to prove yourself. That is the value of expanding your network.What To Ask (24:47)If you’re offered a board-type position, it’s essential to learn about the company culture and the CEO and review any incident reports that allow you to bring your expertise to the position.Interview Questions (28:24)Enterprise risk management is an excellent framework to focus on during an interview. Asking questions based on prior risks will reveal much about an organization, including red flags.Andrew also reveals other red flags to look for in an interview. If companies don’t show change or progress with security, the work culture will be less desirable for a CISO. The worst cyberculture you could join is one where they won’t admit when they’ve experienced a breach.Business Continuity Planning (37:20)Business continuity planning is ignored a lot in cybersecurity because it is business driven. In Andrew’s opinion, cybersecurity should be separate.Andrew and Steve discuss other business dynamics and what should or shouldn’t be the responsibility of the CISO.Why Teaching (41:43)Steve presses...

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Suid Adeyanju, CEO and Co-Founder of RiverSafe Ltd.Although his parents dreamed of Suid becoming a lawyer or a doctor, Suid had a passion for technology. Although his path was challenging, Suid shares how he successfully transitioned from a security engineer to an entrepreneur. Tune into this week’s episode to learn more about Suid’s early career journey, the mindset differences between engineering and business leadership, and the catalyst for starting his business.Listen to Steve and Suid discuss navigating the corporate ladder and how security professionals can become business leaders:Meet Suid (1:39)Host Steve Moore introduces our guest today, Suid Adeyanju, a security professional and entrepreneur. At RiverSafe Ltd., Suid’s team specializes in cyber security, data operations, and demo. Since childhood, Suid wanted to work in technology. Recently, he found his old yearbook from Nigeria and saw that he wanted to be a computer engineer even then. Even though that goal was unusual then, it demonstrates that Suid always wanted to be in technology.At University (6:24)While at university, Suid initially went for computer science and mathematics. After studying accounting for two years, his professor steered him toward business information systems. As much as Suid loves computers, understanding how organizations deliver their services was a better fit. Think About Impact (10:26)Steve and Suid discuss how security leaders need to consider how their security work impacts the business. If leaders focus on making the business secure, they need to work with the business and understand the risks associated with the work.The Transition (13:40)Suid reflects on his transition from engineer to entrepreneur. As an engineer, Suid saw things in black and white. To run his business, he needed a different mindset because there is a difference between working with people versus computers.Workplace Challenges (20:03)Steve presses Suid on his time at Reuters. After two years of contracting, Suid saw that he was stuck in his role while his teammates gained more responsibility. Initially, Suid believed he needed to work harder and gain his master's in information security. Now, he understands that this mindset is common with ethnic minorities and reflects on the challenges he’s faced. Valuing Yourself (28:55)Suid realized that this particular work environment did not value the additional education he had gained or the extra work he put in. Without another job lined up, Suid decided to quit.Suid could take this risk because he had made good financial decisions, which gave him enough savings to rely on. Suid also had the proper professional skill set, preparing him to take a chance. Starting A Business (34:24)Suid reveals that this time led him to start his own business. Although it’s challenging to transition from engineer to entrepreneur, Suid knew his team was talented and could show value to their customers.The Big Break (38:14)Suid’s company got their big break when a senior manager at a major corruption chose to work with them. This manager took a chance on them with a significant project, which set Suid up for future momentum.Sound Advice (43:43)For the listeners who feel that the corporate world is not for them, Suid shares his advice. First, take a course that teaches how to set up a business. Secondly, find a mentor who can share with you valuable insight.The New Security Leader (47:21)To Suid, a new leader focuses on people. One must have empathy and...

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Jeff Schilling, Global CISO for Teleperformance.Jeff returns to discuss a pressing issue for CISOs: Insider threats. With credentialed attacks on the rise, Jeff shares his take on the “flattening” of this evolving threat. Tune into today’s episode to learn more about the ABCs of bad actors, how Covid has contributed to the problem and complex recruiting scams.Listen to Steve and Jeff discuss which strategies are being employed to comprise employees’ credentials:The Return Of Jeff (1:42)Host Steve Moore introduces our returning guest today, Jeff Schilling of Teleperformance.Steve reveals this is Jeff's third time on the podcast. Unlike other episodes, where guests discuss their career journeys, Jeff is here to share necessary research regarding insider threats.The Problem (4:24)Jeff explores the fundamental issue of insider threats. He reveals the different levels of the skill pyramid that threat actors can be evaluated at. The “A” actors become insiders to exploit specific targets, which should be considered when creating a security system.The Flattening (12:46)Steve presses Jeff on what he means by “flattening techniques” that have led to our current state of attacks. Jeff explains how malware software and targeted phishing scams have been used to access their mark, an issue exasperated by remote work.Adversaries and Targets (19:54)Jeff explains how to communicate threat issues across departments, especially when there are language barriers. The biggest challenge is making messaging as simple as possible.Depending on the job functions of others, there are different responses and success results. This is why Jeff’s team focuses on training and additional monitoring and security control.More Tactics (23:28)There are many strategies that threat actors use to breach one’s security. Bad actors target companies through social media, such as Linkedin.Threat actors also learn about their target countries and reach out to them through more region-specific platforms. Jeff then asserted that insider threats must be part of every CISO’s security plan. Preventative Steps (31:42)Jeff assures us that there are things we can do to detect threats and explains those actions. Identifying the machine where phishing emails come from and implementing new technologies is key.The Near Future (35:50)With the evolving functions of AI, it may be easier for threat actors to be more convincing in their scams. Their messaging is getting more believable, which is why Jeff believes they are taking advantage of new technologies, despite there being safeguards.However, Jeff is not convinced that certain aspects of AI, like voice mimicking, will get more sophisticated. The New CISO (39:42)To Jeff, being a new CISO is constantly learning and having your finger on the pulse. If you think you know everything, it is likely you do not.Links mentioned:LinkedInQuote:“I used to say multifactor authentication at the edge was a big barrier for the threat actor to get over. That's no longer, I can't say that anymore. It's more like a small fence. And now, you got to look at how do you manage your privileges and how do you conduct IT operations inside of your wire, and how would a threat do it if they were an insider? And then what controls do you have to be able to detect that activity because they're going to be using IT tools, and they're going to look like they're coming in with a legitimate account.”

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Chris Nolke, multi-time CISO, and founder of Skycrane.Chris had decades of cybersecurity experience before starting his own company. As a neurodivergent leader and life-long learner, Chris navigates the workplace with self-reflection and candor. Tune into today’s episode to learn more about Chris’ professional journey, his human approach to leadership, and his definition of happiness.Listen to Steve and Chris discuss the values that drive career decisions and how vulnerability can serve or harm you in the workplace:Meet Chris (1:41)Host Steve Moore introduces our guest today, Chris Nolke, the founder of Skycrane.Chris first started his cybersecurity journey while studying electrical engineering in college. From there, he got a job as an engineer, which eventually led him to his current path. As a life-longer learner, Chris followed the most interesting path to him: cyber security.Defining The Interesting Path (8:36)Chris wishes he had done a “values” exercise earlier in his career to determine his professional wants. He advises other people joining the workforce to consider a process where they discover what they believe in.When you understand your values, you can make more straightforward choices toward your career.Evaluating Jobs (10:59)Chris admits that every job he’s taken has been different than he initially believed. In those circumstances, it’s essential to determine your desire to stay in that position or pivot.Personal Characteristics (14:40)Steve presses Chris on what three bullet points his colleagues would list for him. Chris states that vulnerability, being a conversationalist, and expertise have become his brand in the workplace, which has made him successful.Going Further By Saying Less (25:16)Chris shares that many people who practice impulsive communication use that as a means of connection. Reflecting on this, Chris acknowledges the difference between impact and attention.After trial and error, Chris learned he would go further in his career if he said less.Sound Advice  (30:31)For leaders, Chris shares that neurodiversity is a superpower. If you can harness the pattern-recognizing skills of neurodivergent employees, you can build an incredible security team.To understand how to use this superpower, Chris recommends leaders have mindful conversations with their employees. People need to learn what they’re good at to get ahead.The Subject of Happiness (40:06)As a CISO, Chris is fascinated by the construct of happiness and what comes with it. Happiness is made up of joy but also contentment. Balancing between the two is the key to understanding and taking advantage of this construct.Chris recommends that every CISO creates a “happiness” process to avoid burnout, though burnout led Chris to start his own business.The New CISO (49:10)To Chris, being a new CISO is about creating a system of business relevance. You can improve your job when you understand the business's daily needs.Links mentioned:LinkedIn

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Peter Frochtenicht, National Manager for Security and Compliance and CISO at NEC Australia.A technician by nature, Peter has decades of experience across multiple countries. Today, he joins the podcast to discuss the complexities of AI and the benefits of time-saving tools. Tune into today’s episode to learn more about Peter’s technical journey, the most common security threats, and his advice for new CISOs.Listen to Steve and Peter discuss why automation is a critical component of security tools and how the threat landscape has changed globally:Meet Peter (1:36)Host Steve Moore introduces our guest today, Peter Frochtenicht, who has worked at NEC for nine years.Before NEC, Peter started his career as a systems engineer twenty years ago. Peter has worked in Africa and Australia and has worked his way up through different organizations.Catching Up (5:21)Ten years ago, the CISO role in Australia would be rare. Steve presses Peter as to why.Since the Australian population is smaller than the states with fewer big-name organizations, it took Australia longer to catch up in the security industry.Australia’s Biggest Threats (9:37)From a defense perspective, Australia is doing much business with the states, especially with submarines. From a threat perspective, they border China and some of the eastern countries, which makes a security threat from those countries more imminent.Increased Attacks (13:17)The most typical security attack that Peter witnesses is phishing, which affects organizations and citizens. According to Peter, it is human nature to be curious about and click on an email link. For outside threats, financial benefits and access to information are to be gained.AI has also advanced quickly, which can contribute to increased threats since you can mimic someone's voice. Organizations should be prepared to use AI for good but also be prepared for when there are more insidious reasons for using this new technology.The Benefits of AI (18:05)Steve presses Peter on what defense benefits he predicts will come from AI.Peter shares the automation tools his team uses that help reduce his analysts' headcount and save time. Chat GPT may help you personally, but Peter believes in partnering with known vendors that can help limit human error.What To Look For  (21:11)Peter shares what CISOs should or should not look for when choosing AI tools. Analytic tools are standard and can save much time and effort. As a result, organizations can save money and trust that there will be an increase in accuracy.If tools can help CISOs detect abnormalities with less effort, that would be of service. Of course, abnormal actions may not be malicious but could be a mistake by a well-meaning person. Investing In Employees (28:32)Peter believes in training his people to bring the best out of them. People don’t always have the right skills at the right time, but you build a strong team when you invest in your employees and their relationship with your vendors. Adding Skillsets (31:05)Steve asks Peter what skillsets he had to add, besides technical abilities, to perform his role. Peter discusses his career journey, including his transition into leadership.Peter had to gain a governance mindset and consider policies and when to update said policies. It’s challenging to ask for money to pursue your endeavors, but if you have a budget, you must spend it.Sound Advice (38:56)Looking up back at his career, Peter wouldn’t change much. But Peter recommends getting training and certifications to keep yourself up to date. You...