Deneen DeFiore, CISO at United Airlines, talks about how she got into security, taking a new CISO role at the start of COVID, what makes a mature business oriented security program, and what CISOs need to know before considering board level opportunities.

About Deneen: 

Deneen is an accomplished technology and risk management executive with experience across multiple critical infrastructure sectors.   She has expertise in advising global companies and their most senior executives on technology, cybersecurity, compliance, and digital risk decisions related to products, services, and ongoing operations.  

Deneen currently serves as Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at United Airlines.  She is responsible for leading the cybersecurity and digital risk organization to ensure the company is prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to evolving cyber threats.  She leads initiatives on commercial aviation cyber safety risk, improving cyber resilience, and represents United in working with international partners to reduce cyber safety risk world-wide across the aviation ecosystem.  

Deneen is the Chair of the board of the Aviation Information Sharing Analysis Center and the Chairperson of the Airlines for America (A4A) Cybersecurity Committee.  She is an independent director and member board of directors for Blackbaud software.    In 2022, she was appointed to serve on the President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC), advising the White House on how to reduce physical and cyber risks and improve the security and resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure sectors.
She is passionate about diversity in the tech industry and promoting STEM education.
Follow her on Twitter @deneendefiore

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