Our CISO Might Be Virtual, But the Lack of Respect Is Genuine
Mar 11, 2025
auto_awesome
Mike Wilkes, former CISO of Major League Soccer and board member at the National Jazz Museum, dives into the evolving role of vCISOs and the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by the maritime industry. He discusses the forgotten need for succession planning for CISOs and the implications of AI and quantum computing on cybersecurity. With a blend of humor and insight, the conversation also touches on pressing regulatory changes and the interplay between community engagement and security strategies.
Misunderstanding and misusing vCISOs hinders their ability to strategically align cybersecurity efforts within organizations, particularly in SMBs.
Strengthening maritime cybersecurity requires updated regulatory frameworks and clear incident reporting standards to combat increasing cyber threats in the shipping industry.
Deep dives
Building a Culture of Cybersecurity Curiosity
Creating a dedicated InfoSec news channel on Slack can significantly enhance cybersecurity awareness across an organization. By adding the RSS app and subscribing to approximately twenty diverse cybersecurity news feeds, employees can engage with a continuous flow of relevant and informative content. This initiative not only promotes curiosity about cybersecurity but also keeps everyone updated about the latest developments, fostering a more informed workforce. Such an environment benefits both employees and InfoSec professionals by surfacing interesting stories and insights that can be discussed and acted upon.
The Role and Challenge of Virtual CISOs
The concept of virtual CISOs (vCISOs) is being misunderstood and misused within many organizations, especially small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Rather than serving as strategic leaders driving security alignment, many vCISOs are relegated to managing existing programs without making significant impacts. It is suggested that businesses should utilize vCISOs more purposefully, either for short-term consultations or guidance while building their security teams. This strategic use can help organizations fill security gaps effectively without expecting vCISOs to act as permanent fixtures in the long run.
Challenges in Maritime Cybersecurity
Maritime cybersecurity has gained heightened attention as incidents increase, with a significant rise in cybersecurity threats targeting the shipping industry. Professionals within this sector recognize that traditional physical security measures are no longer adequate as cyber threats loom large. Regulatory frameworks to address these cyber issues are outdated, creating challenges for organizations trying to comply while maintaining security. To address these concerns, it is emphasized that improving regulatory guidelines and defining clear incident reporting standards is essential for enhancing overall maritime cybersecurity.
Preparing for the Future of AI and Quantum Computing
As AI and its implications grow, it is forecasted that 15% of daily work decisions will be delegated to AI systems by 2028, refining efficiency within workplaces. However, the transition to advanced technologies like quantum computing poses significant risks, particularly regarding the safety of conventional cryptography. Experts warn of a critical need for businesses to adopt quantum-resilient algorithms to prevent future security breaches when quantum computers become viable. The conversations around these subjects stress the importance of proactive adaptation in the cybersecurity landscape to avert potential crises.
Build, run, and monitor your most important workflows with Tines. Tines' smart, secure workflow platform empowers your whole team regardless of their coding abilities, environment complexities, or tech stack. From low code, no code to natural language, anyone can get up and running in minutes – not days or weeks. Learn more at https://tines.com/cisoseries
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode