CISO Perspectives (public)

This season on CISO Perspectives—your host, Kim Jones is digging into the issues shaping the future of cybersecurity leadership. From the regulations every CISO needs to understand, to the unexpected places privacy risks are emerging, to the new ways fraud and identity are colliding—these conversations will sharpen your strategies and strengthen your defenses. Industry leaders join the discussion to share their insights, challenges, and hard-earned lessons. Together, we’ll connect the dots across regulation, privacy, fraud, leadership, and talent—helping you build a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity ecosystem. This is CISO Perspectives. Real conversations. Real strategies. Real impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the season finale of CISOP, Kim Jones is joined by N2K’s own Ethan Cook to reflect on the conversations that shaped this season. Together, they revisit standout moments from Kim’s interviews, unpacking their significance and getting Ethan’s fresh perspective on the cybersecurity workforce challenge—as someone viewing the industry from the outside. Since the mid-season reflection, Kim has explored a wide range of workforce issues, including skills mapping, talent identification, and the evolving strategies needed to close cybersecurity’s talent gap. Survey: We want to hear your perspectives on this season, fill out our audience survey before August 31st. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this mid-season episode, Kim takes a step back to reflect on the journey so far—revisiting key conversations, standout moments, and recurring themes that have shaped the season. During the episode, Kim sits down with N2K's own Ethan Cook to connect the dots across episodes, uncovering deeper patterns and takeaways. Whether you're catching up or tuning in weekly, this episode offers a thoughtful recap and fresh perspective on where we've been—and what's still to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Show Notes: While the cybersecurity industry has expanded and grown in recent years, newcomers still struggle to gain relevant "experience" before officially beginning their cyber careers. In this episode of CISO Perspectives, host Kim Jones sits down with Kathleen Smith, the Chief Outreach Officer at clearedjobs.net and the co-host of Security Cleared Jobs: Who’s Hiring & How, to discuss this dilemma and what new entrants can do to account for these difficulties. Throughout the conversation, Kathleen and Kim will discuss the challenges associated with entry-level cyber positions, how to gain meaningful experience, and how the industry as a whole contributes to this problem. Want more CISO Perspectives?: Check out a companion ⁠blog post⁠ by our very own Ethan Cook, where he breaks down key insights, shares behind-the-scenes context, and highlights research that complements this episode. It’s the perfect follow-up if you’re curious about the cyber talent crunch and how we can reshape the ecosystem for future professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Larry Whiteside Jr., Chief Advisory Officer for The CISO Society and a veteran advocate for diversity in tech, tackles the pressing question: is cybersecurity a trade or a profession? He discusses the implications of this identity crisis on the industry, emphasizing the need for structured training and ethical standards. The dialogue also explores the evolving roles within cybersecurity, particularly for CISOs, and outlines strategies for young leaders to align security initiatives with business objectives, addressing the crucial talent shortage in the field.

Show Notes: The cyber talent ecosystem faces severe indigestion, which has stifled growth and closed doors to new talent. In this episode of CISO Perspectives, host Kim Jones sits down with Ed Adams, the Head of Cybersecurity for North America at the Bureau Veritas Group, to discuss what has caused this indigestion and how leadership can better address these challenges. A key aspect of this conversation revolved around discussing Ed's book, See Yourself in Cyber: Security Careers Beyond Hacking, and how he expands the conversation surrounding traditional roles associated with cybersecurity.Want more CISO Perspectives?:Check out a companion blog post by our very own Ethan Cook, where he breaks down key insights, shares behind-the-scenes context, and highlights research that complements this episode. It’s the perfect follow-up if you’re curious about the cyber talent crunch and how we can reshape the ecosystem for future professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In CISO Perspectives, Kim Jones, a CISO with over four decades of real-world security and risk management experience, sits down with industry leaders throughout this series for candid conversations that share their experiences and perspectives about the cybersecurity industry and the many challenges it faces. Whether it be cybersecurity leadership, talent ecosystems, career entry points, or certifications, these conversations will help you build a stronger and more impactful cyber ecosystem within your organization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick Howard, N2K CyberWire’s Chief Analyst and Senior Fellow, turns over hosting duties to Caroline Wong, the Chief Strategy Officer at Cobalt to discuss the mechanics of writing a cybersecurity book about AI.References:Ben Smith. “Security Metrics: A Beginner’s Guide” Review [Review]. Cybersecurity Canon Project. Caroline Wong, 2011. Security Metrics, A Beginner’s Guide [Book]. Goodreads.Rick Howard, Caroline Wong, 2022. Interview with Author and Hall of Fame winner Caroline Wong [Interview]. Cybersecurity Canon Project.Rick Howard, 2023. Cybersecurity First Principles: A Reboot of Strategy and Tactics [Book]. Goodreads.Rick Howard. Security Metrics, A Beginner’s Guide [Review]. Cybersecurity Canon Project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick Howard, N2K CyberWire’s Chief Analyst and Senior Fellow, turns over hosting duties to Kevin Magee, the Global Director of Cybersecurity Startups at Microsoft to discuss Cyber-entrepreneurship in the age of CyberAI. For a complete reading list and even more information, check out Rick’s more detailed essay on the topic.References:Andrew McCarty, Emma Eschweiler, Natalie Fratto, Andrew Pardo, Jake Ledbetter, 2024. The Rise of CyberAI [Analysis]. Silicon Valley Bank. Camille Périssère, 2024. 2024 cybersecurity market trends [Analysis]. AXA Venture Partners.Jeffrey Grabow, 2024. AI continues to drive venture capital activity [Analysis]. EY.Kaloyan Andonov, 2024. Energy companies increase investment in cybersecurity startups [Analysis]. Global Corporate Venturing.Staff, 2024. Cybersecurity Market Size, Share, Analysis Analysis]. Fortune Business Insights. Staff, 2024. RBC FinSec Incubator [Analysis]. Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst.Staff, 2024. Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2024 [White Paper]. Microsoft.Steve Morgan, 2022. Cybercrime To Cost The World 8 Trillion Annually In 2023 [Analysis]. Cybercrime Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick Howard, The CyberWire’s Chief Analyst, CSO, and Senior Fellow, and the cast of the entire CyberWire team, honor our U.S. veterans on this special day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices