CISO Tradecraft®

If you want to assess your current level of security, then you should start with an asset management program. Asset management provides the basic building blocks to enable vulnerability management and remediation programs.   This podcast provides key lessons learned on what is required for effective asset management as well as discuss how asset management evolves with the cloud.  Listeners will also learn important steps to take to create a world class asset management program. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:00 The SANS Top 20 Controls 06:04 What if I don't have an Agent on my Endpoint? 09:08 Cloud Native CMDB Systems 11:35 Shadow IT in the Cloud 14:12 Software Bill of Materials for your Applications 19:33 What's the problem with older versions of software? 22:02 Is there a Vulnerability in Windows 10? 24:34 The Criticality of the Enterprise Patch Cycle 28:43 How do we have a Good Inventory? 31:34 Continuity of Operations & Disaster Recovery 33:17 Is your Asset Inventory Complete? 35:17 Is Asset Management Key for your Organization?

The ability to persuade others is a core tradecraft for every CISO.  This podcast discusses the most common styles of executive decision making (Charismatics, Thinkers, Skeptics, Followers, and Controllers).  After listening to this podcast, you will understand how to more effectively tailor your message to best influence each style of executive.  If you would like to learn more about this topic, we strongly recommend you read the Harvard Business Review article, “Change the Way You Persuade”, by Gary A. Williams and Robert B. Miller https://hbr.org/2002/05/change-the-way-you-persuade Chapters 00:00 Introductions 03:04 How to Persuade a Charismatic Leader 06:49 How do you use Visual Aids to Help Thinkers 10:39 What approaches do you take with Skeptics? 15:47 How do we overcome Skeptics? 17:24 Are Followers Leaders? 20:58 Can we do a Pilot Program? 22:59 Strategic Tools to be more Successful in your Career 24:47 Do you have any experiences with Controllers? 28:03 How to use your Egos and their Past Experiences to your Advantage 31:06 The Pointy Haired Boss 36:35 How to Adapt a Leader's Style

To become an effective CISO you need influence skills.  On this episode we explore Robert Cialdini's book, "Influence" and discuss the psychology of persuasion.  We will explore 6 key areas of influence: Liking- If people like you - because they sense that you like them, or because of things you have in common - they're more apt to say yes to you Reciprocity- People tend to return favors.  If you help people, they'll help you.  If you behave in a certain way (cooperatively, for example), they'll respond in kind Social Proof- People will do things that they see other people doing- especially if those people seem similar to them Commitment and Consistency- People want to be consistent, or at least to appear to be.  If they make a public, voluntary commitment, they'll try to follow through  Authority- People defer to experts and to those in positions of authority (and typically underestimate their tendency to do so) Scarcity- People value things more if they perceive them to be scarce If you would like to more on this topic, then we recommend you read Cialdini's work: Website https://www.influenceatwork.com/principles-of-persuasion/ Book https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Robert-Cialdini/dp/006124189X Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:21 The Principles of Persuasion 05:27 How to be a Great Speaker and Get People to Like You 09:01 How to Win Friends and Influence People 13:45 How does a Mint Influence your Tipping? 15:04 Doing a Favor for Someone is a Good Thing 17:29 The Concept of Social Proof is Security 21:34 How to Defend against Audits 26:15 Getting Small Commitments Out of People Early On 29:20 The Importance of Consistency in Influencing 34:12 The Six Principles of Persuasion 38:57 Is there a Scarcity of Time? 43:13 The Six Chaldini Factors Recap

On this pilot episode you will get to meet the hosts of the show (G Mark Hardy & Ross Young) and learn a little bit about their backgrounds. Chapters 00:00 Introductions 04:47 What is a CISO? 07:24 Enable the Rock Climber to Take Risks 13:32 What do CISOs need to know? 18:07 Compliance is a C- 21:23 What functions and services do CISOs oversee? 25:48 The importance of a Purple Team 29:45 Is your Security Office a Red Team or a Blue Team? 34:50 Which organization in security is most likely to produce a CISO 39:11 The Hidden Key to Success is Communication Skills 41:17 CISO Key Capabilities are Communication and Influence 46:57 What are the skills you need to focus on