

CISO Tradecraft®
G Mark Hardy & Ross Young
You are not years away from accomplishing your career goals, you are skills away. Learn the Tradecraft to Take Your Cybersecurity Skills to the Executive Level. © Copyright 2025, National Security Corporation. All Rights Reserved
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 21, 2024 • 17min
#203 - Be SOCcessful with the SOC-CMM
Unlocking SOC Excellence: Master the SOC Capability Maturity Model Join host G Mark Hardy in this compelling episode of CISO Tradecraft as he explores the revolutionary SOC Capability Maturity Model (SOC CMM) authored by Rob van Os. This episode is a must-watch for CISOs, aspiring CISOs, and cybersecurity professionals aiming to optimize their Security Operations Center (SOC). Learn how to measure, evaluate, and enhance your SOC's maturity across key domains including Business, People, Process, Technology, and Services. Gain insights into leveraging radar charts for visualizing SOC capabilities and hear case studies such as a mid-sized financial company’s remarkable improvements. Discover why understanding your SOC's strengths and weaknesses and conducting risk-based improvement planning are crucial. Don't miss out—elevate your cyber resilience today, subscribe, and share with your network to set your SOC on the path to excellence!
References:
SOC-CMM - https://www.soc-cmm.com/products/soc-cmm/
Robert van Os - https://www.linkedin.com/in/socadvisor/
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fk6_t9FMyYXDF-7EfgpX_ZjLc0iPAgfN
Chapters
00:12 Introduction to CISO Tradecraft and SOCs
01:20 Understanding SOC CMM: A Game-Changing Tool
02:29 Evaluating SOC Maturity and Capability
06:04 Benefits and Implementation of SOC CMM
07:56 Understanding SOC Assessments
08:55 Deep Dive into SOC CMM Domains
12:42 Benefits and Flexibility of SOC CMM
14:40 Real-World Application and Conclusion

Oct 14, 2024 • 45min
#202 - Cybersecurity Crisis: Are We Failing the Next Generation?
In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy explores the challenges and misconceptions facing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The discussion covers the myth of a talent shortage, the shortcomings of current educational and certification programs, and the significance of aligning curricula with real-world needs. Hardy emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, developing soft skills, and fostering continuous learning. The episode also highlights strategies for retaining talent, promoting internal training, and creating leadership opportunities to cultivate a skilled and satisfied cybersecurity workforce.
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12fI2efHXuHR4dS3cu7P0UIBCtjBdgREI
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Cybersecurity Talent Crisis
00:40 Debunking the Talent Shortage Myth
02:23 The Real Talent Gap: Mid-Career Professionals
03:04 Outsourcing and Its Impact on Entry-Level Jobs
08:29 Challenges in Cybersecurity Education
16:13 The Importance of Practical Skills Over Theory
23:52 The Importance of Writing Skills
25:10 Continuous Learning and Self-Investment
26:07 Performance and Career Progression
28:40 Mentorship and Onboarding
29:51 Training and Development Challenges
32:32 Retention Strategies
33:44 Engaging Junior Employees
39:07 Technology and Innovation
40:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Oct 7, 2024 • 18min
#201 - Avoiding Hurricanes in the Cloud
In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, hosted by G Mark Hardy, you'll learn about four crucial tools in cloud security: CNAPP, CASB, CSPM, and CWPP. These tools serve various functions like protecting cloud-native applications, managing access security, maintaining cloud posture, and securing cloud workloads. The discussion covers their roles, benefits, key success metrics, and best practices for CISOs. As the cloud security landscape evolves, understanding and integrating these tools is vital for keeping your organization safe against cyber threats.
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Mx9qr30RuWrDUw1TLNkUDQ8xo4xvQdP_
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cloud Security Tools
02:24 Understanding CNAPP: The Comprehensive Cyber Defense
08:13 Exploring CASB: The Cloud Access Gatekeeper
11:12 Diving into CSPM: Ensuring Cloud Compliance
13:40 CWPP: Protecting Cloud Workloads
15:08 Best Practices for Cloud Security
15:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sep 30, 2024 • 45min
#200 - Copywriting AI (with Mark Rasch)
In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, hosts G Mark Hardy and Mark Rasch discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and the law. Recorded at the COSAC computer conference in Dublin, this episode covers the legal implications of AI, copyright issues, AI-generated content, privacy concerns, and ethical considerations. They explore the nuances between directed and undirected AI, the importance of training data, and the potential risks and liabilities associated with AI-driven systems. Tune in for a deep dive into how AI is reshaping cybersecurity and legal landscapes.
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s_eDwz-FPuyxYZRJaOknWi2Ozjqmodrl
Chapters
00:00 Introductions
01:13 Diving into Artificial Intelligence
04:04 Directed vs. Undirected AI
11:02 Legal and Ethical Issues of AI
23:47 AI and Copyright: Who Owns the Creation?
26:59 The Role of AI in Information Security
32:51 Ethical Dilemmas in AI Decision-Making
39:18 Future Challenges and Recommendations for AI

Sep 23, 2024 • 28min
#199 - How to Secure Generative AI
Join G. Mark Hardy in Torremolinos, Spain, for a deep dive into the security of Generative AI. This episode of CISO Tradecraft explores the basics of generative AI, including large language models like ChatGPT, and discusses the key risks and mitigation strategies for securing AI tools in the workplace. G. Mark provides real-world examples, insights into the industry's major players, and practical steps for CISOs to balance innovation with security. Discover how to protect sensitive data, manage AI-driven hallucinations, and ensure compliance through effective governance and ethical guidelines. Plus, get a glimpse into the future of AI vulnerabilities and solutions in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
References
OWASP Top 10 LLM Risks https://genai.owasp.org/
Gartner CARE Standard - https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/3980890
Make sure your controls work consistently over time (Consistency)
Make sure your controls meet the business needs (Adequacy)
Make sure your controls are appropriate and fair (Reasonableness)
Make sure your controls produce the desire outcome (Effectiveness)
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V2ar7JBO503MN0RZcH7Q7VBkQUW9MYk6
Chapters
00:00 Introduction from Spain
00:42 Understanding Generative AI
03:25 Major Players in Generative AI
05:02 Risks of Generative AI
15:14 Mitigating Generative AI Risks
18:23 Implementing Solutions
24:09 Conclusion and Call to Action

Sep 16, 2024 • 22min
#198 - Securing the Business Processes
G Mark Hardy dives deep into effective strategies for securing your business. Learn why it's essential for cybersecurity leaders to communicate the real business impact of vulnerabilities and discover the importance of identifying and prioritizing critical business processes. Gain insights from historical references and practical frameworks like the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) to bolster your organization's cybersecurity posture. Tune in as G Mark, broadcasting from Glasgow, Scotland, shares valuable lessons on proactive security measures, risk-based decision-making, and crisis recovery strategies.
7 critical business processes common to most organizations.
Book
Order
Bill
Pay
Ship
Close
Communicate
Transcripts
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ra3c0J5Wo6s2BSqhNoNyqm9D65ogT07h
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Securing the Business
00:12 Begin Podcast
01:08 Understanding Critical Business Processes
02:23 Identifying and Prioritizing Business Functions
03:00 Real-World Example: Restaurant Booking System
04:57 Decision Making in Crisis Situations
10:38 Mapping Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability
19:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sep 9, 2024 • 46min
#197 - Fedshark's Blueprint for Cost Effective Risk Reduction
Join host G Mark Hardy as he dives deep into the complexities of compliance and reporting, featuring special guests Brian Bradley and Josh Williams from FedShark. Discover a unique and streamlined approach to compliance using FedShark's innovative tools and AI-assisted systems. Learn about their exclusive offers for CISO Tradecraft listeners, including free downloads and discounted pre-assessment tools. Topics covered include CMMC, HIPAA, PCI, and more. Whether you're part of the Defense Industrial Base or dealing with multiple compliance frameworks, this episode is packed with practical advice to make your compliance journey smoother and more effective.
Thanks to our podcast sponsor, Fedshark
CISO Traderaft Promo & Link to CMMC White Papers: https://fedshark.com/ciso
RapidAssess: https://fedshark.com/rapid-assess
Company website: https://fedshark.com
FedShark Blog: https://fedshark.com/blog
Schedule a Demo: https://fedshark.com/contact-us
LinkedIn Matt Beaghley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbeaghley/
LinkedIn Brian Bradley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bradley-97a82668/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Special Offer
03:18 Meet the Experts: Brian and Josh
06:49 Challenges in Compliance
16:23 Understanding CMMC
29:02 Understanding Scope in Compliance
30:22 Introducing the AI-Enhanced Compliance Solution
31:24 Streamlining Interviews and Documentation
42:19 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Sep 2, 2024 • 47min
#196 - Cyber Thrills and Author Quills (with Deb Radcliff)
G Mark Hardy and guest Deb Radcliff talk about experiences and takeaways from Black Hat, and delve into the dynamic world of cybersecurity. Deb shares her perspectives on the intersection of AI, DevSecOps, and cyber warfare, while highlighting insights from her 'Breaking Backbones' trilogy.
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XN9HjdljJYKlUITrxZ10HTq9e91R8FNT
Book 1: Breaking Backbones: Information Is Power
https://amzn.to/4dLSBxQ
Book 2: Breaking Backbones: Information Should Be Free
https://amzn.to/4e3BRlB
Book 3: Breaking Backbones: From Chaos to Order
https://amzn.to/3X8e4u2
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
01:18 Black Hat and Security Leaders Dinner
04:39 The Evolution of Cybersecurity Conferences
10:59 AI and Cybersecurity Trends
22:01 The Chip Dilemma: Parenting in a Monitored Society
23:09 Crafting Characters: Inspirations and Transformations
25:58 Writing Process: From Drafts to Details
31:38 Future of Cybersecurity: Autonomous Systems and Legal Challenges

Aug 26, 2024 • 48min
#195 - Pentesting for Readiness not Compliance (with Snehal Antani)
In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy is joined by special guest Snehal Antani, co-founder of Horizon3.AI, to discuss the crucial interplay between offensive and defensive cybersecurity tactics. They explore the technical aspects of how observing attacker behavior can enhance defensive strategies, why traditional point-in-time pen testing may be insufficient, and how autonomous pen testing can offer continuous, scalable solutions. The conversation delves into Snehal’s extensive experience, the importance of readiness over compliance, and the future of cybersecurity tools designed with humans out of the loop. Tune in to learn how to elevate your cybersecurity posture in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Horizon3 - https://www.horizon3.ai
Snehal Antani - https://www.linkedin.com/in/snehalantani/
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IFSQ8Uoca3I7TLqNHMkvm2X-RHk8SWpo
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:43 Background and Experience of Snehal Antani
03:09 Challenges and Limitations of Traditional Pen Testing
14:47 The Future of Pen Testing: Autonomous Systems
23:10 Leveraging Data for Cybersecurity Insights
24:02 Expanding the Attack Surface: Cloud and Supply Chain
24:46 Third-Party Risk Management Evolution
44:37 Future of Cyber Warfare: Algorithms vs. Humans

Aug 19, 2024 • 39min
#194 - The IAM Masterclass
In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy delves into the intricate world of Identity and Access Management (IAM). Learn the essentials and best practices of IAM, including user registration, identity proofing, directory services, identity federation, credential issuance, and much more. Stay informed about the latest trends like proximity-based MFA and behavioral biometrics. Understand the importance of effective IAM implementation for safeguarding sensitive data, compliance, and operational efficiency. Plus, hear real-world examples and practical advice on improving your IAM strategy for a secure digital landscape.
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15zUupqhCQz9llwy21GW5cam8qXgK80JB
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to CISO Tradecraft
01:24 Understanding Identity and Access Management (IAM)
01:54 Gartner's Magic Quadrant and IAM Vendors
03:29 The Importance of IAM in Enterprises
04:28 User Registration and Verification
06:48 Password Policies and Best Practices
09:53 Identity Proofing Techniques
14:53 Directory Services and Role Management
18:27 Identity Federation and Credential Issuance
22:22 Profile and Role Management
26:17 Identity Lifecycle Management
29:23 Access Management Essentials
35:05 Review and Conclusion


