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Episode 187: The Role of a CISO as a Strategic Storyteller

 

 

In episode 187 of Cybersecurity Where You Are, Sean Atkinson and Tony Sager discuss how the role of a CISO functions as a strategic storyteller of cyber risk while keeping the bigger picture in mind.

Here are some highlights from our episode:

  • 00:51. Framing the conversation around CISOs' efforts to communicate with the business
  • 02:01. Translation: A nuanced practice of simplifying the story while still telling the truth
  • 02:41. The need for a CISO to bridge their organization's respective "culture gap(s)"
  • 04:13. Collaborative and dictatorial: Two different ways CISOs talk to a business
  • 06:07. The work of translation in motivating and informing action around perceived risk
  • 07:03. Security sampling: A story from Tony that reminds CISOs of the bigger picture
  • 09:55. Fewer wizards and more mechanics: What the cybersecurity industry needs today
  • 12:20. Two factors to consider: Politicking and the need to provide an accessible narrative
  • 15:49. Rapport and tradecraft as two critical tools supporting the role of a CISO
  • 18:09. Technical competence as a prerequisite for confidence in risk conversations
  • 19:20. The false sense of security from relying on comparative data with competitors
  • 22:14. The CISO as a strategic storyteller who helps the business make decisions
  • 27:03. The need for machinery to constantly rediscover and recreate trust
  • 30:15. A call to action for Boards: Build vernacular in cybersecurity risk space
  • 35:03. CISO as a strategic storyteller vs. CISO as an enforcer

Resources

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