CISO Tradecraft®

Latest Episodes:

#5 - Cyber Frameworks Nov 27, 2020

Show notes

Cyber Frameworks help CISOs build, measure, and execute top-notch information security programs. This podcast overviews the differences between Cyber Control Frameworks (CIS Controls & NIST 800-53), Program Frameworks (ISO 27001 & NIST CSF), and Risk Frameworks (FAIR, ISO 27005, & NIST 800-39) as well as provides useful tips on how to implement them.

Chapters

00:00 Introductions
03:29 Creating a Framework for Cyber Security Programs
06:48 What are the Most Important Controls
11:08 Having an Inventory of Your Network Assets
14:01 Patch Tuesday and Remediation
18:20 Penetration Testing - The Last of the 20 SANS Controls
20:58 What's the NIST Cyber Security Framework
29:17 The Evolution of Security Controls
35:03 ISO 27000 Series Gap Analysis
40:03 Cyber is in the Business of Revenue Protection
44:53 The Risk Matrix - Likelihood and Impact
49:32 Risk Management & Continuous Vulnerability Management
51:41 Your four options? (Accept, Mitigate, Avoid, or Assign)

#4 - Asset Management Nov 20, 2020

Show notes

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?

#3 - How to Read Your Boss Nov 13, 2020

Show notes

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

#2 - Principles of Persuasion Nov 06, 2020

Show notes

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