Building a CISO Office: Mastering Enterprise Risk Management and Aligning Cybersecurity with Business Goals | Part 3 of 3 | A Conversation with Kush Sharma | Redefining CyberSecurity with Sean Martin

Guest: Kush Sharma, Director Municipal Modernization & Partnerships, Municipal Information Systems Association, Ontario (MISA Ontario)

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kush-sharma-9bb875a/

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Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

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Episode Notes

In the third and final installment of the series titled "Building a CISO Office: Mastering Enterprise Risk Management and Aligning Cybersecurity with Business Goals," Sean Martin continues his compelling conversation with Kush Sharma. This episode focuses on the critical aspects of team dynamics, project management, and stakeholder engagement in the realm of cybersecurity.

Kush Sharma elaborates on the importance of establishing a well-structured and communicated vision for security operations within an organization. He emphasizes the necessity of setting expectations with security teams before any major project initiation. According to Sharma, transparency is vital. Security leaders must candidly discuss with their teams that not every decision will tip in their favor, but their role is to advocate for security while being adaptable to business needs. He stresses the importance of documenting and following up on risk mitigation measures even if they aren't implemented immediately.

Sharma also sheds light on the concept of integrating business and security functions more seamlessly. He proposes not just embedding security into business but also bringing business personnel into the security fold. By having business unit members work within security teams temporarily, organizations can build a robust line of communication and mutual understanding. This cross-functional approach creates internal champions for security measures and helps significantly cut costs as internal personnel generally have lower operational costs compared to external consultants.

A significant portion of the episode revolves around the nuanced engagement with different stakeholders, particularly at the executive level. Sharma advises CISOs to view themselves as peers to other C-suite executives, prepared to defend their positions and decisions vigorously. It's crucial for CISOs to maintain this executive-level mindset and openly communicate the broader business implications of security decisions. Sharma highlights that making a business case for security and showing tangible returns on investment can secure better funding and support from the executive team, leading to more substantial investments in long-term security measures.

Sean Martin wraps up the episode by touching on the importance of storytelling in cybersecurity. By translating technical achievements and risk mitigation efforts into relatable stories, CISOs can effectively communicate the value of their work across the organization. These narratives help ensure security remains a priority in business strategies and operations, fostering an environment where security considerations are integral to planning and executing new initiatives.

In conclusion, the episode provides essential insights for current and aspiring CISOs on navigating the complexities of internal communications, leadership, and strategic planning in cybersecurity. Both Kush Sharma and Sean Martin offer practical advice and strategies that can help elevate the role of security within any organization, thereby protecting its infrastructure and supporting its growth objectives.

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Resources

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