CISOs are expected to anticipate the next major security failure, yet the cybersecurity market is moving too fast, too fragmented, and too noisily for any leader to clearly see what’s coming next.

AI is accelerating vendor sprawl, threat models are shifting mid-year, and every product claims to be “critical.” CISOs aren’t missing threats because they’re uninformed; they’re overwhelmed. By the time a risk is obvious, it’s already budgeted, deployed, and exploited. Boards ask “How did we not see this?” while CISOs are left defending decisions made with incomplete signals and outdated market maps.

In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, G Mark Hardy and industry analyst Richard Stiennon break down how CISOs can regain strategic foresight. Drawing on Richard’s experience at Gartner, IT Harvest, and the Security Yearbook, they share practical ways to cut through market noise, understand where AI is truly changing security, and identify emerging risks before they become incidents giving CISOs a clearer view of what matters next.

In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, hosts G Mark Hardy and Ross Young discuss the extensive redesign at CISO Tradecraft and introduce a series of free cybersecurity tools and templates available on their website. The tools, created with the help of AI, range from a Cybersecurity Budget Template and Gen AI Risk Assessment to a Personal Values Exercise and Process Improvement exercise. They also cover topics such as AI coding, CMMC Compliance, Cloud Security Alliance’s AI Control Matrix, and the Cyber Six Pack for improving vulnerability management. Additionally, they share insights on tools rationalization exercises, such as the cybersecurity murder board, and the importance of aligning tasks with personal values. Tune in for detailed walkthroughs of these innovative resources designed to enhance your cybersecurity strategies without breaking the bank.

Templates can be found here:

https://www.cisotradecraft.com/freetemplates

Most cybersecurity programs are built on rigid “best practices” that assume people will behave rationally, consistently, and exactly as policy dictates; even under stress, time pressure, and uncertainty. In reality, humans don’t work that way. Cognitive bias, fatigue, incentives, and real-world constraints cause well-intentioned employees, analysts, and leaders to make decisions that quietly undermine security. The result? Incident response stalls, SOCs drown in noise, and organizations continue to repeat the same failures, even while believing they’re “doing everything right.” In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G. Mark Hardy and Dr. Dustin Sachs demonstrate how applying behavioral science and human decision-making can radically improve cybersecurity outcomes. By designing security around how people actually think and operate, not how policies assume they do, leaders can build adaptable, resilient programs that work in the real world.

Check out Dustin's new book: https://www.amazon.com/Behavioral-Insights-Cybersecurity-Security-Leadership/dp/1032998539

Dustin Sachs's Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinsachs/

In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy welcomes special guest Rajan Kapoor, VP of Security at Material Security, to discuss critical topics in cloud workspace security. From discussing the increased attack surfaces in cloud environments like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 to practical solutions for mitigating these risks, Rajan provides invaluable insights into creating a secure cloud office environment. Tune in for expert advice on improving security maturity, managing cloud security tools efficiently, and leveraging modern technology for enhanced protection and reduced dwell time. Whether you're a small enterprise or a large corporation, this episode has actionable insights to help you strengthen your security posture.

Check out the Material Security Scorecard to measure your Cloud Office Security

https://material.security/workspace-security-scorecard

Rajan Kapoor

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajankkapoor/

MITRE ATT&CK® Office Suite platform

https://attack.mitre.org/matrices/enterprise/cloud/officesuite/

Dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI with G Mark Hardy and Ross Young in this episode of CISO Tradecraft. Explore how AI is transforming business processes, the critical need for cybersecurity leadership in AI deployments, and the importance of setting clear goals, monitoring performance, and ensuring data quality. Learn about the different types of AI from traditional to generative and agentic AI, and understand the frameworks and risk assessments shaping the future of AI integration in organizations. Don't miss this essential conversation for cybersecurity leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Generative Artificial Intelligence Risk Assessment SIMM 5305-F:

https://cdt.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SIMM-5305-F-Generative-Artificial-Intelligence-Risk-Assessment-20250822FINAL.pdf

In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy is joined by Neatsun Ziv from Ox Security to discuss the evolving landscape of vibe coding and its security implications. The conversation delves into the risks and opportunities surrounding vibe coding, how it can enhance productivity while maintaining security, and the importance of embedding security into the entire lifecycle. They also explore the concept of VibeSec, why traditional shift-left security approaches might be failing, and what new methodologies can be adopted to ensure robust security in a rapidly changing tech world. Tune in to gain valuable insights into how you can future-proof your code, leverage modern IDEs and MCP, and maintain a strong security posture in the era of AI-driven development.

Ox Security's Website - https://www.ox.security/

Are AI App Builders Secure - https://www.ox.security/resource-category/whitepapers-and-reports/are-ai-app-builders-secure-we-tested-lovable-base44-and-bolt-to-find-out/

The AI Code Security Crisis - https://www.ox.security/resource-category/whitepapers-and-reports/army-of-juniors/

In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy is joined by Yuriy Tsibere from ThreatLocker to discuss an essential topic for cybersecurity leaders: Defense Against Configurations (DAC). With a focus on the significant risks posed by misconfigurations, Yuriy shares insights on how ThreatLocker's new DAC tool helps organizations identify and rectify vulnerabilities in OS configurations, ensuring a higher degree of security. They explore the critical role of maintaining proper endpoint configurations, Zero Trust principles, and how DAC seamlessly integrates into ThreatLocker’s platform to provide real-time monitoring and reporting. Yuriy also touches on how DAC supports various security frameworks and compliance standards, making it a valuable asset for any organization aiming to enhance its cybersecurity posture.

Big Thanks to Threatlocker for supporting this episode. Register to attend Zero Trust World 2026: https://ztw.com/?utm_source=ciso_tradecraft&utm_medium=sponsor&utm_campaign=dac_yuriy_q4_25&utm_content=dac_yuriy-&utm_term=video

Use discount code ZTWCISOTRADECRAFT26 for $200 off

Join host G Mark Hardy in an exciting episode of CISO Tradecraft where we delve into the cutting-edge world of Human AI Security Operation Centers (SOCs). With special guests Brian Carbaugh and William McMillan, former CIA operatives and leading figures in cybersecurity innovation, we explore how AI is transforming the landscape of security operations. Discover the unparalleled efficiency, accuracy, and proactive threat detection offered by AI-driven SOCs compared to traditional platforms. Learn from real-world examples, such as condensing hundreds of investigative hours into just 90 seconds, and understand the critical role of contextual data in modern threat detection. Perfect for CISOs ready to elevate their security strategies, this episode provides actionable insights and expert advice on navigating AI SOC adoption and integration. Don't miss this informative and forward-thinking discussion! Big thanks to our sponsor

Big thanks to our sponsor Forcepoint

Check out their The Practical Guide to Mastering Data Compliance: https://www.forcepoint.com/resources/ebooks/practical-guide-mastering-data-compliance?utm_source=&sf_src_cmpid=701a600000exxd7AAA&utm_medium=display&utm_content=AW_NC_LinkedInAds_October25_ban&utm_campaign=LinkedInAds_October25

William MacMillan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-andesite/

Brian Carbaugh- https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-carbaugh-38b339243/

In this captivating episode of CISO Tradecraft, hosted by G. Mark Hardy, we delve into the incredible life journey of Jeri Ellsworth—a renowned inventor and tech entrepreneur. From her early fascination with electronics in rural Oregon to her innovative ventures in Silicon Valley, Jeri shares her unique experiences and hard-earned wisdom. Discover the highs and lows of her career, including her time at Valve Software, navigating significant security breaches, and her foray into the world of crowdfunding and startups. This episode is packed with invaluable lessons for CISOs, cybersecurity professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Tune in now and get inspired by Jeri's story of resilience, innovation, and leadership.

Jerri Ellsworth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeriellsworth/

Imagine stepping into a role and discovering your predecessor had been severely underreporting vulnerabilities, leaving your systems 300 days behind on patches. Join G Mark Hardy and Ross Young in this riveting episode of CISO Tradecraft as they unveil a startling real-world scenario and a proven strategy to revolutionize your patching process. Learn how to tackle the ever-growing number of vulnerabilities, leverage AI and automation, and instill a culture of accountability and gamification among your team. With expert insights and practical steps, this episode is a must-watch for every cybersecurity leader looking to stay ahead of threats and secure their organization's future.

Big thanks to our sponsor, Forcepoint. Check out how they can help you shut down ShadowAI. https://www.forcepoint.com/resources/ebooks/shadow-ai-security-guide?utm_source=linkedin&sf_src_cmpid=701a600000exxd7AAA&utm_medium=display&utm_content=AW_NC_LinkedInAds_October25_ban&utm_campaign=LinkedInAds_October25

Slides can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mrrossyoung_patch-or-perish-activity-7389964440546471936--I_F?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABnnk5MBYbK8I-lYgI25f6ro7t6rOeP-Ods

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The CISO Challenge 00:31 The Importance of Data Security 01:05 Welcome to CISO Tradecraft 02:01 Ross Young's Patching Journey 03:34 The Growing Threat of Vulnerabilities 05:16 AI and Cybersecurity 07:34 Developing a Comprehensive Security Approach 10:51 Accountability and Metrics 15:30 Improving Vulnerability Management Processes 19:28 Advanced Tooling and Automation 23:16 Future Trends in Cybersecurity 27:06 Conclusion: Adapting to the Future