In this episode of the CvCISO Podcast, the hosts and guests discuss the Minnesota Local Chapter's progress, focusing on community building, mental health check-ins, and the importance of support structures in the information security field. They share insights on how the chapter has fostered a sense of belonging and collaboration among its members, highlighting accomplishments and future goals for growth and authenticity within the community. In this engaging conversation, the participants explore various themes including the humorous use of iPhone shortcuts, the importance of authenticity in professional relationships, and the value of diverse perspectives in the cybersecurity community. They discuss their vision for the local chapter in 2025, emphasizing community involvement and the role of continuing education in professional growth. The conversation highlights the collaborative spirit of the group and their commitment to supporting one another in their respective journeys.

Takeaways

• The Minnesota Local Chapter has been meeting for seven months.
• Mental health check-ins are a key part of the meetings.
• Building a supportive community is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Members share resources and experiences to help each other.
• Authenticity and transparency are crucial for a thriving community.
• Regular attendance has led to a consistent group of participants.
• The chapter aims to expand and replicate its model in other regions.
• Food and shared meals enhance the community experience.
• Members feel comfortable discussing personal and professional challenges.
• The group values both fun and professional development in their meetings. Authenticity in professional relationships fosters better collaboration.
• Diverse perspectives enhance understanding and decision-making.
• Community involvement is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Starting a local chapter can be done with just a few people.
• Continuing education is essential in the cybersecurity field.
• Networking within the community leads to shared resources and ideas.
• Humor can be a great icebreaker in professional settings.
• Encouraging others to start their own groups can expand the community.
• The local chapter serves as a platform for ongoing learning and support.
• Building relationships is key to success in any industry.

Summary
 
In this episode, the hosts discuss updates on the CvCISO Academy, reflecting on the past year and looking forward to 2025. They emphasize the importance of community engagement, new leadership roles, and the need for standardization in cybersecurity practices. The conversation also touches on personal growth and the value of continuous learning, with lighthearted moments shared among the hosts. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of uplifting relationships, continuous learning, and situational awareness in both personal and professional contexts. They explore how these themes relate to cybersecurity, highlighting key events and trends from 2024, the impact of major data breaches, and the accountability of organizations in protecting sensitive information. The discussion also touches on the role of technology and AI in cybersecurity, emerging trends for 2025, and the value of cyber insurance. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of love and support in fostering growth and resilience.

Takeaways 

• The Academy is evolving with new leadership and growth opportunities.
• Community engagement is crucial for the success of the CvCISO program.
• Standardization in cybersecurity practices is necessary for better service delivery.
• Continuous learning is essential in the cybersecurity field.
• The hosts emphasize the importance of personal growth and self-awareness.
• Plans for 2025 include more community support and resources.
• Monthly chats will be introduced to foster community connections.
• Silly moments can help lighten the mood during stressful times.
• The commitment to the Academy and its programs remains strong. There are people who uplift you.
• Continuous learning opens up new opportunities.
• Situational awareness is crucial in everyday life. It helps identify threats.
• Key cybersecurity events shape the industry's landscape.
• Data breaches can have severe consequences for individuals.
• Accountability for breaches often lies with the board of directors.
• Technology plays a significant role in cybersecurity effectiveness.
• AI is both a tool for improvement and a potential threat.
• Cyber insurance can provide financial benefits if managed correctly.

Summary
 
In this episode of the CvCISO Podcast, hosts Evan, Meg, and Jordon discuss the essential routines and habits for vCISOs, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships, understanding pricing, and the value of intangibles in cybersecurity. They explore the pathways to entering the cybersecurity field, including education and gaining practical experience, while also addressing the confusion surrounding the industry and the need for clear communication. In this conversation, Evan Francen discusses the importance of effective communication and relationship-building in the role of a Virtual Chief Security Officer (vCISO). He emphasizes the need for thorough preparation, the value of face-to-face interactions, and the significance of understanding cultural differences in establishing trust. The discussion also highlights the importance of collaboration over competition in the security industry, the necessity of providing genuine value to clients, and the role of authenticity in business relationships.
 
Takeaways

• Be yourself to build trust and credibility.
• Leverage your network for support and resources.
• Intangibles are crucial in cybersecurity roles.
• Education is available through various channels.
• Experience is essential and cannot be rushed.
• Practical skills can be gained through volunteer work.
• Understand the value you bring to clients.
• The cybersecurity landscape can be confusing.
• Strong relationships dictate effective communication.
• Initiative is key to standing out in job applications.
• Preparation is key to effective client interactions.
• Face-to-face meetings can significantly enhance relationships.
• Cultural understanding is crucial in building trust.
• Collaboration within the industry can lead to better outcomes.
• Authenticity fosters stronger business relationships.
• Providing value is essential for long-term client retention.
• Understanding the people behind businesses is vital.
• Regular education on both security and business is important.
• Establishing mutual accountability enhances client trust.
• Being genuine in business leads to better client relationships.

Summary
 
In this episode, the speakers explore various themes surrounding self-care, routines, and habits. They discuss the importance of embracing natural beauty, the significance of hydration and morning rituals, and the symbolism behind daily habits like showering. The conversation also delves into the social aspects of habits, particularly focusing on smoking and drinking, and how these habits can foster connections or lead to negative consequences. In this conversation, the speakers explore various personal habits and their impacts on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. The conversation also touches on the significance of gratitude and contentment in daily life, emphasizing that true joy comes from appreciating what one has rather than seeking more material possessions.
 
Takeaways

• The hosts enjoy Fridays and dislike Mondays, reflecting a common sentiment.
• Exploring habits can reveal different facets of personality.
• Routines don't have to be work-related; they can encompass all aspects of life.
• The discussion on habits can lead to deeper insights about personal growth.
• The hosts share personal anecdotes related to their routines.
• Morning routines can set a positive tone for the day.
• Hydration is essential for overall health.
• Symbolic actions can provide mental clarity.
• Daily habits can help wash away past negativity.
• Social habits can lead to meaningful conversations.
• Bad habits often come with social stigma.
• Finding balance in habits is crucial for well-being.
• Every day offers a new opportunity for growth.
• Being transparent about habits can foster connection. Stress relief can come from various habits, but it's essential to evaluate their impact.
• Alcoholism can manifest in different ways, and personal choices play a significant role.
• Sugar addiction is a common struggle that many face.
• Financial planning can enhance intimacy in relationships by reducing stress.
• Preparing for help, like cleaning services, can create a smoother experience.
• Gratitude practices can shift perspective and enhance daily joy.
• Contentment is more valuable than material wealth.
• Distractions can lead to ungratefulness; intentional gratitude is necessary.
• Finding joy in simple things can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• It's important to recognize the gifts in our lives and appreciate them.

Summary
In this episode of the CvCISO Podcast, the hosts engage in a light-hearted conversation that transitions into a serious discussion about access control policies, the role of IT in managing access, and the importance of user account reviews. They explore the risks associated with shared accounts and the significance of system and service accounts in cybersecurity. The episode concludes with a focus on authentication and password management, emphasizing the need for robust security practices. In this conversation, the participants discuss various aspects of organizational security, focusing on password policies, password management systems, encryption, mobile device security, remote work policies, and monitoring of remote connections. They reflect on the challenges and solutions related to these topics, emphasizing the importance of training, access control, and the need for clear policies to protect sensitive information.
 
Takeaways

• Access control policies are crucial for organizational security.
• IT plays a vital role in managing access requests and approvals.
• Regular reviews of user accounts are necessary to maintain security.
• Shared accounts pose significant security risks that need addressing.
• System and service accounts require careful inventory and review.
• Authentication processes must be secure to prevent impersonation.
• Training and awareness on password management are essential for employees.
• Policies should be clear and usable to enhance compliance.
• Transparency in assessments leads to better security outcomes. Changing password policies can be frustrating but necessary for security.
• Implementing a password management system can ease the burden on employees.
• Regular password changes can protect against potential breaches.
• Encryption is essential for protecting sensitive data in transit and at rest.
• Mobile devices should have enforced security measures like PINs.
• Remote work requires clear policies to protect organizational data.
• Monitoring remote connections is crucial for maintaining security.
• Regular assessments can help identify gaps in security practices.
• Collaboration between HR and IT is vital for effective training.
• Creating a culture of security awareness is important for all employees.

Summary
In this episode of the CvCISO Podcast, the hosts continue their assessment discussion, focusing on the roles of CEO, CFO, and VC. They explore the importance of separation of duties, risk management, and the impact of experience on wisdom. The conversation transitions into the assessment process, covering topics such as screening and background checks, security policies, employee monitoring, and training for privileged users. The hosts emphasize the need for awareness training and the significance of having a structured approach to security in small businesses. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of information security, focusing on the definitions and roles of privileged users, the importance of post-employment processes, and the management of assets and inventories. They discuss the need for formal information classification guidelines and the handling of removable media. The conversation also touches on the disposal of media, the inventory of cloud services, and the relationship between compliance and risk management, emphasizing the importance of foundational security practices over compliance minutiae.
 
Takeaways

• Separation of duties is crucial in risk management.
• Experience with pain can lead to wisdom.
• High turnover necessitates thorough background checks.
• Employee training should include security awareness.
• Privileged users require specialized training.
• Monitoring employees can help detect cybersecurity events.
• Transparency is key during technical difficulties.
• Assessments can reveal gaps in security practices.
• Risk acceptance is a legitimate strategy.
• Regular reviews of security policies are essential.
• All admins are considered privileged users.
• It's essential to define what constitutes a privileged user in an organization.
• A solid onboarding and offboarding process is crucial for security.
• Asset management includes both physical devices and software.
• Information classification should be formalized to enhance security.
• Removable media poses unique risks that need to be managed.
• Media disposal processes should be clearly defined and followed.
• Organizations often lack a complete inventory of cloud services.
• Compliance requirements can influence how assessments are conducted.
• It's important to focus on foundational security practices rather than compliance minutiae.

Summary
In this episode, the hosts engage in a mock assessment to explore the intricacies of conducting information security assessments. They discuss the importance of understanding risk management, setting expectations, and building rapport with clients. The conversation highlights the human factors involved in assessments, the significance of administrative controls, and the need for clear communication about policies and insurance. Through their dialogue, they aim to demystify the assessment process and provide insights into effective risk management strategies. In this conversation, the speakers discuss effective strategies for conducting assessments in information security, emphasizing the importance of not wasting executives' time and the need for clear communication. They share personal experiences and challenges faced during assessments, highlighting the significance of accountability and the necessity of a robust information security framework. The discussion also touches on the importance of learning from experiences and the value of maintaining a balance between technical expertise and people skills.

Takeaways 

• Assessments are a learning experience, not a performance.
• Different perspectives bring value to security assessments.
• It's important to set clear expectations for assessments.
• Risk management is a business issue, not just an IT issue.
• Building rapport is crucial for effective assessments.
• Honesty in responses leads to better outcomes.
• Administrative controls are often overlooked but essential.
• Handling discomfort during assessments is part of the process.
• Policies should be active and reviewed regularly.
• Cyber insurance is a critical component of risk management.
• Gather as much quality information as possible during assessments.
• Don't strive for perfection; it's normal to misunderstand questions.
• Follow-up questions are essential after the initial assessment.
• Expect that things will get lost in translation during assessments.
• It's important to set clear expectations with executives upfront.
• Learning from mistakes is a crucial part of the assessment process.
• Accountability in information security should be clearly defined.
• Building a task list post-assessment can help manage follow-ups.
• Communication skills are as important as technical knowledge in assessments.
• Emulating successful strategies while maintaining your own style is beneficial.

Summary
 
In this episode, the hosts share insights on overcoming intimidation, the value of community support, and practical tips for new assessors to build confidence and improve their skills. The conversation emphasizes the significance of being oneself and learning from experiences, even when they feel uncomfortable. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the importance of authenticity in assessments, the value of learning through experience, and the significance of mentorship in career progression. They share personal anecdotes that highlight the lessons learned from real-life scenarios, emphasizing the need for collaboration and continuous improvement in training programs. The discussion also touches on the future direction of their initiatives, including a risk assessment series, while maintaining a lighthearted tone with humor and insights.

Takeaways 

• Authenticity is crucial in assessments; just be yourself.
• It's normal to feel like an imposter, even with years of experience.
• Community support is vital for personal and professional growth.
• Expectations should be set at the beginning of assessments.
• Assessments should be conversational, not mechanical.
• Learning from mistakes is part of the growth process.
• Comfort zones can hinder growth; embrace discomfort.
• Practice assessments can help build confidence.
• Asking questions is a strength, not a weakness.
• Authenticity is key in assessments.
• Value is determined by the customer's perception.
• Learning through experience is invaluable.
• Mentorship is crucial for career progression.
• Mock interviews can help bridge skill gaps.
• Training should focus on practical application.
• Collaboration enhances learning outcomes.
• Continuous improvement is essential in programs.
• Humor can facilitate deeper discussions.
• Real-life scenarios provide the best learning opportunities.

Summary
In this episode, the hosts discuss the scary aspects of being a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO), including the challenges of limited control and high accountability, navigating client expectations, and the constantly shifting threat landscape. They emphasize the importance of understanding roles and responsibilities, combating fear with knowledge, and the value of community support in the cybersecurity field. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of professional roles in cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, the pressure to justify one's value, and the realities of on-call responsibilities. They discuss the inevitability of breaches and the necessity of preparation, as well as the legal and regulatory challenges that professionals face in the industry. The dialogue highlights the need for self-reflection, accountability, and the importance of having a solid plan in place to navigate these challenges effectively.

Takeaways 

• Being a vCISO involves limited control but high accountability.
• Clients often expect VCSOs to make decisions, which can be frustrating
• Clear communication about roles and responsibilities is crucial.
• The threat landscape is constantly changing, but fundamentals remain the same.
• Education and preparation can alleviate fears about breaches.
• Documentation is important for accountability and clarity.
• Community support is vital for staying informed and reducing anxiety.
• Understanding context helps combat fear in cybersecurity.
• It's okay not to know everything; collaboration is key.
• Staying focused on fundamentals helps navigate distractions.  Admit when you don't know something; it's an opportunity for education.
• The biggest need in cybersecurity is not technical skills, but people skills.
• Constantly question your value and how you provide it.
• It's essential to communicate your contributions to clients regularly.
• Being on call should be expected if it's part of your role.
• Breaches are inevitable; preparation is key.
• Understanding the threat landscape reduces fear of breaches.
• Legal accountability in cybersecurity is often lacking.
• Document your decisions to protect against negligence claims.
• Self-reflection is crucial in understanding your response to pressure.

Summary
In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about various statements related to cybersecurity, exploring whether they are truths or myths. They delve into the costs associated with cybersecurity, the role of VCISOs, the importance of communication in cybersecurity, and the relevance of the CVCISO course. The conversation emphasizes the need for a proper understanding of cybersecurity's value and the fun aspects of being a VCISO. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of finding joy in work, the misconceptions surrounding cybersecurity responsibilities, the vulnerability of small businesses to cyber threats, and the critical role of leadership in organizational success. They emphasize the need for authenticity, mental health awareness, and the significance of creating a positive work environment.

Takeaways 

• Cybersecurity costs can be perspective-based and context-dependent.
• Understanding your cybersecurity budget is crucial for effective risk management.
• The role of a VCISO is to consult and influence decision-making in organizations.
• Communication with the CEO is essential for a VCISO's effectiveness.
• The CVCISO course is open to anyone interested in information security leadership.
• Creating a culture around information security can help justify budgets.
• Fun and excitement in cybersecurity can lead to better engagement and results.
• Risk management is a critical aspect of cybersecurity that should not be overlooked.
• The importance of having a seat at the table for cybersecurity discussions.
• Building trust and credibility is essential for a VCISO's success. Finding fun in work can enhance customer loyalty.
• Burnout is a significant issue in the cybersecurity field.
• You cannot outsource ultimate responsibility for cybersecurity.
• Small businesses are often targeted by cyber attackers.
• Leadership is crucial for organizational success.
• Authenticity in the workplace can reduce burnout.
• Mental health challenges are prevalent in high-stress jobs.
• Creating a fun work environment can improve morale.
• Understanding your vulnerabilities is key to cybersecurity.
• Investing in leadership development is essential for growth.