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.

SUMMARY
In this episode of the CvCISO Podcast, hosts Evan, Jordon, and Meg engage in a lively discussion about overcoming objections in vCISO consulting, the importance of framing security in business terms, and leveraging data to support their recommendations. They also touch on personal challenges and the role of emotional intelligence in navigating objections, emphasizing the need for clear communication and understanding the root causes of objections. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore various themes including the importance of humor in communication, the need for flexibility and challenging ideas, and the significance of building credibility through quick wins. They discuss strategies for anticipating objections, utilizing emotional intelligence, and focusing on long-term gains. The conversation also emphasizes the value of engaging champions and allies within organizations.

Takeaways

• Understanding the root cause of objections is crucial.
• Framing security recommendations in business terms can enhance acceptance.
• Using data and case studies strengthens arguments in consulting.
• Emotional intelligence helps in managing objections effectively.
• Building trust is essential for successful consulting relationships.
• Anticipating objections can prepare you for discussions.
• Clear communication is key to overcoming resistance.
• Different stakeholders may require different approaches to decision-making.
• It's important to separate personal feelings from professional objections.
• Continuous learning from experiences enhances consulting skills. Humor can enhance conversations and make them more engaging.
• Challenging ideas is essential for growth and understanding.
• Flexibility in presenting solutions is crucial.
• Building credibility often comes from achieving quick wins.
• Anticipating objections can prepare you for better discussions.
• Emotional intelligence plays a key role in effective communication.
• Focusing on long-term gains can outweigh short-term costs.
• Engaging champions within an organization can facilitate change.
• Staying solution-oriented helps maintain focus during discussions.

In this episode, Jordon, Meg, and Evan discuss the credibility of the CvCISO certification with special guest Lyle Melnychuk. They explore the value of the certification, the importance of community support, and the real-world application of the training. The conversation delves into the distinction between credibility and recognition, emphasizing that true credibility comes from experience and the ability to implement knowledge effectively.  

The hosts also highlight the need for collaboration within the industry and the role of local chapters in enhancing the program's credibility. Ultimately, they conclude that the CvCISO certification is credible due to its practical application and the success stories of its participants.  

Takeaways

• CvCISO certification is valuable for career growth.
• Community ownership enhances the credibility of the certification.
• Real-world application is crucial for credibility.
• Experience is more important than letters behind your name.
• Authenticity and transparency are vital in the industry.
• Local chapters contribute to the program's credibility.
• Collaboration among industry professionals is essential.
• The CvCISO program focuses on practical application.
• Credibility is built through successful implementation.
• The program is designed to serve clients' best interests.

In this episode of the CvCISO Podcast, hosts Evan, Meg, and Jordon engage in a candid discussion about mental health, the role of a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO), and the critical distinction between compliance and risk management in information security. They explore the importance of understanding security risks, the misconceptions surrounding compliance, and the need for a relationship-driven approach in consulting.

The conversation emphasizes the empowerment of business owners to make informed decisions about their security practices, moving beyond mere compliance to a more holistic risk management strategy.

Takeaways

• Talking with friends can improve mental health.
• Physical health impacts mental well-being.
• Ruts in life are common and relatable.
• Psychoanalyzing others can lead to misunderstandings.
• Compliance is about following orders, not understanding risks.
• Information security should focus on risk management.
• Complacency can arise from a focus on compliance.
• Empowerment in decision-making is crucial for business owners.
• Education in security is essential for informed decisions.
• The relationship between VCISO and clients is vital for success.

In this episode, the Evan, Meg, and Jordon engage in a deep conversation about the importance of communication, trust, and authenticity in both personal and professional relationships. They explore how understanding one's audience and being aware of the impact of words can enhance interactions. The discussion emphasizes the need for vulnerability, empathy, and the courage to have difficult conversations. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights on navigating societal sensitivities, the art of being oneself, and the significance of transparency in fostering genuine connections.

Takeaways

• Always consider your audience when communicating.
• Trust is essential for effective communication.
• Authenticity leads to stronger relationships.
• Empathy is crucial in understanding different perspectives.
• Words have power; choose them wisely.
• Navigating professional parameters requires awareness.
• Vulnerability can inspire others to open up.
• Transparency can prevent misunderstandings.
• Judgment can hinder personal growth and change.
• Investing in personal development benefits all areas of life.

In Episode 23 of the CvCISO Podcast, hosts Meg, Evan, and Jordon discuss the concept of radical acceptance and its implications for mental health. They explore how radical acceptance can help individuals cope with their realities, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the importance of self-acceptance. The conversation also touches on the differences between guilt and conviction, practical applications of radical acceptance in both personal and professional settings, and the connection between acceptance and change. The hosts emphasize the need for open discussions about mental health and the importance of creating safe spaces for sharing experiences.

Takeaways

• Radical acceptance is about accepting reality, not agreeing with it.
• Stigma around mental health can prevent open discussions.
• Self-acceptance is crucial for personal growth.
• Guilt holds you back, while conviction propels you forward.
• You can only change yourself, not others.
• Radical acceptance can help break the cycle of ruminating thoughts.
• Mental health issues are common and should be openly discussed.
• Acceptance can lead to a deeper calmness after initial sadness.
• The connection between acceptance and change is vital for growth.
• Creating a safe space for mental health discussions is essential.

In this conversation, Evan, Jordon, and Meg discuss the recent changes at Security Studio and attempt to define some common information security terms/buzzwords.

This is Jordon's topic this week, and he decided to play a game of sorts. He chooses a common information security term or buzzword, Evan and Meg give their definitions of the term/buzzword, then he compares our definitions to what ChatGPT says. The terms/buzzwords he chose were "Zero Trust", "Pentesting", "Nextgen", and "Threat Hunting". The perspectives shared by the CvCISO Podcast crew might be enlightening, but they're certainly entertaining!

See how your definitions compare to theirs and ChatGPT's.

To learn more about the CvCISO Program, visit: https://www.securitystudio.com/academy

Join hosts Evan, Meg, and Jordon in this engaging episode of the CvCISO Podcast as they explore critical topics in information security, including the definitions and distinctions between events, incidents, breaches, and compromises, and how aligning these definitions with clients and stakeholders is vital for clear communication.
 
The discussion moves into personal experiences with intrusion detection systems, the challenges of false positives, and the process of fine-tuning these systems for better situational awareness. Along the way, they highlight how precision and clarity in incident response can prevent misunderstandings and help build trust within organizations.
 
In a deeply personal turn, the hosts touch on the impact of shame and stigma surrounding security incidents in the cybersecurity community, underscoring the need for empathy, understanding, and a supportive environment to foster better mental health.
 
Key Takeaways:

• Authentic conversations are crucial for both mental health and personal growth.
• Defining and agreeing on security terms, such as events, incidents, and breaches, is essential for effective communication.
• Tuning intrusion detection systems is challenging but necessary for gaining valuable insights and increasing situational awareness.
• False positives can complicate cybersecurity efforts, making context crucial in evaluating the severity of incidents.
• Situational awareness is key to protecting networks and responding to incidents effectively.
• Clear communication and documentation prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page during incident response.
• Shame and stigma in cybersecurity can prevent individuals from seeking help or reporting incidents—creating a culture of support is essential.

Whether you’re a seasoned vCISO or new to cybersecurity, this episode is packed with insights, real-world experiences, and practical advice for aligning security practices with human connection and clarity. Don’t miss it!
 
Lastly, Evan announces the upcoming launch of his new podcast, Infosec to Insanity (link: https://evanfrancen.com/podcast).

In this episode of the CvCISO Podcast, Evan and Meg sit down with Sonal Chandler, founder of Minerva Consulting, to discuss her journey into cybersecurity as a non-technical professional. Sonal shares how she built credibility through certifications and emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives in the industry. The conversation covers key topics, including the challenges of hiring in cybersecurity, the importance of asking 'why' to drive creativity, and the supportive nature of the CvCISO program. Sonal also talks about building client trust, overcoming biases in assessments, and the role of effective communication and transparency. Finally, they explore the significance of marketing and selling skills for cybersecurity professionals and the potential of developing a training module on this topic.

To learn more about Minerva Consulting, visit: https://minervaconsultinginc.com/

To learn more about the CvCISO Program, visit: https://www.securitystudio.com/academy