In the dynamic realm of cybersecurity, safeguarding against threats and adhering to regulations pose paramount challenges for organizations. In this first segment of our two-part podcast episode, we're joined by Chris Strand, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at Cybersixgill. Leveraging his extensive background as a former security auditor, Chris imparts invaluable insights into the intersection between Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) and Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI).

Drawing a parallel to dental check-ups, Chris emphasizes GRC's significance in maintaining comprehensive cyber hygiene. No one jumps for joy at the prospect of an audit, much like visiting the dentist's office, but it's a crucial task that organizations must undertake. The key, according to Chris, is to make the audit process as smooth and painless as possible, akin to a quick dental check-up rather than a time-consuming root canal.

Chris delves into practical best practices that organizations can implement to streamline the audit process. He emphasizes the pivotal role of attack surface management and threat intelligence, particularly vulnerability exploit intelligence. These practices not only ensure compliance with cybersecurity mandates but also help organizations identify areas that need protection and bridge security gaps. Furthermore, they enable effective vulnerability analyses and prioritization, justifying decision-making while providing an intelligence audit trail for stakeholders and auditors.

Reflecting on the evolution of the cybersecurity landscape, Chris and Delilah discuss the shifting dynamic between risk management and threat intelligence functions within organizations. While they used to operate in separate silos, recent years have witnessed a significant increase in cooperation between these functions. This collaboration not only enhances an organization's overall security posture but also facilitates a more efficient audit process.

Tune in to the first part of this engaging podcast interview as Chris Strand brings his wealth of knowledge to the forefront. Gain insights into the strategic integration of GRC and CTI, discover practical approaches to navigating audits, and learn how organizations can foster a proactive cybersecurity culture while meeting regulatory demands.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this illuminating conversation, where Chris dives deeper into the nexus of GRC, CTI, and the world of Generative AI.