This cybersecurity playbook is inspired by Devin Rudnicki’s insights on navigating the CISO role, mastering communication, and aligning security programs with business outcomes, as shared on CyberOXtales.
The Playbook

Objective:

💡 This playbook provides actionable strategies from Devin Rudnicki, CISO at Fitch Group, on navigating the CISO role, building cross-functional security programs, and aligning security initiatives with business outcomes.

Key Goals Include:

• Equip new and aspiring CISOs with a roadmap for their first 90 days.
• Highlight the importance of communication and stakeholder management.
• Provide strategies for aligning security programs with business outcomes.
• Emphasize building cross-functional security committees.

Step 1: Master Communication – “It’s 150% of the Job”

Objective: Establish trust with leadership and effectively communicate cyber risk.
Action Items:

• Speak the Board’s Language: Present risks as business impacts, not technical threats.
• Develop a Risk Narrative: Tie security initiatives to business outcomes using real-world scenarios.
• Create a Security Scorecard: Use clear metrics (e.g., time-to-patch, phishing click rates) to frame progress.

Pro Tip from Devin:
“Communication is not part of the job—it’s 150% of the job.”



Step 2: Build a 30-60-90 Day Plan for Success

Objective: Align security priorities with business needs in the first 90 days.
30 Days: Focus on learning and listening.

• Meet key stakeholders: Board members, CIO, CRO, and department heads.
• Audit the current security program and identify gaps.

60 Days: Begin setting a strategic direction.

• Develop a draft security strategy aligned with business outcomes.
• Start forming a cross-functional security committee.

90 Days: Present and gain buy-in.

• Finalize and present the security strategy to leadership.
• Launch quick-win security initiatives for early impact.

Step 3: Create a Cross-Functional Security Committee

Objective: Break down silos and drive security initiatives collaboratively.
Action Items:

• Form the Committee: Include stakeholders from Risk, IT, Legal, and Operations.
• Establish Regular Meetings: Review security metrics and program updates.
• Assign Ownership: Make security a shared responsibility across departments.

Step 4: Align Security with Business Outcomes

Objective: Shift from a compliance-based to an outcome-driven security approach.
Action Items:

• Conduct Business Impact Analyses (BIA): Identify and protect the most critical business processes.
• Develop Risk Scenarios: Show leadership how security mitigates business disruption.
• Track Outcomes, Not Tools: Measure success through reduced incidents, faster recovery times, and improved risk scores.

Step 5: Leverage Past Experience to Drive Success

Objective: Use technical expertise to build credibility and empower the security team.
Action Items:

• Lead by Example: Participate in security tool evaluations and incident response exercises.
• Bridge Technical and Executive Teams: Translate complex technical challenges into business language.
• Mentor the Team: Share experiences from your own career to develop talent.