In this episode of The New CISO, host Steve is joined by guest Mani Masood, Head of Information Security and Applied AI at a prominent healthcare MSP.

Also a professor and family man, Mani’s various life experiences shaped his impressive decades-long career. Today, he shares his insight on balancing education with experience and embracing AI as a security leader. Listen to the episode to learn more about Mani’s career and education journey, the importance of having real-world skills, and what inspired Mani to write a book.

Listen to Steve and Mani discuss how to adapt to new technology advancements and if InfoSec professionals should champion AI:

Meet Mani (1:35)

Steve introduces guest Mani Masood, who has worked in the security industry for two decades. First, Mani started in IT before transitioning into Information Security. Now, AI has quickly become a significant component of his role.

Mani shares a story when a college professor saw his nervousness before an exam and suggested he get a job. His professor assured him that getting real-world experience would be extremely valuable.

Real World Expertise (6:49)

Mani reflects on how getting a degree is not the be-all-end-all of getting a job. Often, employers want to know what you’re capable of, which comes from having tangible skills applicable to your field.

He also explains to Steve why it took him six years to finish his education instead of four: because he was gaining real-world experience.

Times Have Changed  (18:18)

Steve asks Mani about his perspective on the famous quote, “For those who can’t do, teach.” As technology has changed, Mani shares that nowadays, what you can do is more important than doing things right or following the status quo. 

The Time For AI (24:28)

Like the tech boom, the AI era allows professionals to adjust to new advancements. Mani reveals that they have been trying to use artificial intelligence to solve InfoSec problems for some time, and this will become increasingly more possible as the tech matures. 

Defending The Tech (28:49)

Mani discusses why security leaders should support AI and champion the technology within their organizations. Since InfoSec professionals have been working with AI for years, they should inspire others to believe there is a way to interact safely with this tech.

Mani’s Recommendations (32:18)

Steve presses Mani on his recommendations for security leaders when supporting artificial intelligence. Mani suggests that these leaders become comfortable with the tech themselves.

Every InfoSec tool now has some AI faction, so security leaders should learn as much as possible about its benefits before championing it. Ultimately, CISOs must do their homework to ease their organization’s worries and create the necessary safeguards.

Writing A Book (41:32)

Mani shares why he is writing a book and what drives this project. He was first inspired to do so by a conversation with his wife. He initially sought to write a guide for his children, which led him to write a guide for other professionals.

The New CISO (48:23)

To Mani, being a new CISO means dealing with a new crossroads with technology. Whether you’ve been in the business for a long time or are new to the role, you must adjust quickly, pivot, and learn with your team.