The CyberNest

CISOs are no longer just technical experts. They are business leaders, crisis managers, and strategic visionaries. ? Vito Sardanopoli’s on The CyberNest - “The Art and Science of Cybersecurity Leadership” lays out the real challenges and responsibilities modern CISOs face and how they can navigate this high-stakes role effectively. With threats becoming more sophisticated and executive expectations higher than ever, CISOs must master not just the science of cybersecurity but also the art of leadership. This piece couldn’t be more timely. Here are some key Insights from the article: 1. Cybersecurity is a Leadership Role, Not Just a Technical One CISOs must align security with business objectives, influencing executives and board members, not just IT teams. 2. Risk Management is the Core of Cybersecurity Strategy A security program should focus on risk reduction and resilience, rather than chasing compliance checkboxes. 3. Effective Communication is the CISO’s Superpower Translating technical risks into business impact is what separates influential CISOs from ineffective ones. 4. The Need for Agility and Adaptability Threat landscapes change constantly. Security strategies must be dynamic, not static policies that gather dust. 5. Building Security Culture is More Critical Than Any Tool The strongest defense isn’t just tech—it’s an informed and engaged workforce. Here’s what you can do now to apply some of these insights: 1. Shift from Compliance to Risk-Based Security Prioritize cybersecurity strategies that mitigate the biggest risks instead of just meeting regulatory requirements. 2. Strengthen Communication with Business Leaders Learn to frame security concerns in terms of business impact and competitive advantage. 3. Invest in People, Not Just Technology A security-aware workforce is just as important as your security stack. 4. Continuously Evolve Your Cybersecurity Strategy The threat landscape won’t wait for your next annual review—adopt an agile mindset. CISOs today are more than just guardians of infrastructure. They are the architects of trust in an increasingly digital world. What’s your biggest challenge in balancing the art and science of cybersecurity leadership? Drop it in the comments below. ?? #Cybersecurity #Leadership #CISO #RiskManagement #SecurityCulture?

How do great leaders leave a lasting legacy? ? Holly Ridgeway, NACD.DC, CISSP, PMP, former Chief Security Officer at Citizens Financial Group, Inc., shares a powerful reflection in her latest publication, "The Trust Principle: A Leadership Legacy." ? Throughout her career, Holly discovered that leadership isn’t just about achieving goals or executing strategies—it’s about trust. This core principle transforms challenges into opportunities and builds teams that don’t just work together but thrive together. ? Key takeaways include: ??Trust starts with honesty—always tell the truth, even when it’s difficult. ??Celebrate others—recognize and appreciate contributions. ??Build a supportive environment—foster camaraderie and protect your team. ? Holly’s insights show us that trust isn’t just a leadership skill—it’s a choice that shapes lives, teams, and organizations for the better. ? ?? [Full publication link in the comments below ↓] #informationsecurity #cybersecurity #community #informationsharing #thecybernest

What is the single most important factor for building and maintaining successful teams? ? Holly Ridgeway, NACD.DC, CISSP, PMP, former Chief Security Officer at Citizens Financial Group, Inc., explores this question and reflects on her impactful career in cybersecurity in her new publication: "The Trust Principle: A Leadership Legacy." ? In her words, "Trust is the invisible thread that holds successful teams together." By leading with trust, you lay the strongest foundation for teamwork and leave a legacy that inspires and endures. ? Key takeaways include: ??Honesty and transparent communication build strong, lasting connections. ??Recognizing contributions fosters respect and trust. ??Empathy and emotional intelligence make work purposeful and meaningful. ? Holly’s journey reminds us that true leadership isn’t just about what we achieve—it’s about how we empower and inspire others to grow. ? ?? [Full publication link in the comments below ↓] #informationsecurity #cybersecurity #community #informationsharing #thecybernest

Happy Holidays from all of us at The CyberNest! As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible collaboration and knowledge-sharing within our community this year. We’re so grateful for the connections we’ve built and the insights we’ve exchanged. This season, we celebrate the power of coming together—not just as cybersecurity professionals, but as people supporting and learning from one another. Here’s to lighting the way for a brighter, safer, and more collaborative future in 2025. Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with warmth, light, and joy! #Cybersecurity #Community #HappyHolidays #TheCyberNest

Can cybersecurity help businesses grow? In her latest publication on The CyberNest, Christina Mazzone, CISSP, CIPT, CIPP US, shares insights from her career, highlighting the negative ramifications of siloed cybersecurity—a world often dominated by technical jargon, compliance checklists, and fear-driven decision-making. The result? Organizations are losing more than just money. They’re losing trust, agility, and the ability to thrive in today’s digital world. That’s where the Business Information Security Officer (BISO) comes in. Unlike the CISO, who oversees enterprise-wide security, the BISO works directly within individual business units. They align security with operational goals, transforming cybersecurity from a blocker into a growth enabler. Here’s why BISOs are game-changers: ??They tailor security strategies to unique business needs. ??They embed security into projects before issues arise. ??They speak the language of business, not just tech. ??? Want to help shape the future of this role? The report concludes with a survey designed to gather insights from cybersecurity professionals and business stakeholders like you. Your input will contribute to a clearer understanding of how BISO teams are being implemented and their impact on security strategies. Check out the full publication and share your thoughts in the survey—linked in the comments below!

The BISO role is not a "nice-to-have." It’s essential for any organization serious about integrating security into its business strategy. In her latest publication on The CyberNest, Christina Mazzone, CISSP, CIPT, CIPP US highlights how organizations continue to talk about aligning security with business objectives but often treat cybersecurity as a siloed afterthought. Drawing from her experience as a leader of BISO teams, Christina shares how the role effectively translates security requirements into business value, fosters a cyber-aware culture, and enables growth and innovation. The BISO function is changing the game by embedding cybersecurity into the DNA of business operations. ??? To further understand how this role is evolving, the report concludes with a survey to gather insights from cybersecurity professionals and business stakeholders like you. Your input will contribute to shaping a clearer picture of how BISOs teams are being implemented and their impact on security strategies. Check out the full publication and contribute to the survey, which are linked in the comments below!

The problem with channels like LinkedIn, or even Slack, for building a community is its openness. LinkedIn is a powerful platform for networking, personal branding, and sharing opinions. But if you’re a security leader looking for real, actionable knowledge, that open format doesn't cut it. Why? Because the content is flooded with competing agendas. Personal brands, sales pitches, investor chatter—it’s not built for focused, bias-free information sharing. It's why we’re building a vetted community for internal security professionals. No marketers. No investors. No outside noise. Just practitioners from midsize to large enterprises who want to share insights and solve problems without distractions or ulterior motives. This isn’t about exclusivity for its own sake—it’s about creating a space where trusted knowledge can flow freely. ?? Join 600+ IT and security peers advancing their careers, acquiring peer-validated knowledge, and sharing their voice in The CyberNest - linked in the comments below ↓ #informationsecurity #cybersecurity #community #informationsharing #thecybernest

The security space doesn’t need more noise. It needs a stronger knowledge economy. We talk a lot on our team about opening up avenues for security leaders to share their knowledge. Not just for the sake of sharing—but to create real impact. Yes, that impact could mean getting paid for their expertise, but the bigger picture is about influencing the industry in meaningful ways. Impact could look like this: ??A CISO helping another team navigate a tricky decision. ??A practitioner offering a fresh perspective that shifts a project’s direction. ??A security pro validating a strategy with someone who’s?been there, done that. What’s missing in this industry isn’t capable people or the right answers. It’s?practical experience and trust. Leaders don’t need generic advice—they need to talk to someone who has walked in their shoes, faced the same challenges, and come out the other side with insights to share. Yes, personal networks help. But they’re limited. We’re extending that access, scaling it, and building a true?security knowledge economy—one where practitioners aren’t just sharing opinions but reshaping the way we make decisions as an industry. Ben Siegel, Founder and CEO of The CyberNest, and Adrian Sanabria, Host of Security Weekly Productions, a CyberRisk Alliance Resource, broke down this concept on their episode about Information Sharing in Cybersecurity, linked in the comments ?? #informationsecurity #cybersecurity #community #informationsharing #thecybernest

There’s no universal “textbook” for security programs. No magic template every company can follow. And this leaves security leaders scrambling to figure out how to build programs that work for their company, their infrastructure, and their specific challenges. So where do they turn for answers? Not consultants. Not analysts. The real answers come from peers—other leaders in the trenches, solving the same problems and wrestling with the same tough decisions. But connecting with those peers? Facilitating that kind of raw, unfiltered knowledge sharing? It’s much harder than it should be. This is why we believe in the power of community. The power of creating spaces where security leaders can openly share, learn, and grow together. Because the best lessons don’t come from textbooks—they come from each other. Ben Siegel, Founder and CEO of The CyberNest, and Adrian Sanabria, Host of Security Weekly Productions, a CyberRisk Alliance Resource, broke down this concept on their episode about Information Sharing in Cybersecurity, linked in the comments ?? #informationsecurity #cybersecurity #community #informationsharing #thecybernest

We've learned a lot while building a peer-led community for IT and cybersecurity professionals. One learning stands above all the rest: Trust is everything. We went down a deep rabbit hole reading famous quotes about trust when writing this post. Ernest Hemingway wrote, "The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them." A well-intentioned message, but hard to adopt in cybersecurity. The proverb "trust, but verify" feels more balanced. Building trust within digital information sharing communities can be challenging because: ? Vulnerability increases trust. People often don’t feel safe to be vulnerable. ? Passive participation or 'lurking' can inhibit the active sharing and growth of any security community. ? If you can't see a person, brush shoulders, scan them head to toe, then you can't trust the information shared. (The third bullet was a misconception shared about the industry in a private discussion with a security leader, and we all acknowledged its inaccuracy.) In building an information sharing community like The CyberNest, here's how we uphold trust: ? A membership application is required and we do not compromise on our admission criteria. Our community is exclusively for IT and cybersecurity professionals from midsize and large enterprises to minimize conflicting interests. ? The knowledge and insight shared within the platform is peer-driven and member-sourced. We function as facilitators, rather than being sole authorities. We build collaboration tools powered by member ratings and social data to bring greater transparency to information sharing as a practice. ? We empower members to refer their colleagues and peers to join the community. Why? Because knowledge-sharing by those you already trust improves your individual member experience and compounds the trust center for all members. ?? Join 600+ IT and security peers advancing their careers, acquiring peer-validated knowledge, and sharing their voice in The CyberNest - linked in the comments below ↓ #informationsecurity #cybersecurity #community #informationsharing #thecybernest