Hiring for Cybersecurity: The One Question That Makes All the Difference

In my more than two decades of experience in cybersecurity, I’ve found two types of professionals: those who have experienced a ransomware attack or data breach and have recovered from it, and those who haven’t. This distinction is pivotal when evaluating potential hires for your cybersecurity team.

Navigating the Cyber Seas: The Captain’s Analogy

In a previous analogy I used, I compared seasoned sea captains who have weathered numerous storms to those who have only sailed calm waters. The veteran captain has a deeper understanding of the ocean’s fury, the ship’s limits, and the crew’s resilience. They have faced adversity, made critical decisions under pressure, and learned invaluable lessons that textbooks cannot teach. Similarly, a cybersecurity professional who has endured and recovered from a ransomware attack or data breach possesses a unique blend of technical skill, crisis management, and resilience.

Resilience in Cybersecurity

Resilience is the cornerstone of effective cybersecurity. It’s not just about having the best technology or the most comprehensive protocols. It’s about the human element—how individuals and teams respond when the unthinkable happens. Professionals who have navigated through a cyber crisis bring a wealth of practical knowledge. They understand the chaos that ensues, the importance of quick, decisive action, and the necessity of clear communication. These experiences forge a mindset geared towards continuous improvement and proactive defense.

The CISO Compass

In my work, I’ve developed the concept of the CISO Compass. This metaphorical tool guides CISOs through the complex landscape of cybersecurity, helping them navigate challenges and align their strategies with organizational goals. The CISO Compass focuses on three key domains:

Before a Breach - Cyber Risk Management: This is the proactive phase where the CISO must assess and manage risks to prevent security breaches. This involves conducting risk assessments, identifying vulnerabilities, implementing robust security measures, and educating employees on best practices.

During a Breach - Detection and Response: This reactive phase requires the CISO to detect and respond to incidents. Effective detection systems and incident response plans are crucial. The CISO must ensure that the organization can identify and mitigate threats swiftly to minimize damage.

After a Breach - Cyber Resilience: Following an incident, the focus shifts to recovery and improvement. The CISO oversees the restoration of operations and the enhancement of security measures to prevent future breaches. This phase emphasizes learning from the incident and adapting strategies accordingly.

The cyber resilience phase reinforces both the proactive and reactive phases. By learning from incidents and adapting strategies, resilience ensures that risk management and incident response are continuously improved. This cyclical process of preparation, action, and reflection is vital, and having professionals who have been involved in breaches is crucial for strengthening each phase.

Practical Implications

When interviewing potential hires, especially for pivotal roles like that of a CISO, it’s essential to gauge their real-world experience. Ask about their history with cyber incidents:

• Have you ever dealt with a ransomware attack or data breach?
• What was your role in the recovery process?
• What lessons did you learn from the experience?

Their responses will reveal not just their technical prowess, but also their problem-solving abilities, their capacity for leadership in times of crisis, and their commitment to building stronger, more resilient systems.

Mentoring and Knowledge Transfer

Experienced cybersecurity professionals contribute significantly to the growth and development of their less-experienced colleagues. Here’s how they can enhance the overall team’s capabilities:

1. Sharing Real-World Experiences: Professionals who have dealt with ransomware attacks or data breaches can provide invaluable insights during training sessions and simulations. Their first-hand accounts help others understand the gravity of real incidents, preparing them better for potential threats.
2. Building Crisis Management Skills: By mentoring less-experienced team members, these professionals can teach critical skills such as effective communication during a crisis, quick decision-making, and maintaining composure under pressure.
3. Developing Best Practices: They can guide the team in developing and refining best practices based on what worked (and what didn’t) during actual incidents. This practical knowledge ensures that the team is not just following theoretical guidelines but also applying proven strategies.
4. Encouraging a Proactive Approach: Their experiences can drive home the importance of proactive measures. By sharing stories of breaches that could have been prevented with earlier action, they instill a culture of vigilance and continuous improvement.
5. Enhancing Team Cohesion: Working through a crisis requires teamwork and trust. Experienced professionals can foster these qualities by leading by example and encouraging collaboration and mutual support within the team.

Conclusion

Hiring cybersecurity professionals who have been through the storm and come out stronger is akin to selecting a seasoned captain for your ship. Their resilience, forged in the crucible of real-world incidents, ensures that your organization is not only prepared to face cyber threats but is also capable of bouncing back and evolving from them. As you build your cybersecurity team, prioritize those who bring this invaluable experience to the table. Their insights and fortitude will be the beacon guiding your organization through the turbulent seas of cyber threats.