Securing Minds, Securing Systems: Balancing Technical Proficiency and Communication in Cybersecurity

The role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) stands as a dynamic intersection between technical expertise and strategic leadership. A successful CISO is not merely a guardian of digital assets but a multifaceted professional, blending keen observational skills with a comprehensive understanding of organizational culture. A CISO employs written and oral communication skills to foster security awareness among stakeholders, utilizing interactive workshops, infographics, and presentations to fortify the human element against social engineering threats.?

He has 20+ years of hands-on technical expertise in the majority of networks, systems and security domains. His passion lies in leading Information Security Practice of an organization, and designing controls to prevent or minimise exposure against latest threats. He also holds CISSP, CISM, CISA, PMP, ISO 27001 LA, and various product specific accreditations.

At InspireXchange, we were glad to connect with Mr. Mohit Kalra , who shared a CISO's unique combination of technical expertise and leadership that proves crucial in safeguarding organizations against the evolving challenges in the realm of cybersecurity.

What specific cybersecurity skills do you find most valuable in your role?

CISO role requires both technical expertise as well as leadership skills to perform the job in result-oriented manner; thus, below are some of the points I can mention which is not limited to cybersecurity:

• Observational skills: Understanding the culture of organization, and making your strategies accordingly is very much essential.
• IT Risk Assessment: Failure point or events that lead to security incident, in each process should be identified, and appropriate action (mitigate/transfer/accept/avoid) be suggested and recorded.
• Influencer: Should be able to convey your point and requirement to Leadership in clear language which is understood by them easily. Support your ask with related examples and cost benefit analysis, and what are the consequences if particular control is not available.
• Operational Security: CISO must possess technical skills with hands on experience, and act as an SME (subject matter expert), for configurations for system security (AntiVirus, Vulenrability Management), network security (Firewalls, IDS/IPS), SOC/SIEM use cases, DLP configs, and able to identify and suggest technical control for any data leakage way/loophole.
• Auditor: As CISO need to face various external audits, we need to have internal audit skills and idea of implementation, to clear all audits with zero observations
• Written and Oral communication: Imparting security awareness among all stakeholders is most important task of any CISO as technical controls can be bypassed if users fall in the trap of social engineering. Interactive classroom workshops, infographics e-mailers, and presentation to board and clients is enhanced with better communication skills.
• Stay updated/Being social: CISO should be part of multiple industry communities, for staying up to date with latest threat landscape and technology, thus protecting the organization timely.
• Involve: Should be involve with leadership and business units, help them in doing risk assessment, and spread some security awareness in each forum/townhall/meet
• Ethical: As a role model, CISO must follow all the processes and policies laid down by IT, compliance, HR, Admin, and other respected departments.

If you're interested in the world of Cybersecurity, don't miss the upcoming 3rd Annual Cyber Security Excellence Awards 2024

?? 1st March

?? Holiday Inn, Aerocity, New Delhi Int'L Airport

Join us for celebrating the outstanding contributions of Cyber Security leaders with knowledge gaining sessions and business building opportunities.

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