Lessons Learned From Being a CISO

In the latest episode of "Life of a CISO," Dr. Eric Cole emphasizes the importance of having all the facts before making judgments, using the analogy of mistaking someone else's cookies for your own. This reflects a common issue where CISOs believe executives don’t care about security when, in reality, the issue lies in how security concerns are communicated. Dr. Cole advises CISOs to reframe their perspectives, understand the business context, and improve their communication skills. By doing so, they can align better with executives and demonstrate how cybersecurity can be a strategic enabler for business success. Dr. Cole also stresses the need for CISOs to ask clarifying questions and listen more than they speak, making sure their contributions are valuable and relevant. He encourages CISOs to adopt a positive mindset, viewing executives as allies who care about security, and to prove their worth by focusing on business growth and stability rather than just technical solutions. This approach can help CISOs become integral members of the executive team and drive both security and business objectives forward.