Amos Itodo, CPP® SRMP-R®’s Post

The Role of Leadership in GRC. 📌 Leadership commitment drives GRC success. 📌 When top management actively supports GRC initiatives, it cascades through the organization. 📌 Leadership-led cybersecurity focus, for example, can strengthen the organization's reputation as a trustworthy services provider. 📌 Leaders must champion governance, risk, and compliance to embed it into organizational culture. Connected Compliance

Enhancing Executive Security in 2025 is top of mind. Do you have a personal security plan for your Executive Leadership Team (ELT) in 2025? At Korn Ferry, we understand the growing importance of protecting executives. Our Physical Security Practice is here to help. In light of recent events, including the tragic assassination of a prominent health plan CEO, the focus on physical security, business continuity, and resiliency has intensified. Directors are now emphasizing the need to safeguard executives from both online and offline threats, prompting many organizations to reconsider the amount of personal information they publish about their leaders. If you're interested in learning about our recent work in this space, how other firms have structured this role, where physical security reports into, competitive compensation packages, and the resources needed to be successful, let's schedule a call to discuss. Looking forward to connecting! #ExecutiveSecurity #PhysicalSecurity #LeadershipProtection #KornFerry

As a security professional, why would you want authority? Earlier today I was at a wonderful event hosted by CrowdStrike, Okta, and Zscaler and one of the public sector panelist expressed their struggle to effect change due to the lack of authority within their organizations. So I posed the question, "why do you want authority". I've long subscribed to the philosophy that as security professionals our duty is to, essentially, make security recommendations to business leaders. Those business leaders then make business decisions that are informed by our recommendations. It isn't my place to mandate what people do, security-wise. To me this delineation is fundamental to risk management. Let me put this another way: If you're a CEO should I be telling you how to do your job? I don't think so. Now I can assess risks and identify compliance gaps and such, but the output of those activities are in the form of recommendations. Those recommendations can then be the starting point to a dialog that then culminates in a business decision. Reach out to discover how we can help you achieve your security goals. #cybersecurity #riskmanagement #leadership #aegisadvisory

I recently spoke with a Head of Information Security who, after years of dedication to building and fortifying a security program, is now exploring other roles. The reason? A story that’s becoming all too familiar in today’s climate: dwindling investment paired with mounting expectations. This security leader has spent over two years shaping a resilient team and building trust with leadership. But recently, changes in priorities have led to significant cuts within the department. What was once a thriving team is now reduced to "keeping the lights on." It’s no surprise that security often becomes the first to see budget cuts—it’s frequently viewed as a cost center. But there’s a disconnect when organizations expect robust security outcomes while slashing the very resources needed to achieve them. I’m curious—how do other security leaders navigate these shifting expectations? And how can businesses rethink their approach to avoid this costly turnover? #Cybersecurity #CISO #Infosec #SecurityLeadership #RiskManagement #DigitalTransformation #Leadership #BusinessResilience #TechBudget #CyberRisk #DataProtection #CyberAwareness #InfoSecurity #ITSecurity

This is what makes a great leader. We've all heard that a leader needs vision. The ability to visualize and create what is doesn't exist just yet. Leaders build something bigger than themselves. But as a leader, ask yourself: What are you doing to PROTECT that vision? What are the guardrails in place to ensure nothing knocks you and your team off-track? As a security and risk expert, the best leaders I've seen consider what security threats, hazards, and more that could be unforeseen destroyer of their vision. For example: Despite phenomenal revenue numbers, a single active shooter incident could cost your business millions in legal fees and reputation damage. Potentially irreparable. Or opening a new location due to business growth could be suddenly halted by a natural disaster. Both could be protected against. But few do. Leadership isn’t just about creating; it’s about safeguarding what you’ve built. What other ways do you think leaders can protect their organization's vision? 👇🏽Share your thoughts in the comments. #ProtectYourVision #RiskManagement #LeadershipInAction

Strong information security starts at the top. Discover how leadership drives ISO 27001 implementation and fosters a culture of security throughout an organization. Explore actionable strategies for management's role in safeguarding information. Read the article: https://bit.ly/3ZQz7ni. #InformationSecurity #ISO27001 #Leadership #CyberSecurityInsights

What Are Boards Asking of Technology and Cybersecurity Leaders? To all the board members: As you navigate today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, what are your top questions or priorities with the Technology and Cybersecurity leaders in the companies you advise? Are you focused on: ·        Resilience and incident response readiness? ·        Leveraging emerging technologies to drive growth and innovation? ·        Strengthening governance and aligning technology investments with business strategy? ·        Addressing regulatory compliance and ESG considerations? Your insights would be invaluable for shaping how leaders in these critical roles can better align with the boardroom's expectations. I’d love to hear your perspectives. Let’s bridge the gap between strategic oversight and operational excellence. #Leadership #Technology #Cybersecurity #BoardGovernance Jonathan Towner Merritt Baer Jeff Noffsinger Dave Carson Bob Hesselgesser Vernon Wilson Jason Skidmore Michael Fulton Ryan Hale Ross Young Brian Marcum Ronald Tritschler MBA,JD Tracy Ruberg Ralph Watkins Kevin Jackson Level 6 CybersecurityTroy Gibson Steve Wanamaker Steve Brunker Jim Black Tim Metzner Ry Walker Nate Sowder Matt Godsted Deepak Karandikar Paul Cashen Michele Kothe Matt Gehrisch Renee Wynn Michael Calderin Bradley Schaufenbuel Tony Gauda

👥 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟮𝟳𝟬𝟬𝟭 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a team effort. However, leadership plays a key role in making it happen. Without strong support from the top, even the best security plans can fall short. Here’s how leadership drives success in ISO 27001: 𝟭. 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 Leadership defines the importance of information security as a business priority. By setting clear goals and aligning them with ISO 27001 standards, leaders communicate how security matters and what could be done to align it with the organization’s mission. 𝟮. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 To implement ISO 27001 effectively, organizations need resources — people, tools, and time. Leaders ensure that these resources are available, empowering teams to implement and maintaining security controls successfully. 𝟯. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 Leadership involvement shows that information security is more than just a “check-the-box” activity. When executives prioritize security, it encourages an organisation-wide culture — where everyone takes responsibility for safeguarding information. 𝟰. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 ISO 27001 is not a one-time task; it’s a continuous commitment. Leaders foster a mindset of continuous improvement. They ensure the organization stays adaptable to changing threat landscape and evolves its security practices over time. When leadership champions ISO 27001, the entire organization benefits. Security becomes part of the organisation's DNA, building trust with customers, partners, and employees. Together, let’s remember: Security starts at the top! 🔒 #ISO27001 #Leadership #InformationSecurity #CyberSecurity #OrganizationalCulture #ContinuousImprovement #DataProtection #SecurityAwareness

The Lumberjack vs. The Sculptor: Reframing the Role of Security Leaders I have had the rare privilege of engaging with CISOs, both seasoned and new, during CISO bootcamps designed to help them bridge the gap between business strategy and security strategy. I rely on storytelling to convey the importance of shifting from a security operations mindset to a security leadership role that business leaders respect and appreciate for adding value. One of the stories I like to share is that of the lumberjack and the sculptor. Many CISOs either see themselves as lumberjacks or are perceived by other leaders in the organization as such. They are depicted as a force of brute strength – the lumberjack swinging an axe, chopping down threats indiscriminately. A Lumberjack CISO reacts to threats with force. They focus on prevention through fear and control, creating a culture of compliance and fear, which hinders innovation and agility. In today's complex business landscape, this approach is not only ineffective but can also be detrimental. True security leadership requires a different mindset: that of the sculptor. A Sculptor CISO understands the nuances of the business and its risks. They focus on enabling and empowering the organization to achieve its goals securely. They create a culture of trust and collaboration, fostering innovation and resilience. As a security leader, here are some steps to embrace the sculptor mindset, in no particular order: ·        Shift from "No" to "How": Instead of simply blocking initiatives, work with business leaders to find secure ways to achieve their objectives. ·        Focus on Risk Management, Not Just Threat Response: Proactively identify and mitigate risks, rather than simply reacting to incidents. ·        Build Trust and Collaboration: Foster strong relationships with business leaders, demonstrating the value of security in achieving business goals. ·        Embrace a Data-Driven Approach: Leverage data and analytics to understand the security posture and make informed decisions. ·        Promote a Culture of Security Awareness: Empower employees to be the first line of defense through education and training. By embracing the sculptor mindset, security leaders can become true partners to the business, driving innovation, enabling growth, and ultimately enhancing the organization's overall success. Which CISO are you or have you interacted with? Do you see the need for mindset shift? What story comes to your mind when thinking of CISO persona and the impact on organizational strategy? Would love to hear from you. #SecurityLeadership #Cybersecurity #RiskManagement #Innovation #BusinessAgility

EVERYTHING COPACETIC IN LEADERSHIP? Maybe not, the CIO vs. the CISO may be at odds. Quite often the drivers of the CIO role and the CISO role may not be aligned. The CIO's goal is to facilitate is to enable business transformation and corporate growth. While the CISO's role is to protect the business from threats internal and external. Unfortunately, these two roles are often in conflict with one another as each seeks to execute their plans. It is critical for the Leadership team to monitor the interaction and be prepared to manage the tension to maintain balance between both roles. Here are five suggestions to consider: - Adopt a company-first attitude. - Understand the business benefits of all proposed actions. - Be fact-driven. - Be transparent and honest but never offensive. - Look for the win-win. https://buff.ly/44Z7BVO #CARE #CyberinsuranceAssessment #TheTechCollective #Cybersecurity #assessment #technologyinfrastructure #optimization #leadership #managementconsulting