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In this episode of The Cyber Business Podcast, we bring together three exceptional leaders to explore a range of topics central to cybersecurity, IT leadership, and navigating digital transformation. Sarfraz Shaikh, Director of IT at One Mesa, delves into the evolution of IT from a "department of no" to an enabler of innovation. Christos Ruci, CIO of a publicly traded company, shares his experience building robust cybersecurity frameworks during the height of the pandemic. Finally, Geoff Moore, CIO of Benchmark Financial Group, discusses the value of Security Operations Center (SOC) services and fostering collaboration across the C-suite for better decision-making. Together, their insights illuminate key strategies for thriving in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- The rise of remote work and its impact on digital interactions and cybersecurity challenges
- How IT is evolving from being a gatekeeper to an enabler in the C-suite
- Practical approaches to balancing agility with regulatory compliance and risk management
- Strategies for gaining executive buy-in for cybersecurity investments through tabletop exercises
- The importance of SOC services for real-time threat detection and response
- How cross-departmental collaboration strengthens cybersecurity decisions
- Leveraging VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) principles for effective IT leadership
- Key takeaways for integrating cybersecurity into company culture
In this episode…
The episode opens with Sarfraz Shaikh, who provides a compelling overview of the digital transformation accelerated by the pandemic. He highlights the rise of remote work, social media, and telehealth, as well as the challenges of data protection and regulatory compliance. Sarfraz emphasizes the evolving role of IT, transitioning from a "department of no" to a strategic enabler within the organization. By leveraging agility and collaboration, he explains how companies can navigate the complex interplay of technological innovation and security.
Next, Christos Ruci reflects on his unique journey as a CIO during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Christos recounts his innovative approach to gaining executive and board support for a comprehensive cybersecurity program through tabletop exercises that underscored potential vulnerabilities. He also shares his methods for fostering a culture of cyber awareness, highlighting the importance of leadership’s active involvement in promoting cybersecurity as an integral part of overall company safety.
Finally, Geoff Moore discusses the critical value of SOC services in today’s threat landscape. He offers a pragmatic perspective on the shrinking window for patching vulnerabilities and how SOCs provide essential monitoring and real-time detection. Geoff also underscores the importance of creating a cybersecurity committee that includes finance, legal, HR, and compliance to ensure collective responsibility for security decisions. His insights into balancing technical needs with business priorities resonate as actionable advice for IT leaders.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Matthew Connor on LinkedInCyberLynx
Sarfraz Shaikh on LinkedIn
Christos Ruci on LinkedIn
Geoff Moore on LinkedIn
Mesa Products Website
Limbach Website
Valmark Financial Group Website
Sponsor for this episode...
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