#246 - Tim Brown on SolarWinds: What Every CISO Should Know

In this episode of the CISO Tradecraft podcast, host G Mark Hardy speaks with Tim Brown, the CISO of SolarWinds, at the Black Hat conference in Las Vegas. They delve into the details of the infamous SolarWinds breach, discussing the timeline of events, the involvement of the Russian SVR, and the immediate and long-term responses by SolarWinds. Tim shares insights on the complexities of supply chain security, the importance of clear communication within an organization, and the evolving regulatory landscape for CISOs. Additionally, they discuss the personal and professional ramifications of dealing with such a high-profile incident, offering valuable lessons for current and future cybersecurity leaders.

Chapters 

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:59 The SolarWinds Incident Unfolds
• 03:13 Understanding the Attack and Response
• 04:04 The Role of SVR and Supply Chain Security
• 10:43 Technical Details of the Attack
• 14:56 Compliance and Reporting Challenges
• 19:24 Rebuilding Trust and Personal Impact
• 22:06 CISO Concerns and Company Support
• 22:14 Legal Challenges and Company Expenses
• 23:40 SEC Charges and Legal Proceedings
• 29:35 Supply Chain Security and Vendor Assurance
• 35:47 CISO Accountability and Industry Standards
• 39:41 Final Thoughts and Advice for CISOs