CISO Tradecraft®

#78 - Business Objectives & 5 CISO Archetypes (with Christian Hyatt)

On this episode of CISO Tradecraft, Christian Hyatt from risk3sixty stops by to discuss the 3 major Business Objectives for CISOs:
Risk Management
Cost Reduction
Revenue Generation
He also discusses the five CISO Archetypes.  
The Executive
The Engineer
The GRC Guru
The Technician
The Builder
References:The 5 CISO Archetypes Book Link
Designing the CISO Role Link

#77 - Countering Corporate Espionage

Chances are your organization has information that someone else wants.  If it's another nation state, their methods may not be friendly or even legal.  In this episode we address assessing risk, known "bad" actors, information targets, exfiltration, cyber security models, what the federal government is doing for contractors, and response strategies.  Listen now so you don't become a statistic later.
 
References:
https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/china-exec-summary-risk-to-corporate-america-2019.pdf
https://nhglobalpartners.com/made-in-china-2025/
https://www.cybintsolutions.com/cyber-security-facts-stats/
http://www.secretservice.gov/ntac/final_it_sector_2008_0109.pdf
http://www.secretservice.gov/ntac/final_government_sector2008_0109.pdf
CIS Controls v8.0, Center for Internet Security, May 2021, https://www.cisecurity.org
https://owasp.org/www-project-threat-and-safeguard-matrix/
https://www.acq.osd.mil/cmmc/about-us.html

#76 - The Demise of the Cybersecurity Workforce

Our career has been growing like crazy with an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs within the next few years.  More certs, more quals, more money, right?  The sky’s the limit.  But what if we’re wrong?  AI, machine learning, security-by-design, outsourcing, and H-1B programs may put huge downward pressure on future job opportunities (and pay) in this country.  Of course, we don’t WANT this, but shouldn’t a wise professional prepare for possibilities?  [We did a ton of research looking at facts, figures, industry trends, and possible futures that might have us thinking that 2022 may have been “the good old days.”  No gloom-and-doom here; just an objective look with a fresh perspective, you know, just in case.]

#75 - Avoiding Death By PowerPoint

On this episode of CISO Tradecraft, we discuss how to avoid Death By PowerPoint by creating cyber awareness training that involves and engages listeners. Specifically we discuss:
The EDGE method:  Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable
Escape Rooms
Tabletop Exercises
Polling During Presentations
Short videos from online resources
References:
https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2017/05/05/living-on-the-edge-this-is-the-correct-way-to-teach-someone-a-skill/
http://www.inquiry.net/ideals/scouting_game_purpose.htm
https://cisotradecraft.podbean.com/e/ciso-tradecraft-shall-we-play-a-game/
Escape Rooms
https://library.georgetown.org/virtual-escape-rooms/
https://research.fairfaxcounty.gov/unlimited/escape
Tabletop Exercises
From GCHQ
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/exercise-in-a-box
From CISA
https://www.cisa.gov/cisa-tabletop-exercises-packages
Funny Videos on Cyber
https://staysafeonline.org/resource/security-awareness-episode/
 

#74 - Pass the Passwords

On this episode of CISO Tradecraft, we focus on the Password Security and how it's evolving.  Tune in to learn about:
Why do we need passwords
Ways consumers login and authenticate
How bad actors attack passwords
How long does it take to break passwords
Different types of MFA 
The future of passwords with conditional access policies
Infographic:
 
References:
https://danielmiessler.com/blog/not-all-mfa-is-equal-and-the-differences-matter-a-lot/ 
https://www.hivesystems.io/blog/are-your-passwords-in-the-green?utm_source=tabletext 
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/conditional-access/concept-conditional-access-cloud-apps
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RockYou
https://cisotradecraft.podbean.com/e/ciso-tradecraft-active-directory-is-active-with-attacks/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/how-to-mfa-number-match

#73 - Wonderful Winn Schwartau

Winn Schwartau is a well-recognized icon in the cybersecurity community, and also a dear friend for over 25 years.  Always one to stir the pot and offer radical ideas (many of which come true), we discuss Hacker Jeopardy, INFOWARCON, his books "Pearl Harbor Dot Com", "Time-Based Security", and his magnum opus "Analog Security."  We speculate on the future of our industry with respect to quantum and probabilistic computing, and after hanging up his pen, looks like he's doing a Tom Brady and writing one more amazing book. **Warning Adult Language**
Winn's Website Link

#72 - Logging In with SIEMs (with Anton Chuvakin)

On this episode of CISO Tradecraft, Anton Chuvakin talks about Logging, Security Information & Event Management (SIEM) tooling, and Cloud Security.  Anton share’s fantastic points of view on:
How moving to the cloud is like moving to a space station (13:44)
How you may be one IAM mistake away from a breach (20:05)
How a SIEM is a logging based approach, whereas EDRs require agents at endpoints.  This becomes really interesting when cloud solutions don’t have an endpoint to install an agent (26:53)
Why you don’t want an on premises SIEM (32:35)
The 3 AM Test - Should you wake someone up for this alert at 3 AM (39:24)

#71 - Lessons Learned as a CISO (with Gary Hayslip)

On this special episode of CISO Tradecraft, we have Gary Hayslip talk about his lessons learned being a CISO.  He shares various tips and tricks he has used to work effectively as a CISO across multiple companies.  Everything from fish tacos and beer to how to look at an opportunity when your boss has no clue about cyber frameworks.  There's lots of great information to digest.  
 
Additionally, Gary has co-authored a number of amazing books on cyber security that we strongly recommend reading.  You can find them here on Gary's Amazon page.  

#70 - Partnership is Key

On this episode of CISO Tradecraft you can learn how to build relationships of trust with other executives by demonstrating executive skill & cyber security expertise.  You can learn what to say to each of the following executives to build common ground and meaningful work: 
CFO
Legal
Marketing
Business Units
CEO
CIO
HR
Note Robin Dreeke mentions 5 keys to building goals.: 
Learn… about their priorities, goals, and objectives.
Place… theirs ahead of yours
Allow them to talk…. suspend your own need to talk.
Seek their thoughts and opinions.
Ego suspension!!! Validate them unconditionally and non-judgmentally for who they are as a human being.
During this week's Monday Morning Email, CISO Tradecraft answers the question on how to craft a winning resume to land your first CISO role.
 
InfoGraphic

#69 - Aligning Security Initiatives with Business Objectives

On this episode of CISO Tradecraft, we talk about how cyber can help the four business key objectives identified by InfoTech:
1.  Profit generation: The revenue generated from a business capability with a product that is enabled with modern technologies.
2.  Cost reduction: The cost reduction when performing business capabilities with a product that is enabled with modern technologies.
3.  Service enablement: The productivity and efficiency gains of internal business operations from products and capabilities enhanced with modern technologies.
4.  Customer and market reach: The improved reach and insights of the business in existing or new markets.
We also discuss Franklin Covey's 4 Disciplines of Execution (TM): 
Focus on the Wildly Important
Act on the lead measures
Keep a compelling scoreboard
Create a cadence of accountability
Please note references to Infotech and Franklin Covey Material can be found here:
https://www.infotech.com/research/ss/build-a-business-aligned-it-strategy
https://www.franklincovey.com/the-4-disciplines/
Infographic:

#68 - Thought Provoking Discussions (with Richard Thieme)

Today we speak with Richard Thieme, a man with a reputation for stretching your mind with his insights, who has spoken at 25 consecutive DEFCONs as well as keynoted BlackHat 1 and 2.  In a far-ranging discussion, we cover the concept of what it's like to be a heretic (hint:  it's one step beyond being a visionary), the thought that the singularity has already arrived, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's noosphere, disinformation and cyber war, ethical decision-making in automated systems, and why there is convincing evidence we are not alone in this universe. 
 
References:https://thiemeworks.com/

#67 - Knock, Knock? Who’s There and Whatcha Want?

On this episode of CISO Tradecraft we are going to talk about various Access Control & Authentication technologies.
Access Control Methodologies:
Mandatory Access Control or (MAC)
Discretionary Access Control or (DAC)
Role Based Access Control or (RBAC)
Privileged Access Management or (PAM)
Rule Based Access Control
Attribute Based Policy Control (ABAC) or Policy Based Access Control (PBAC)
Authentication Types:
Password-based authentication
Certificate-based authentication
Token-based authentication
Biometric authentication
Two-factor Authentication (2FA)
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Location-based authentication
Computer recognition authentication
Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers & Humans Apart (CAPTCHA)
Single Sign On (SSO)
Risk Based authentication
References
https://riskbasedauthentication.org/
https://blog.identityautomation.com/what-is-risk-based-authentication-types-of-authentication-methods
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/information-protection/bitlocker/bitlocker-countermeasures 
https://www.n-able.com/blog/network-authentication-methods 
https://www.getgenea.com/blog/types-of-access-control/ 
https://www.twingate.com/blog/access-control-models/ 
https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/authentication 
https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/authorization 
https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/access-control 

#66 - Working On The Supply Chain Gang

On this episode of CISO Tradecraft, you can learn about supply chain vulnerabilities and the 6 important steps you can take to mitigate this attack within your organization:
Centralize your software code repository
Centralize your artifact repository
Scan open source software for malware
Scan software for vulnerabilities and vendor support
Run a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Run a Runtime Application Self Protection (RASP)
References:
https://owasp.org/www-project-threat-and-safeguard-matrix/
https://slsa.dev/
Infographic:

#65 - Shall We Play A Game?

Gamification is a superpower that CISOs can use to change the culture of an organization.  On this episode of CISO Tradecraft we discuss how to use gamification concepts as a CISO. 
What’s in a Game?
Objective
Rules
Challenge/Competition
Randomness or unpredictability
Designed for fun and sometimes learning
What Makes a Game Fun?
Challenge requires reasonable level of difficulty
Fantasy compelling setting for game action; temporary suspension of reality
Curiosity random events so that play is not completely deterministic
Control learners are confronted with choices
What’s in a Learning Game?
Active participation
Immediate feedback
Dynamic interaction
Competition
Novelty
Goal direction
5 Gamification Concepts
Leaderboards
Badges & Achievements
Levels & Progression
Unlockables
Virtual Economy
4 Player Types
Killers are players motivated by leader boards and ranks.  These players focus on winning and peer to peer competition. Their focus is on acting on other players.
Achievers are players motivated by achievements and points.  These players focus on achieving present goals quickly and completely.  Their focus is on acting on the world.  
Socializers are players motivated by friends lists, chat, and news feeds.  These players focus on socializing and developing a network of friends. Their focus is on interacting with players
Explorers are players motivated by hidden content and levels.  These players focus on exploring and discovering the unknown.  Their focus is on interacting with the world.
References:
https://www.chaostheorygames.com/blog/serious-games-guide-everything-you-need-to-know-in-2021 
https://www.chaostheorygames.com/blog/what-is-gamification-2020-definition
https://directivecommunication.net/the-ultimate-guide-to-work-gamification/
https://yukaichou.com/gamificationnews/4-dominant-applications-of-gamification/
https://medium.com/@chow0531/actionable-gamification-fbe27f6cb2d6
https://www.capgemini.com/2020/06/gamification/
https://insights.lytho.com/translation-fails-advertising
http://timboileau.wordpress.com 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1451611064/?coliid=I2J1XHCOBD5476&colid=2CQEH5MGKB5YX&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it 
Infographic:

#64 - 3 Keys to Being a CISO (with Allan Alford)

On this episode of CISO Tradecraft, we feature Allan Alford from The Cyber Ranch Podcast.  Allan brings a wealth of knowledge as a CISO and shares the three things every CISO needs to bring to the table:
Use a Cyber Maturity Model such as CMMI to identify the current situation and build a roadmap of where the organization is headed 
Quantify Known Risks through a Risk Register which gets routinely briefed to Executives
Align Cyber to Business Objectives to enable the business
If you enjoy listening to Allan Alford, then please subscribe to The Cyber Ranch Podcast for more great content.
Infographic:

#63 - Flirting with Disaster

As a cyber executive you should expect disaster and disruption.  When these unfortunate events occur, you can protect the business by maintaining critical business functions, ensuring employees are able to access an alternate work facility, and providing vital records to perform business functions.
The secret to accomplishing these objectives can be found in three important documents.  Those being a Business Continuity Plan, Disaster Recovery Plan, & a Business Impact Analysis.  Enjoy the show as we walk you through them.
FEMA BCP Example https://arlingtonva.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/COOP-Template-Business-Continuity.pdf
IBM Disaster Recovery Plan
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.1?topic=system-example-disaster-recovery-plan
Fire Drillshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_drill
Business Impact Analysishttps://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/business-impact-analysis-worksheet.pdf
Infographic:

#62 - Promotion Through Politics

On this episode,  we talk about the four types of skills you need to demonstrate in your career to climb through the ranks: (Technical Skills, Management Skills, Leadership Skills, & Political Skills)
We also highlight 6 crucial areas to improve your political skills
Social Astuteness - You need to get your cues right.  Socially astute managers are well-versed in social interaction.  In social settings they accurately assess their own behavior as well as that of others.  Their strong powers of discernment and high self-awareness contribute to their political effectiveness.
Interpersonal Influence - Managers who are effective influencers have good rapport with others and build strong interpersonal relationships.  They also tend to have a better understanding of broader situations and better judgment about when to assert themselves.
Networking Ability - Skilled networkers build friendships and working relationships by garnering support, negotiating, and managing conflict.  They know when to call on others and are seen as willing to reciprocate.
Apparent Sincerity - Be sincere.  Politically skilled individuals display high levels of integrity, authenticity, sincerity, and genuineness.  They really are--and also are viewed as--honest, open, and forthright, inspiring trust and confidence.
Think before you speak - Politically skilled managers are careful about expressing feelings.  They think about the timing and presentation of what they have to say.
Manage up and down - Leaders need to skillfully manage up by communicating with their bosses and keeping higher-ups informed.  But this can become a double-edged sword; research shows that the people who are most skilled at managing up tend not to invest enough energy in building and leading their teams.  True political skill involves relationships with teammates and direct reports as well as higher-ups.
References:
https://www.ckju.net/en/blog/6-behaviors-characterize-politically-skilled-individuals-organizations-how-learn-them/32148
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Tate:_Office_Linebacker
https://hbr.org/2017/04/the-4-types-of-organizational-politics
https://www.forbes.com/2010/05/25/office-politics-psychology-leadership-managing-ccl.html
Ferris, G. R., Davidson, S. L., & Perrewe, P. L. (2005). Political skill at work: impact on work effectiveness. Mountain View, Calif. : Davies-Black Pub
Ferris, G. R., Treadway, D. C., Kolodinsky, R. W., Hochwarter, W. A., Kacmar, C. J., Douglas, C., & Frink, D. D. (2005). Development and Validation of the Political Skill Inventory. Journal of Management, 31(1), 126-152. doi: 10.1177/0149206304271386
Ferris, G. R., Berkson, H. M., Kaplan, D. M., Gilmore, D. C., Buckley, M. R., Hochwarter, W. A., et al. 1999. Development and initial validation of the political skill inventory. Paper presented at the 59th annual national meeting of the Academy of Management, Chicago.
Infographic: 

#61 - Presentation Skills

On this episode of CISO Tradecraft, we discuss how to give a great presentation.  
Starting with the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
Using pictures to Capture Attention
Asking Thought Provoking Questions
Succinct Points to tell a story
Decision slides that show
The problem
The proposed solution
Cost to implement solution
Why alternatives are not as good
Next Steps after decision is made
We also discuss the Angels Cocktail which is a concept taken from a Ted Talk by JP Phillips
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that stimulates focus, motivation, and memory.  If you want to use this chemical, then tell a story that has obstacles to build suspense and create cliffhangers 
Oxytocin is the hormone associated with generosity, trust, and bonding.  If you want to use this chemical,  tell a story that creates empathy or makes you vulnerable.  You can make the story more impactful by using the concept of delaying resolution of the story.
Endorphins are the last hormone which are associated with making people creative, relaxed, and focused.  If you want to use this chemical try making others laugh.  One way to do this is by being overly dramatic.  
References
https://www.verywellmind.com/glossophobia-2671860
https://hbr.org/2019/09/to-overcome-your-fear-of-public-speaking-stop-thinking-about-yourself
https://hbr.org/2013/06/how-to-give-a-killer-presentation
https://www.cnbc.com/id/100646197
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj-hdQMa3uA
https://www.resourcefulmanager.com/storytelling-as-a-leadership-tool/
https://hbr.org/2014/07/how-to-tell-a-great-story
Infographic:

#60 - CISO Knowledge Domains Part 2

One of the most common questions that we get asked on CISO Tradecraft is what do I need to learn to be a good CISO?  After a lot of reflection, CISO Tradecraft put together a Top 10 List of CISO knowledge domains that we believe are the core skills which produce really good CISOs.  This episode is a continuation from the previous episode and will go over the 6th -10th knowledge areas.
Product Security focuses on ensuring developers write secure code
Defensive Technologies focuses on creating multiple layers of defenses in an organization to protect against a multitude of attacks
Detection & Response Capabilities is about creating mechanisms to identify how attackers might circumvent your organization’s defensive technologies
Laws, Regulations, & Oversight is about ensuring compliance with appropriate laws and regulations
Enabling Technologies is about enabling businesses to create digital transformation
Risk Management is about effectively identifying what are the biggest risks to the company, what's the likelihood and magnitude of a potential attack, and how to estimate the cost of remediation
Governance is about understanding what technology your organization uses so you can effectively manage it through a process
Identity & Access Management is about limiting the scope of an attacker who could cause harm to your organization
Business Management & Leadership is an essential skill for executives to lead and influence others
Security Culture is about building an organization where the entire company becomes resilient
https://github.com/cisotradecraft/podcast
Infographic:

#59 - CISO Knowledge Domains Part 1

One of the most common questions that we get asked on CISO Tradecraft is what do I need to learn to be a good CISO?  After a lot of reflection, CISO Tradecraft has put together a Top 10 List of CISO knowledge domains that we believe are the core skills which produce really good CISOs.  This episode will go over just the first 5 knowledge areas with the remaining five on a future episode.
Product Security focuses on ensuring developers write secure code
Defensive Technologies focuses on creating multiple layers of defenses in an organization to protect against a multitude of attacks
Detection & Response Capabilities is about creating mechanisms to identify how attackers might circumvent your organization’s defensive technologies
Laws, Regulations, & Oversight is about ensuring compliance with appropriate laws and regulations
Enabling Technologies is about enabling businesses to create digital transformation
https://github.com/cisotradecraft/podcast

#58 - Active Directory is Active with Attacks

After bad actors gain an initial foothold into an organization, they often use active directory attacks to gain administrative privileges.  On this episode of CISO Tradecraft, we discuss Active Directory.  You can learn what it is, how it works, common attacks used against it, and ways you can secure it.  
References:
Stealthbits Active Directory Attacks
Wikipedia Active Directory
Wikipedia Directory Service
Wired Story on Not Petya
CIS Hardened Images
MS Domain Services 
Mimikatz
Kerberos
Indeed Active Directory Job Listing
Infographics:

#57 - Brace for Audit

You just got the news that the Cyber Organization is going to be audited.  Do you know what an audit is, how best to prepare for it, and how to respond to audit findings?  On this episode of CISO Tradecraft, we help you understand key auditing concepts such as:
Audit Subject
Audit Objective
Vulnerability
Threat
Risk & Impact
Audit Scope with Goals & Objectives
Audit Plan
Audit Response

#56 - Say Firewall One More Time

Have you ever heard someone say our firewalls block this type of attack?  In this episode, you can increase your understanding of firewalls so it won’t just be another buzzword.  6 Basic categories of firewalls that we discuss on the show include:  
Packet Filters focus on IP and port blocking 
Stateful Inspection Firewall looks at active connections and consider context
Network Address Translation Firewalls tools that allow private networks to connect to public ones and create secure enclaves
Proxy Servers classify web traffic into topics that might be allowed or not allowed
Web Application Firewalls block Web Application Attacks (SQL Injection,Cross Site Scripting, …)
Next Generation Firewalls that try to do everything.
References - sitereview.bluecoat.com
Infographics:

#55 - I have more Agents than the FBI

On this episode of CISO Tradecraft you can learn all about Software Agents.  Specifically we discuss: What does an Agent do, Why is an Agent helpful, and the 7 common types of Software Agents you would expect to find in large IT organizations.  Also, if you stick to the end you can also learn about Secret Agents (ie Agentless).
 
7 Common Software Agents are:
Endpoint Configuration Agents - Tools like Microsoft Endpoint Manager or SCCM
Mobile Device Managers - Tools like Microsoft Intune or Google Endpoint Management
Vulnerability Agents - Tools like Qualys or Nessus
Antivirus Agents - Tools like McAfee or Symantec
Endpoint Detection & Response Agents - Tools like Crowdstrike or Carbon Black
Data Loss Prevention Agents - Tools like Forcepoint or GTB Technologies
Privilege Access Management Agents - Tools like BeyondTrust or CyberArk

#54 - The Great Resignation

The Great Resignation is upon us, and if some of your top talent hasn't given you their notice, it may be happening soon.  Or not, depending on what you choose to do.  With plenty of time to contemplate options, people are quitting jobs at a record pace.  But wise leaders learn how to listen to their people's needs and desires, create a sense of purpose that motivates far beyond a paycheck, and creates a safe working space by allowing people to be human and make the occasional mistake.  Keep your IT Security team intact with these concepts and much more.
For more great CISO content please subscribe to our LinkedIn Page
Thank you for listening to CISO Tradecraft
References:
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/jolts_06082021.pdf
https://info.workinstitute.com/hubfs/2020%20Retention%20Report/Work%20Institutes%202020%20Retention%20Report.pdf
https://www.npr.org/2021/10/22/1048332481/the-great-resignation-why-people-are-leaving-their-jobs-in-growing-numbers
https://blog.trello.com/enterprise/how-to-retain-employees
https://hbr.org/2016/09/why-people-quit-their-jobs
https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/great-attrition-or-great-attraction-the-choice-is-yours
https://blog.trello.com/supportive-company-culture
https://www.statista.com/chart/19064/number-of-unused-vacation-days/
https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/vacation-realities-2017/
https://hbr.org/2016/03/two-thirds-of-managers-are-uncomfortable-communicating-with-employees
https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/igniting-individual-purpose-in-times-of-crisis
https://allthatsinteresting.com/myers-briggs-test
https://cybersecurityventures.com/jobs