As cyberattacks grow and evolve, so too has the role of the chief information security officer. Fascinating discussion on key trends and challenges.

Marilyn Cohodas, Managing Editor, Dark Reading

January 19, 2016

2 Min Read

If you were writing a new job description for the Chief Information Security Officer of your company, what would you say? The job today goes well beyond simply maintaining a secure perimeter around corporate data. And the level of responsibility has moved from the confines of the datacenter all the way to the corporate board room.

In our next episode of Dark Reading radio, we’ll explore the challenges facing the modern CISO and the skills security leaders will need to conquer them -- today and into the future. Our guests are Jon Allen, the assistant vice president and CISO at Baylor University and Owanate Bestman, cyber security executive recruiter at Barclay Simpson.

Allen brings us the perspective of the CISO, starting with his initial IT security job at Baylor in 2003, which he grew from a one-person shop to a much larger, integrated security organization within the university system. Bestman will provide real-world advice about infosec staffing needs and trends from his work as an infosec headhunter advising CISOs, heads of security, and human resource departments. Among the topics we’ll explore:

  • How the CISO role has changed: what should be in a modern job description

  • The board room: do CISOs really have a seat at the table and what issues predominate the discussion.

  • Hiring and staff development: essential skill sets, both soft and technical

  • The technical toolbox: must know technologies versus ability to learn, think and innovate

  • Getting the word out: what users, business departments and execs don’t understand about security, and how to educate them.

I hope you'll join our show and offer your insights and opinions to the conversation. But if you missed the event, you can check out the broadcast and live chat from our Dark Reading Radio archives. 

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About the Author(s)

Marilyn Cohodas

Managing Editor, Dark Reading

Marilyn has been covering technology for business, government, and consumer audiences for over 20 years. Prior to joining UBM, Marilyn worked for nine years as editorial director at TechTarget Inc., where she launched six Websites for IT managers and administrators supporting enterprise Windows platforms and technologies.

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