A few decades ago, we advanced information security with a simple phrase: "the Internet is bad, a firewall is good." We linked the dangers of connecting to others online with a simple method of protecting our companies.
Now our ever-changing networks face dynamic, evolving threats. The stakes are higher. The visibility is greater. And the answers to our challenges aren't handled by a piece of equipment or a simple solution. It requires the buy-in and support of others.
The role of the CISO continues to evolve.
As it does, the need for strong leadership and powerful communication is essential. To address this challenge, the CISO Executive Summit at InfoSec World 2016 is now the CISO Leadership Summit, with a renewed focus on serving and advancing security leaders who are more than figureheads. Many CISO-focused events are just smaller, exclusive versions of larger events; the talk topics are the same but with “CISO” and “executive” thrown in for good measure. Is the CISO’s job really the same as that of a security engineer or architect? It’s not, and the specific skills and requirements of the CISO’s role should really be the focus of any CISO event.
A one-day summit reimagined from the CISO perspective
Security leaders face pressures no other leader in the organization has—challenges other leaders don’t or can’t understand. Managing this landscape requires specific experience and know-how, so this year’s event is tailored to those distinct needs.
To get it right, first we brought together a group of security leaders, people who attended previous CISO summits. Over a few sessions, we identified what worked in the past and needed to continue. Then we discussed the changing landscape of security leadership and what the participants said they needed.
From those conversations, we designed a single day focused on the top challenges expressed by the group: the needs of trust, leadership, and communication. Each section will include hands-on exercises and time to practice with other attendees, since networking and learning from one another was key a request for the day.
The Leadership Summit will be a day to come together, learn from each other, and leave energized to make a difference.
Practical insights with hands on opportunities
Industry conferences are great opportunities to learn from others, explore the latest developments, and discover new solutions. This summit is an opportunity to work a bit deeper, to focus on three key areas and gain hands-on experience in a closed-door environment:
- Trust. Engage in a workshop to build trust with other security leaders. It's packaged so you can bring it back and use it to build trust with the people and partners of your organization.
- Leadership. Learn about leading in challenging situations with Colonel Jill Morgenthaler. Boost your courage to lead the change security needs.
- Communication. Learn the structure of communication that gets you to the substance people need. Practice explaining it in a way they understand.
More than a chance to network
Conferences are often known for their “hallway track.” The opportunity to talk with others between the sessions. Making friends and solving problems over dinner and drinks.
The CISO Leadership Summit is an opportunity to do more than network. It’s also a chance for structured discussions of major challenges. Emphasis is placed on understanding the context and exploring the solutions. We will embrace the mindset necessary for success by laying out steps each of us can take when we get back to work.
Consider it the start of the conversation. Of something bigger than a chance meeting. A purposeful investment in your success as a security leader.
Discover something other than Disney in Orlando
The future belongs to the security professionals with exceptional leadership and strong communication skills. Combined with a mindset for success, we can encourage the security change we need.
Join us in Orlando on April 3, 2016 to kick off InfoSec World on a powerful footing. Take a day in a setting known for delightful entertainment and remarkable experiences and use it to transform the way you lead your organization. Tap into the expertise required of tomorrow’s security leader, and start implementing those capabilities today.
Engage in an experience of your own. Focus on what you need to continue your security leadership journey. Leave inspired and prepared to make a difference.
About the author:Michael Santarcangelo develops exceptional leaders and powerful communicators with the security mindset for success. As the founder of Security Catalyst, he draws on two decades of experience bringing together and working academia, government, and industry to advance security. Focused on elevating and advancing other leaders, Michael shares insights as a published author and contributing editor for CSO Magazine. His work is focused on guiding leaders and teams on the best next step of their journey. Michael will be leading the CISO Leadership Summit that precedes InfoSec World 2016.
