Global cyber leader Natalia Oropeza works as chief cyber security officer for Siemens, seen here speaking at Web Summit 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal. Much like Randori’s Wolpoff, Oropeza believes that the best CISOs understand the strategy and objectives of the company. (Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile for Web Summit via Getty Images)

As someone regularly hired to lead red-team engagements that hack into Fortune 500 organizations, I’ve had the opportunity to work with – and go up against – many different types of security leaders. Some are technical, others thrive on adrenaline. Some dig deep into the weeds, and still others prefer the C-suite. Each type brings something unique to the table. Over my long career breaking into companies as a red team leader, I’ve found that the most formidable CISOs share five critical traits:

1. Protect their crown jewels.

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