Developing Security-Focused Leadership

After years of leading security through scaling challenges, I'm sharing the mental models that have worked really well for me! If you're a security leader, you've probably hit this wall: your team can't keep up with security review requests, compliance work is consuming everything, and the traditional playbook to hire more people isn't solving the problem. I've lived this at NASA, at startups that went through acquisitions, and now at GitLab helping secure one of the world's largest DevSecOps platforms. What I I have learned in all these years is that there's no one-size-fits-all security strategy. What works for a cloud-native startup fails spectacularly at an enterprise with decades of legacy systems. So I built something different => the Software Factory Security Framework (SF²) which is a strategic positioning model that helps security leaders figure out what's actually appropriate for their organization, not someone else's. The 60-second version:  - Two-axis model: assess your operational complexity + operational readiness  - Four strategic positions with different playbooks (not everyone needs "enterprise" security)  - Honest timelines (yes, some transformations really take 3-5 years)  - Works alongside frameworks you already use (NIST, OWASP, etc.)  - Focuses on sustainable scaling vs. endless manual work A few things I believe:  - Supply chain security became #1 priority when adversaries evolved to automated discovery at scale  - Context matters more than "best practices"  - Realistic timelines beat wishful thinking every time  - Security scales through strategic investment, not just headcount Why I'm sharing this openly: This is my personal work (not an official GitLab framework), but these mental models do inform how I approach security strategy at GitLab. I'm making it fully open source (CC BY 4.0) because I believe our industry gets stronger when we share strategic thinking, not just tactical checklists.  What I need from you:  - Read it and tell me what I got wrong  - Contribute real-world examples  - Share it with security leaders who might find it useful  - Challenge the frameworks where your experience differs This isn't finished, it's a living framework that gets better with community input. If you've scaled security at organizations from 10 to 10,000 engineers, you have perspective that can make this better. Check it out: 📖 Website: https://sf2framework.com 💻 GitLab Repo: https://lnkd.in/e56ijVTy Whether you agree or disagree with the approach, I'd love to hear from you. Security leadership is hard enough; we should help each other navigate it honestly.

→ What separates a strong security organization from a struggling one? It’s not just firewalls or fancy tools. It’s a 𝐂𝐈𝐒𝐎 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭. Here’s the 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 • Assessment and Understanding Know your environment inside out.  Identify assets, vulnerabilities, and threats before they strike. • Define Vision and Objectives Set a clear security vision aligned with business goals.  Without direction, efforts scatter. • Governance and Policies Create rules everyone trusts and follows. Policies transform security from wishful thinking into discipline. • Risk Management Prioritize what matters.  Not all risks are equal - focus resources where impact is highest. • Security Controls & Technologies Implement layered defenses smartly.  Technology is an enabler, not a silver bullet. • Incident Response and Recovery Prepare for the inevitable.  A well-drilled plan minimizes damage and rebuilds trust fast. • Awareness and Training Security is everyone’s job.  Equip your workforce with knowledge and vigilance. • Compliance and Auditing Stay ahead of regulations.  Compliance is not a burden but a foundation of credibility. • Metrics and Reporting Measure what counts.  Clear metrics drive accountability and continuous improvement. • Continuous Improvement Security is a journey, not a destination.  Iterate, adapt, and evolve relentlessly. ➡️ Stay tuned for more insights from my upcoming "𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐈𝐒𝐎 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭" Follow Vijay Banda for more insights on CISO and AI 

Cybersecurity isn’t just the responsibility of your IT department—it’s an essential part of C-suite decision-making. Executives don’t need to be technical experts to lead security initiatives, but they do need to be informed and proactive. Here’s the reality: cybersecurity threats don’t just impact data—they can: 👉 Disrupt operations 👉 Erode customer trust 👉 Lead to costly fines and regulatory scrutiny But it doesn’t have to be this way. 🛡️ Here’s what you need to know to drive cybersecurity efforts effectively as a non-technical executive: 1️⃣ Understand the Business Impact → Cybersecurity is about business continuity. Know how a breach could affect your operations, reputation, and bottom line. 2️⃣ Foster a Security-First Culture → Lead by example. Show your teams that security is a priority by making it part of your business strategy, not just an IT issue. 3️⃣ Ask the Right Questions → You don’t need to know the technical details, but ask your teams about potential risks, current vulnerabilities, and what’s being done to address them. 4️⃣ Invest in Education and Training → Ensure your teams have access to regular training on the latest cybersecurity best practices. A well-prepared workforce is your best defense. 5️⃣ Collaborate with Experts → While IT teams play a vital role, it's crucial to involve cybersecurity specialists who have the deep expertise needed to safeguard your organization. Collaborate with these experts to ensure informed decisions and comprehensive protection. 6️⃣ Prepare for the Worst → Have a detailed response plan in place and ensure it is regularly tested with a tabletop exercise at least once a year, if not more frequently. Regular testing helps your team become familiar with the process and ensures everyone knows their role when an attack occurs, reducing potential damage and improving your organization’s readiness. Cybersecurity leadership doesn’t require technical expertise—just a commitment to understanding the risks and taking informed, proactive steps. 👉 Ready to lead your company’s cybersecurity efforts with confidence? Let’s connect and discuss strategies to empower you and your organization.

The future of cybersecurity leadership isn’t about firewalls—it’s about foresight. Gone are the days when cybersecurity leaders could hide behind jargon and technical shields. The next generation of security leadership will demand more than technical know-how. It’s about vision, adaptability, and the ability to inspire trust in a world where threats evolve daily. Here’s what will set tomorrow’s cybersecurity leaders apart: - Strategic Storytelling    Translate complex risks into relatable narratives that executives and teams can act on. - Business Alignment    See security as a business enabler, not a blocker—integrate cyber strategy with overall company goals. - Empathetic Communication    Build trust by truly listening to stakeholders’ concerns and framing solutions in their language. - Crisis Calm    Lead with composure during incidents, turning chaos into coordinated action. - Continuous Learning    Stay curious. The threat landscape shifts fast—a learning mindset keeps leaders ahead. - Collaboration Champions    Break down silos. Forge partnerships across IT, HR, legal, and beyond. - Talent Builders    Mentor the next wave of cyber-defenders. Great leaders leave a legacy by lifting others. - Ethical Guardians    Prioritize transparency and responsible decision-making in every situation. - Proactive Risk Takers    Don’t wait for breaches—anticipate them. Embrace innovation, but never at the cost of security. - Diversity Advocates    Foster diverse teams for richer perspectives and more resilient defenses. The future belongs to cybersecurity leaders who lead with vision, empathy, and courage. It’s not about the loudest alarm—it’s about being the calm, trusted force that keeps the organization secure and strong. ♻️ Repost if you believe the future of security is shaped by visionary leadership. 💬 What one trait do you think tomorrow’s cybersecurity leaders must have? Drop your thoughts below! 🔗 Share this with your network to keep the conversation going! 🚀

The best security leaders I have ever worked with do these 4 things: 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗫𝗧 About 6 years into my journey at risk3sixty, I was roped into a CEO coaching program that challenged me to re-evaluate how I was spending my time. What I realized is that a lot of how I did my job came from the habits I formed as a subject matter expert rising through the ranks. Then one day I landed a leadership position and needed a whole new set of skills. That part takes work. And after working with 100s of CISOs, I think that pattern holds true. We are typically pretty good at managing the technical stuff - the stuff we spent our careers doing - but we have to form new habits around what it takes to be a good leader. Here are 4 areas that I've found might merit more of your attention: 𝟰 𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝟭. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 The best security leaders I have worked with have earned the respect and trust of their peers on the executive team. That kind of respect is earned by spending a lot of time together, the ability to add value in conversations beyond your domain, and solving hard problems together. How much time do you spend with your peers on the executive team? What are those interactions like? 𝟮. 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 The best security leaders surround themselves with quality individuals. They hire based on values, make sure the right people are in the right seat doing the right job, help people set goals in alignment with business objectives, and are a strong accountability partner. They also fire non performers for the sake of the team. How strong is your team? 𝟯. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 The best security leaders get the whole crew rowing in the same direction. They are crystal clear about the business's objectives, create security objectives in alignment with the business, and set individual goals in alignment too. Does your team understand how what they do everyday aligns with the broader organization's goals? 𝟰. 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 The best security leaders I have ever worked with have done such a good job building culture that it exists whether they are in the room or not. It trickles down through their directors and managers and is visible from things like engagement during meetings to vulnerability scan SLAs. What does your team's performance say about your culture?

A recent cyberattack on a state-owned company made me reflect on how counterproductive public shaming is when it comes to national cybersecurity. I’ve seen waves of criticism on social media, blaming the organization for poor protection — but let’s be honest: cyberattacks can hit anyone. No company or system is fully immune, especially in wartime. And the enemy we face is shared. Criticizing victims doesn’t help. What we need is to learn from incidents, share cybersecurity expertise with public institutions, and elevate security to a strategic level to build resilience across all sectors. As a cybersecurity entrepreneur and practitioner, I want to share the three most practical recommendations for business leaders to improve their organization’s cyber readiness. Save this list — it’s something to return to and build on. 1. Integrate Security Expertise at the Executive Level Cybersecurity used to be the domain of CISOs and IT. Today, it’s a core business risk like financial risk. Executives — CEOs, CFOs, and Boards — are now directly accountable. Making cybersecurity a leadership priority helps organizations act proactively and embed security into strategic decisions, not just technical ones. In 2022, the U.S. SEC proposed requiring public companies to have a cybersecurity expert on the board. The final rule dropped that mandate, but companies must still disclose their leadership’s cyber expertise. This reflects a broader shift — cyber is now a compliance issue, not just an operational one. 2. Develop Organization-Wide Cybersecurity Capabilities As threats become more AI-driven and socially engineered, cybersecurity can’t stay siloed in IT. It must involve the whole organization — employees, partners, even customers. Managing cyber risk now demands cross-functional collaboration: legal, compliance, HR, comms, finance, supply chain. Awareness training should be tailored to roles and real scenarios. Stanford research shows that 88% of breaches are caused by human error. Regular training prepares teams to act fast and stay focused when every second matters. 3. Prepare Clear Incident Response Protocols During an attack, there’s no time to plan. You need a ready-to-run protocol, covering communication, containment, and recovery. Build a response team that includes technical, legal, comms, and executive leads. This group must coordinate actions in the first critical hours. Clear protocols reduce panic and keep teams focused under pressure. At CyberUnit.Tech, we help businesses build lasting cyber readiness through hands-on training, strategic guidance, response planning, and full-scope audits. Our mission is to make cybersecurity clear and practical for everyone, and to help teams build a culture where security informs daily decisions — not just emergency responses. Cybersecurity is no longer just technical. It must shape leadership and be embedded into how every modern organization operates — public or private.

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐃𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩? You're investing the time to provide great risk assessments, only to be met with blank stares from the boardroom? Truth bomb time: Security language does not drive decisions. Business implications do. I once reviewed a report that explained: "𝟭𝟱 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗤𝟮." It was accurate, but 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔. We adjusted the wording to say: ➡️ "𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 $120𝑲 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒗𝒖𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔.". With that one sentence, we were able to get: ✅ Budget approval immediately ✅ A buzz at the executive level ✅ Better cross-functional support 📌 Pro tip every report should be in their language " 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌, 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒚" not just our language. When security changes from being a compliance element to being a risk-informed business enabler, it is no longer a sideline topic and tabled as part of the strategy. 💬 How do you distill your granular technical insights to the executive language? How do you work to translate? #SecurityLeadership #BusinessContinuity #RiskReporting #SecurityLeadership

10 books that transformed my cybersecurity leadership journey and life in ways no certification ever could. I'm constantly asked about the books I cherish the most - here's my decade-tested list: ‣ Extreme Ownership - Taught me accountability starts with me, not my team, transforming how I handle security incidents. ‣ How to Be Free: An Ancient Guide to the Stoic Life - Equipped me to maintain composure during breaches when everyone else panics. ‣ How to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk - Revolutionized how I quantify threats and communicate ROI to executives. ‣ Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk - Provided historical context that helps me frame cybersecurity as risk management, not fear-mongering. ‣ Word Power Made Easy - Enhanced my ability to articulate complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders. ‣ Never Split the Difference - Negotiation techniques that secured budget increases when traditional justifications failed. ‣ The Culture Map - Essential wisdom for security leaders managing global teams with different communication styles. ‣ Meditations - Ancient wisdom that grounds me during constant industry disruption. ‣ The Lean Product Playbook - Methodology I applied to build agile security programs that adapt to evolving threats. ‣ The Culture Code - Blueprint for creating security teams where psychological safety enables transparent incident reporting. Technical knowledge matters, but leadership wisdom transforms security careers. Want to cultivate a strategic security mindset? → Join 1000+ cybersecurity leaders developing executive-level thinking with my weekly 10-minute read. View my newsletter at the top of this post.

The Power of Servant Leadership in Cybersecurity and Beyond Leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about service. In cybersecurity, we often talk about defending against threats, mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance. But true leadership—whether in security or any other field—isn’t just about managing controls and enforcing policies. It’s about empowering people to succeed and that’s where servant leadership comes in. Servant leadership flips the traditional model on its head. Instead of focusing on command and control, it prioritizes listening, supporting, and enabling teams to do their best work. It’s about removing obstacles, fostering growth, and creating an environment where innovation thrives. One of the most valuable lessons I learned about servant leadership came from my mentor and first cybersecurity manager, Ramon Iturrioz. His approach shaped my leadership philosophy and continues to influence how I lead today: 🔹 Lead with Empathy – Understand the challenges your team faces and create a culture of psychological safety. 🔹 Empower, Don’t Micromanage – Equip your team with the tools, trust, and autonomy they need to excel. 🔹 Develop Future Leaders – Invest in mentorship and knowledge-sharing to cultivate the next generation of leaders. 🔹 Stay Accountable – Own failures, celebrate successes, and continuously seek improvement. As CISOs, our role isn’t just about protecting digital assets—it’s about building strong, resilient teams that can navigate complexity with confidence. When we put our people first, the results speak for themselves: stronger teams, better decision-making, and a more engaged workforce. I’d love to hear how has servant leadership made an impact in your team and organization? #ServantLeadership #Cybersecurity #Leadership #TeamSuccess