Description
Book SynopsisThe book takes readers though a series of security and risk discussions based on real-life experiences. While the experience story may not be technical, it will relate specifically to a value or skill critical to being a successful CISO. The core content is organized into ten major chapters, each relating to a Rule of Information Security developed through a career of real life experiences. The elements are selected to accelerate the development of CISO skills critical to success. Each segments clearly calls out lessons learned and skills to be developed. The last segment of the book addresses presenting security to senior execs and board members, and provides sample content and materials.
Trade ReviewAs a CISO, I approached Gene's book with caution. Put two such people in a room and ask them a question, and an argument will inevitably ensue - even if they agree. Therefore, and as you might expect, I found some of Gene's conclusions to differ from mine. But what really stood out to me is how, even as I was having these arguments play out inside my head, I seemed to also be adopting an almost imperceptible yet constant nod. I could not help but enjoy reading his thoughtful analysis of every information security topic that he chooses to tackle, and his ability to tie everything together in an easy-to-understand, clear and logical fashion is highly appreciated and sorely needed in the industry.
Then, as I continued my journey through Gene's carefully laid-out thoughts and explanations, personal experiences, war stories, and insightful advice, it became apparent that this is far more than merely an instructional book into the many aspects of managing information security. Indeed, for anyone who is interested in advancing their career in the field, this book offers countless tools that can be followed to success, in every area. Just the chapter "NEVER trust and ALWAYS verify" is itself worth the price of admission.
Consume it slowly, and give it the attention it deserves, and Gene's book will repay you for it in spades. You may not follow his exact path, but whatever path you take, his guidance will certainly help you forward.
-- Barak Engel, CISO and author of Why CISOs Fail: The Missing Link in Security Management--and How to Fix It
Table of ContentsList of Figures
List of Tables
Prologue
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Author
Section I INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY
1 Introduction: The Journey
2 Learning from History?
3 My First CISO Lesson: The Squirrel
Section II THE RULES AND INDUSTRY DISCUSSION
4 A Weak Foundation Amplifies Risk
5 If a Bad Guy Tricks You into Running His Code on Your Computer, It’s Not Your Computer Anymore
6 There’s Always a Bad Guy Out There Who’s Smarter, More Knowledgeable, or Better-Equipped Than You
7 Know the Enemy, Think Like the Enemy
8 Know the Business, Not Just the Technology
9 Technology Is Only One-Third of Any Solution
10 Every Organization Must Assume Some Risk
11 When Preparation Meets Opportunity, Excellence Happens
12 There Are Only Two Kinds of Organizations: Those That Know They’ve Been Compromised and Those That Don’t Know Yet
13 In Information Security, Just Like in Life, Evolution Is Always Preferable to Extinction
14 A Security Culture Is In Place When Talk Is Replaced with Action
15 NEVER Trust and ALWAYS Verify
Section III SUMMARY
16 My Best Advice for New CISOs
Appendix A: The Written Information Security Plan
Appendix B: Talking to the Board
Appendix C: Establishing an Incident Response Program
Appendix D: Sample High-Level Risk Assessment Methodology
