In a climate of escalating cyber threats, CISOs are under a persistent glaring spotlight. It is no surprise then that consistent data highlights how the average CISO feels like an outlier.

In the boardroom pressure is mounting, while team satisfaction drops and expectations continue to shift. A recent World Economic Forum survey notes an even more troubling fact- today there is a 4 million global deficit of cybersecurity professionals. Meanwhile nation state actors from China, Iran, Sudan, and Russia continue to take advantage of these labor shortages to our detriment.

Yet, CISOs face numerous challenges beyond this. From crippling burnout, to stress, to thinning budgets- there is a lingering feeling that cybersecurity leaders need shelter.

It is rather welcome then that “The Essential CISO Primer,” a new CISO guide, by cybersecurity firm CybelAngel, is here to help for these reasons. Packed with interviews from industry titans (including S.C. Johnson and Cushman & Wakefield), it aims to give hope and possibilities for every leader.

Why do even performant CISOs need fresh guidance?

So, why is now the time to make changes to how you navigate the main pillars of your role?

Well, there are a host of reasons why even the best are overwhelmed in the job

• Ransomware attacks are surging and the pressure is crippling CISOs: Ransomware gangs are increasing how they target various sectors, including the medical field, and demanding unreasonable ransoms for data recovery.
• Increasing API vulnerabilities: As businesses integrate more applications and services, attack surface expands and put increased pressure on SOC teams.
• Geopolitical supply chain disruptions: We don’t need to explain this one, except to say that nation state hackers are increasing their targeting of U.S. companies and government institutions.
• IoT security concerns don’t let up: The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) continues to be a huge headache for CISOs.
• AI-Powered automation: AI weaponization is sophisticated and scary for the sheer scale of its possibilities.

Many CISOs live deep in the echo chamber. But it is beyond time for fresh guidance amid persistent doom and gloom.

Top CISOs share advice for your biggest priorities

"The CISO Primer" Ebook is just that, a primer for new or seasoned CISOs. It features insights from prominent cybersecurity experts who share interesting and non traditional tips of how they approach their scopes and planning.

Looking for advice on the key pillars of your role that are crucial for effective cybersecurity management?

Here is what it is specifically tackles:

1. Maintaining every excellence: Everyday obstacles management is all about balance but how do you get there?
2. Transforming processes, visions, and strategies: Adapting to new ‘threatscapes’ requires more than threat intelligence but really a willingness to innovate and rethink your approach/
3. Reporting to the board and beyond external stakeholders: Your board mighten understand you, so how do you cut through the noise and avoid making them nervous?

Get a look behind closed doors at how great leaders work

It is always reassuring to go backstage. Lean into shared insights as cyber leaders from various sectors share their take on:

• Improving collaboration with CFOs and CIOs: Alignment, communication and how do you get there.
• Hunting for talent and obtaining excellent retention: Talent shortages don’t just affect you., Learn approaches to better attract and retain your next hires in this cold cyber climate.
• Mitigating cloud security risks: It is all every CISO wants to talk about and these experts agree. So, find out how you prioritize this moving forward.
• Becoming more agile with your strategies: Can you achieve flexibility without compromising security? What does that look like in 2024?
• Optimizing tool stacks: Selecting and maintaining the right mix of tools is trending, and tool consolidation is an outlook to get behind.
• Effective metric reporting: KPIS that are audience adaptable are all the rage. So, what ways can you do just that in a technical and non technical environment?
• Budgeting best practices: Navigating budget constraints while ensuring adequate funding for security measures is always an ongoing conversation. Up skill for your next one.

Download CybelAngel’s "The Essential CISO Primer" now

If you want to reformat how you approach challenges and solutions at work,"The Essential CISO Primer" is a wealth of information in one sole guide.

The urgency to keep up with every facet of your role is a shared pain- so learn how you can better excel in a climate of cyber crisis with this guide.

Download "The Essential CISO Primer" here.