Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

Cybersecurity is no longer a technical blocker but a strategic business priority crucial to survival. The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is at the forefront of this transformation. Beyond being the technologist overseeing the development and implementation of security strategies, CISOs are multifaceted leaders, managers, and communicators responsible for allocating budgets, managing teams, and translating complex security concepts into actionable strategies.

In this week’s episode of The Future of Security Operations podcast, I'm joined by Josh Lemos, CISO at GitLab. Throughout his 15-year career in security, Josh has led teams at ServiceNow, Cylance, and Square. Known for his expertise in AI-driven security strategies, Josh is also a board member with HiddenLayer. He drives innovation at GitLab with a relentless focus on offensive security, identity management, and automation. Josh and I discuss.

In today’s digitally driven world, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern, it’s a business imperative. Enter the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): the executive responsible for overseeing an organisation’s information and cybersecurity strategy. From managing threats and risks to ensuring compliance and resilience, a CISO is critical in protecting a company’s digital assets and reputation.

Zero-day vulnerabilities are the new normal in cybersecurity. In 2023 alone, more than 100 high-profile zero-day incidents were reported. Despite the early warning signs, major corporations and government agencies, from giants like Google and Cisco to the U.S. Government, continue to be blindsided by zero-day threats into 2025. In December 2024, for example, the U.S.

84% of board directors acknowledge cyber risk as a business risk, according to Gartner’s 2024 Board of Directors Survey (subscription required). Yet, many CISOs still find it difficult to secure enough support and resources to drive cybersecurity initiatives forward. What CISOs need most to obtain sufficient backing from the board are tools that convey cybersecurity issues effectively.

You’ve done the work—mapped the risks, built the roadmap, secured the right tools. But when it’s time to face the board, the conversation stalls. Not because you’re wrong. Because you’re speaking a different language. Boards don’t operate in threat models and tech stacks. They operate in risk, revenue, and accountability. And if you want their support, you need to meet them there.

A Cybersecurity Warrior Leader is a term that combines the concepts of leadership and expertise in the field of cybersecurity with the mindset and traits of a warrior. These individuals function as CISOs and vCISOs in project and operational roles leading programs, initiatives, teams, and organizations in defending against cyber threats, while exhibiting key qualities associated with warriors, such as strategic thinking, resilience, and a strong sense of duty.

Every year, companies across industries breathe a collective sigh of relief when the auditors give the thumbs-up. The SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS – pick your acronym – get ticked off, and it’s back to business. But let’s be honest: how often does that success feel earned? More than a few security and compliance teams have walked out of an audit room with relief, not pride.