Insights from a Cyber Security Interview

Yesterday, I found myself answering what many would consider Information Security 101: explaining the CIA Triad. Now, I'm in the running for a Director-level role at a FinTech company. One might think this question is too elementary for someone at my career stage. And sure, I could take offense, or just give a textbook definition and move on. 🌟 Here's what I did instead: In confidentially, it's about giving our customers the peace of mind that their financial data and investment choices are protected and private. In integrity, we're ensuring transactions are executed correctly, investment algorithms function as intended, and financial records are impeccable. In availability, we're providing continuous access to our customer's financial world. People expect to manage funds, make payments, and trade stocks whether it's midday or midnight. The CIA Triad is our blueprint for creating a platform that's not just secure, but also reliable and deserving of our customer's trust. 🌟 At this point, the interviewer stopped me and said, "we've never had a candidate explain the CIA Triad like this, with our company in mind." ✨ Sometimes, the most 'basic' questions are the ones that let you shine. You can use those opportunities to show not just what you know, but how you think -- and how you'll add value to the company. That's how you sell yourself folks! #CyberSecurity #InfoSec #Fundamentals #FinTech

From recent conversations with CISOs on AI and cybersecurity, it’s apparent that three priorities are emerging for security leaders: 1. Securing the Organization's Use of AI: As AI technologies become integral to decision-making processes, data analysis, and overall operational efficiency, safeguarding these systems against potential threats and vulnerabilities is paramount. This involves implementing robust policies and processes, access controls, and continuous monitoring of AI models to mitigate risks. 2. Leveraging AI within the Security Group: Second is the need for security groups to actively incorporate AI into their own security operations. ML has been around for some time, and been effective for sifting signal from noise. But what is promising are new AI-driven tools to enhance threat detection, incident response, and overall cybersecurity posture. The number one tool I hear security organizations are looking at is Microsoft CoPilot. I don’t have direct experience with it, but it feels like Microsoft is underplaying their hand here and taking a slow and cautious approach. This is an area with a lot of potential for many years to come. 3. Anticipating Adversarial Use of AI: CISOs are increasingly concerned about how adversaries may leverage AI for malicious purposes. The importance of staying vigilant and proactive in anticipating how threat actors might deploy AI in cyberattacks. This involves constant threat intelligence gathering, adopting AI-driven threat modeling, and implementing advanced defenses that can counteract adversarial AI techniques. Perhaps most important is increasing education and training of employees to identify these threats. While there are a lot of questions on how to address these challenges, the sources of information still seem limited. Collaboration between security professionals, AI experts, and industry stakeholders is essential. How professional share best practices, staying informed about emerging threats, and investing in AI-specific security measures will be key to fortifying organizations against evolving cyber risks. What other AI cybersecurity priorities do you see organizations taking on? #AIsecurity #Cybersecurity #CISOInsights #FutureofSecurity #AI #CISO #cyber 

Want to ace that ICS/OT cyber security job interview? Here are 10 questions you should be prepared for. Special thanks to Arely Loya for helping me build this list! 1. Do you come from an IT cyber security or OT/automation background? Some hiring managers will have their preference. Don't let your path stop you from applying for a position you want! 2. Do you have experience as an internal employee and/or in consulting? More of your background comes into play depending on where you're applying. *Arely Note* "Consultancies will ask scenario-based questions around manpower, hours, and scope. For example, if a client has this, how many people will you need to support you, how long will it take, and what skillsets do you bring to the table." 3. What verticals or sectors have you worked in? Use your background to sell yourself. If you don't have the background they're looking for, sell your passion. 4. What ICS/OT systems do you have experience with? -> Siemens PLC? -> Unitronics HMI? -> Honeywell DCS? -> The list goes on and on... 5. How involved have you been in IT/OT convergence? Convergence plays a major role in ICS/OT cyber security today. Skills working with and securing converged networks are big selling points! 6. What are common threats to ICS/OT networks today? -> Insider threats? -> Bored employees? -> Criminal operations? -> Ransomware groups? -> Nation-state operators? Be very familiar with the current threat landscape. Especially those threats targeting the entity you're interviewing with! And if you interview with a company that publishes their own threat reports... Make sure to know them inside and out! 7. What are the top 5 ways you would defend our ICS/OT network? -> Backup and recovery -> Incident response planning -> Network security monitoring -> Secure network infrastructure -> Continuous vulnerability management How would you protect the entity you're interviewing for? 8. Which ICS/OT (and IT) cyber security certifications do you have? SANS GRID or GICSP? ISA 62443? Or? Certs can help demonstrate your knowledge and dedication. 9. Why are you looking for a new role? Be open, honest and upfront in your answer. 10. Why do you want to work for our company? Know what the company's mission is and what they do. Understand what their ICS/OT environment creates. And then know your WHY before you go in for your interview. If you aren't able to answer some of these questions... Don't be discouraged! Use them as a roadmap to grow your knowledge and experience. And then go nail that interview! If you're not working with a recruiter like Arely today, be sure to find one. Recruiters can help you understand the current market. Not only that, but can help you find the best fit for you. And help you understand how to get there!

Cybersecurity Insights from the 5 and 5 Series with Ashwin Krishnan & Kevin Gowen, CISO at Synovus! 🌟 Key Takeaways: > Kevin delves into the intricacies of demonstrating the ROI on security investments, underscoring the importance of articulating risks and impacts in business terms. A direct calculation may be complex, but it’s vital! > The evolving integration of third-party bodies and open-source components is a cybersecurity challenge. Kevin advises focusing on managing this ecosystem and employing technology to oversee integrated systems. > Assessing the maturity of security programs and staying ahead of emerging threats is crucial. Understanding the cyber risk component is fundamental for business decision-making and investment prioritization. These insights are indispensable for organizations aiming to fortify their cybersecurity posture and make informed business decisions. Be sure to watch the full video for a deeper dive into these invaluable insights and strategies! Video: https://lnkd.in/gPZDHggR ___________________________ Hey, CISOs! Let's elevate your cybersecurity career: 🔒Follow the National Technology Security Coalition for more industry insights 🌐Join NTSC today to get exclusive access to briefings, updates, and events with CISOs, policymakers, lawmakers, and experts leading the national cybersecurity policy discussion Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/exi-px3b ___________________________ #Cybersecurity #CISO #Technology #Security #Business

After listening countless cybersecurity interviews, I keep seeing the same mistakes tank great candidates. Here are the pitfalls that matter most: Speaking Pure Tech Instead of Business: When asked about implementing zero-trust, don't just ramble about VLANs and mTLS. Interviewers want to know you can translate tech to business impact. Lead with "This prevents lateral movement attacks like the MGM breach that cost $100M" before diving into technical details. The "I Work Well With Others" Cop-Out: Security requires collaboration. Saying you're a team player isn't enough! Bring specific stories about resolving conflicts with developers or turning security skeptics into champions. Use STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples. Having an Answer for Everything: Senior interviewers throw curveballs to test your thinking. "I haven't seen that exact scenario, but based on similar situations..." beats pretending you know everything. Intellectual humility signals experience. Generic "Why This Company?" Responses: "Passion for security" won't cut it. Research their recent incidents, security initiatives, or industry challenges. Show you understand their specific landscape and how you'd add value. Quick Soft Skill Killers: - Blaming former employers for security failures - Not asking thoughtful questions - Being inflexible about "the only right way" - Can't demonstrate recent learning Practice explaining your last three projects to a non-technical friend. If they understand the value and your role, you're interview-ready. Technical skills get you in the room. Communication and collaboration get you the job. What interview mistakes have you witnessed? #Cybersecurity #InterviewTips #InfoSec #CareerAdvice #Hiring