Balancing Integrity and Sales: The Dual Role of Field CISOs | CISO Circuit Series: Episode 5 with Black Hat USA 2024 Event Coverage | Michael Piacente and Sean Martin on the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast

About the CISO Circuit Series

Sean Martin and Michael Piacente will join forces roughly once per month to discuss everything from looking for a new job, entering the field, finding the right work/life balance, examining the risks and rewards in the role, building and supporting your team, the value of the community, relevant newsworthy items, and so much more. Join us to help us understand the role of the CISO so that we can collectively find a path to Redefining CyberSecurity. If you have a topic idea or a comment on an episode, feel free to contact Sean Martin.

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Guest: Michael Piacente, Managing Partner and Cofounder of Hitch Partners

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/michael-piacente

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Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/sean-martin

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Episode Notes

In the latest episode of the CISO Circuit Series on the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast, Sean Martin and Michael Piacente join forces in Las Vegas during the Black Hat USA 2024 Conference to engage in an insightful conversation about the evolving role of the Field CISO. Sean Martin is joined by Michael Piacente, Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Hitch Partners, as they dissect the significance and responsibilities of Field CISOs in today's cybersecurity landscape.

A primary focus of the episode is understanding what a Field CISO actually entails. Michael Piacente explains that the role of Field CISO varies widely across organizations, but it generally falls into two categories: customer engagement and sales enablement. Companies might hire Field CISOs to build operational risk assessments and customer relationships, or to drive the technical sales process. For instance, Field CISOs play a pivotal role in product companies by acting as trusted advisors who help communicate complex technical topics in a digestible manner to potential clients.

Michael also highlights key attributes that make a Field CISO successful, such as genuine cybersecurity experience, deep technical knowledge, a reputable name in the community, and robust networking skills. Successful Field CISOs can seamlessly transition between discussing technical details and broader strategic goals with stakeholders. Their role often includes influencing product development by bringing practical insights from customers back to the engineering teams.

One crucial point raised during the discussion is the integrity and trustworthiness required for a Field CISO. Sean and Michael emphasize that maintaining trust within the CISO community is paramount. Field CISOs should avoid crossing lines between promotional activities and genuine advisory roles. They assert that integrity and transparency remain foremost in these roles, as they are often looked to for unbiased, independent advice.

Another topic discussed is how organizations should approach hiring for the Field CISO role. Michael Piacente points out the importance of setting clear expectations, understanding the balance between operational duties and sales enablement, and ensuring that the Field CISO is genuinely aligned with the company's mission and capable of maintaining community trust.

Overall, this episode sheds light on the nuanced nature of the Field CISO role, providing valuable insights for both aspiring Field CISOs and organizations looking to hire one. As the role continues to evolve, Michael and Sean underscore the need for a thoughtful approach to defining responsibilities and fostering an environment where integrity and expertise thrive.

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Follow our Black Hat USA 2024 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/black-hat-usa-2024-hacker-summer-camp-2024-event-coverage-in-las-vegas

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Resources

Learn more about Black Hat USA 2024: https://www.blackhat.com/us-24/

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