The Critical Need for CISO-CIO Synergy in Cybersecurity and Business Leadership | CISO Circuit Series: Episode 4 with Betsy Bevilacqua | 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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Guests:

Michael Piacente, Managing Partner and Cofounder of Hitch Partners

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

Betsy Bevilacqua, Co-Founder and Business Strategy Lead, Tabiri Analytics [@tabirianalytics]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsybevilacqua/

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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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This Episode’s Sponsors

Imperva | https://itspm.ag/imperva277117988

Pentera | https://itspm.ag/penteri67a

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Episode Notes

The latest episode of the CISO Circuit Series, part of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast on ITSPmagazine, brought together prominent figures in the cybersecurity industry, Michael Piacente, co-founder of Hitch Partners, and special guest Betsy Bevilacqua, a seasoned security professional with a rich background in both operational and information security realms. The discussion, led by Sean Martin, took a drive through the evolving world of cybersecurity within businesses and the intricate relationship between the CIO and CSO/CISO roles.

The episode kicked off with Michael Piacente sharing insights into the convergence of the CIO and CISO functions, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities this blend presents. The evolution of these roles reflects broader changes within companies, influenced by industry, size, and the maturity of their cybersecurity journey. Following, Betsy Bevilacqua offered a deeply personal account of her career trajectory, which traversed diverse sectors—from her early days in the data center and help desk roles to leadership positions at eBay, Facebook, and her entrepreneurial ventures. Bevilacqua’s narrative underscored the multifaceted nature of cybersecurity work, highlighting its essential role in enabling businesses to expand safely and successfully.

The conversation also touched on the crucial, yet often overlooked, partnership between CIOs and CISOs/CSOs. Betsy illustrated this with examples from her career, explaining how strategic alignment and collaboration between these roles are pivotal in safeguarding a company's digital assets while supporting its growth objectives. Whether in a startup or a large corporation, the synergy between IT operations and security strategy paves the way for innovation and efficient risk management.

Lastly, the dialogue also turned towards future directions in cybersecurity. Both guests agreed on the importance of listening, adaptability, and the human element in navigating the complexities of today's digital landscape. As businesses continue to grapple with emerging threats and the integration of new technologies, the role of cybersecurity leadership is ever more critical.

This episode of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast not only highlights the professional journeys and insights of Michael Piacente and Betsy Bevilacqua but also sheds light on the broader implications of cybersecurity in business strategy and operations. Furthermore, it underscores the need for open dialogue, cross-functional collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership in tackling the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow.

Key Questions Addressed

• How does the convergence of CIO and CISO roles affect business strategy and cybersecurity practices? • What operational and cultural challenges do cybersecurity leaders face in their organizations? • How can businesses effectively scale cybersecurity practices in response to rapid growth and technological advancements?

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Resources

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