About the Book
A CISO is the ultimate guardian of an organization's digital assets. As a cybersecurity leader ,a CISO must possess a unique balance of executive leadership, technical knowledge, strategic vision, and effective communication skills. The ever-evolving cyberthreat landscape demands a resilient, proactive approach coupled with a keen ability to anticipate attack angles and implement protective security mechanisms. Simultaneously, a cybersecurity leader must navigate the complexities of balancing security requirements with business objectives, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.
The CISO Playbook aims to provide nothing but real-world advice and perspectives to both up-and-coming cybersecurity leaders as well as existing ones looking to grow. The book does not approach cybersecurity leadership from the perspective of the academic, or what it should be, but more from that which it really is. Moreover, it focuses on the many things a cybersecurity leader needs to “be” given that the role is dynamic and ever-evolving, requiring a high level of adaptability.
A CISO's career is touched from many differing angles, by many different people and roles. A healthy selection of these entities, from executive recruiters to salespeople to venture capitalists, is included to provide real-world value to the reader. To augment these, the book covers many areas that a cybersecurity leader needs to understand, from the pre-interview stage to the first quarter and from security operations to the softer skills such as storytelling and communications.
The book wraps up with a focus on techniques and knowledge areas, such as financial literacy, that are essential for a CISO to be effective. Other important areas, such as understanding the adversaries' mindset and self-preservation, are covered as well. A credo is provided as an example of the documented commitment a cybersecurity leader must make and remain true to.
Table of Contents:
Foreword. Preface. About the Author. Special Contributors. Acknowledgments. 1. Be the Candidate. 2. Be a Student of the Business. 3. Be a Builder. 4. Be a Risk Manager. 5. Be an Operator. 6. Be a First Responder. 7. Be a Team Lead. 8. Be an Executive Leader. 9. Be a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Advocate. 10. Be a Measurer. 11. Be a Communicator. 12. Be a Vendor Manager/Negotiator. 13. Be an Effective CISO. Index.
About the Author :
Andres Andreu, the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Hearst and a renowned cybersecurity leader, holds prestigious credentials including CISSP and ISSAP and is a Boardroom Certified Qualified Technology Expert (QTE). With a diverse career traversing federal government, corporate sectors, and entrepreneurial ventures in cybersecurity, he is a mentor, startup advisor, and an acclaimed author.
Review :
"The CISO Playbook," by Andres Andreu, is a must-read for any aspiring or current Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) aiming to elevate their strategic impact within an organization. Andres expertly delves into the multifaceted roles a CISO can fill in business today. Particularly commendable is the book’s focus on being a student of the business — articulating a vision for proactive cybersecurity measures that align seamlessly with an organization’s corporate goals. As mentioned, the second standout feature of this guide is its in-depth exploration of the different roles a CISO can have, and I found I identified with many of them throughout my career. The author highlights how CISOs can transform cybersecurity from a technical necessity to a strategic asset, thereby enhancing their stature and influence within the company. This narrative is not just informative but also serves as a compelling blueprint for CISOs to enhance their influence and leadership in any corporate landscape.
Gary Hayslip, Global CISO - SoftBank Investment Advisers
This is the book that every aspiring CISO wishes they had when they first embarked on their path to earn the CISO title. In this book “The CISO Playbook”, Andres provides a roadmap for the aspiring CISO to evaluate an organization, craft plans and strategies, establish organizational alignment, identify key risks, orient to the culture, and build and operate a well-structured security program. Going well beyond the basics, Andres provides a framework for becoming an inspiring security leader who sets a clear vision and mission and empowers people to grow and shine in their areas of expertise. In a business climate that is often volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous, Andres provides practical insight, wisdom, and guidance in a way that only a seasoned CISO, who has been there and done that, can do. This book is a treasure trove for the aspiring or established CISO who wants to take their game to the next level.
Alfredo Hickman, CISO - Obsidian Security
Reality check. Readiness check. This is a real world and comprehensive “CISO 101” and more. Great guidance that is very well organized.
David McLeod, 4 time CISO, QTE, Advisor
In “The CISO Playbook”, seasoned, serial CISO Andres Andreu provides comprehensive and pragmatic guidance on how to navigate the ever changing complexities and opportunities rife with this challenging and critical role. Concise, candid, and clear, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in better understanding how to think and act like a CISO, in futureproofing their organizations, and in being a more effective leader overall.
Tanya Loh, CMO - Forgepoint Capital
"The CISO Playbook" by Andres Andreu is an essential guide and a key “vademecum” for cybersecurity leaders, both experienced and aspiring professionals, offering a rich blend of practical insights and real-world experiences. Andreu moves beyond theoretical concepts, presenting a realistic portrayal of the multifaceted role of a Chief Information Security Officer. The book is particularly valuable for early career CISOs, emphasizing the importance of balancing technical expertise with strategic vision and effective communication. Andreu skillfully incorporates perspectives from various industry stakeholders, providing a comprehensive view that enhances the book's practical relevance. By addressing key stages in a CISO's career - from pre-interview preparation to mastering financial literacy and understanding adversaries - Andreu equips readers with the tools needed to thrive in a continually evolving digital landscape.”
Michelangelo Sidagni, CTO - NopSec
The CISO Playbook is a comprehensive and insightful guide that goes beyond cybersecurity leadership to offer valuable strategies on executive decision-making, risk management, and organizational alignment. While primarily written for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), the book is a must-read for anyone in the C-suite or professionals who engage with security leadership, including risk managers, IT leaders, and compliance officers.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its practical approach to key leadership functions such as interviewing, vendor management, and measuring security effectiveness. The book provides structured frameworks for evaluating talent, selecting and managing third-party vendors, and establishing meaningful metrics to gauge cybersecurity performance. These sections alone make it an essential resource for leaders looking to build strong, resilient security programs.
What sets The CISO Playbook apart is its real-world applicability—it doesn’t just focus on technical aspects but also emphasizes business alignment, communication strategies, and executive leadership. It offers valuable insights on how security leaders can effectively communicate risk to the board, align security goals with business objectives, and drive a security-conscious culture across the organization.
Overall, The CISO Playbook is a highly recommended read not just for CISOs, but for anyone involved in executive leadership, security governance, or corporate risk management. Its practical insights, strategic frameworks, and actionable advice make it a valuable asset for leaders navigating today’s complex cybersecurity landscape.
Helen Johnson, ex-CTO, and Executive Advisor.
The CISO Playbook by Andres Andreu is a straightforward and practical guide for any CISO seeking a clear understanding of how to protect data effectively. The book simplifies the complex responsibilities of cybersecurity leadership into manageable concepts, offering actionable advice on securing digital assets, managing risks, and balancing security measures with business objectives. Andreu emphasizes the importance of fostering a cybersecurity-aware culture while ensuring security strategies align with organizational goals.
What makes this book particularly valuable is its clarity and real-world applicability. Andreu avoids overly technical jargon, making it accessible to CISOs at any career stage. The book covers essential topics such as security operations, risk management, compliance, and vendor negotiations, providing a well-rounded perspective on modern cybersecurity leadership. With insights from industry professionals and practical examples, The CISO Playbook is an excellent resource for those looking to strengthen their cybersecurity strategies without unnecessary complexity.
Andres Andreu, the author of The CISO Playbook, is a distinguished cybersecurity leader with over 25 years of experience spanning federal government, corporate, and entrepreneurial sectors. His extensive background in cybersecurity, coupled with recognized expertise in the field, solidifies his authority, making his insights particularly valuable for professionals looking to enhance their data protection strategies.
Overall, this book is a must-read for CISOs who need a clear, actionable roadmap to data protection and cybersecurity leadership. Its concise yet comprehensive approach ensures readers can quickly grasp and apply key principles confidently. Blending technical depth, leadership insight, and real-world application, The CISO Playbook is an essential guide for anyone serious about excelling in the role of a CISO.
Tim Godlove, Ph.D.
Being an exceptional Chief Security Officer (CSO) is more than just about technical prowess in cybersecurity. It's about bridging the worlds of business, technology, and leadership to form an integrated, influential role in any organization. "The CISO Playbook" is not just a comprehensive guide but an essential resource for aspiring and seasoned CSOs ready to elevate their strategic capabilities and drive holistic security leadership.
The beauty of this handbook lies in its breadth and depth, offering insights across a broad spectrum of critical topics that any world-class CSO should master. The author’s approach of combining traditional cybersecurity concepts with often overlooked yet highly impactful areas like financial literacy, cost-benefit analysis, and organizational culture elevates the book into a league of its own. It’s not just a technical manual—it’s a career roadmap that imparts the mindset, business acumen, and soft skills necessary to become a CSO and be a transformative leader.
Financial Literacy and Cost-Benefit Analysis: Aligning Security with Business Objectives
One of the standout aspects of the book is its focus on financial literacy and cost-benefit analysis, topics often overlooked in traditional cybersecurity literature. The author argues that a world-class CSO is not just an expert in managing security risks but also in demonstrating how security investments align with and propel business objectives. By demystifying financial jargon and introducing practical frameworks for cost-benefit analysis, the book empowers CSOs to speak the language of the C-suite, enabling them to justify security budgets effectively and contribute to the company's bottom line.
Understanding Cyber Insurance: Beyond Policies and Premiums
In today's risk-prone environment, the discussion on cyber insurance is not just timely but also necessary. The handbook provides a refreshing and in-depth exploration of how CSOs can leverage insurance as a critical component of their risk management strategy. Rather than viewing insurance as a safety net, the author suggests practical ways to integrate insurance considerations into overall security planning. This perspective equips CSOs with the ability to assess coverage, negotiate policies, and align insurance with the organization's risk appetite.
Cultivating a Security-First Culture: More Than Just Awareness
The book powerfully advocates for cultivating a security-first culture within the organization. Emphasizing that "culture eats strategy for breakfast," it provides actionable steps to transform security from an afterthought into an intrinsic part of the company’s DNA. From setting behavioral expectations to designing effective training programs, the handbook shows how a CSO can influence mindsets and behaviors across all levels of the organization.
The Adversarial Mindset: Becoming a Strategist
What sets this handbook apart is its unique deep dive into understanding the adversarial mindset. Instead of limiting the discussion to threat actors and attack vectors, it encourages CSOs to think like adversaries—strategists anticipating potential vulnerabilities, motivations, and tactics. This shift in perspective from a reactive to a proactive stance is invaluable for any CSO aiming to not just respond to threats but anticipate and neutralize them before they materialize.
Storytelling: The Art of Influence and Advocacy
In an era where CSOs are expected to engage diverse stakeholders, from board members to frontline employees, the emphasis on storytelling as a tool for influence is truly a game-changer. The author eloquently guides readers on how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with different audiences, turning data and technical insights into stories that drive action and commitment. Whether it's building a business case for security funding or fostering support for a new policy, the storytelling guidance in this book is both practical and transformative.
The Journey to CSO Leadership: From Top Candidate to World-Class Leader
Ultimately, "The CISO Playbook" is more than a "how-to" book; it’s a journey of growth. By addressing not just the hard skills but also the soft skills—like leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence—the book charts a clear path for aspiring CSOs to become top candidates. Moreover, it guides those already in the role to evolve into world-class leaders who can navigate cybersecurity challenges, business alignment, and stakeholder engagement with finesse.
Conclusion: A Holistic, Insightful, and Actionable Guide
In a world where cybersecurity risks are escalating and CSOs are increasingly in the spotlight, "The CISO Playbook" is an invaluable resource that provides the knowledge, wisdom, and practical tools needed to lead effectively. It seamlessly bridges the technical and business aspects of the role, helping CSOs and security professionals think beyond traditional boundaries and become influential, well-rounded leaders.
Whether you are a current CSO looking to refine your leadership skills, an aspiring security leader aiming to understand what it takes to step up to the top role, or a C-suite executive wanting to understand the modern CSO’s landscape, this book is your next “must-read.”
Nick Shevelyov, ex-Global Bank CSO, Founder of vCSO.ai and Published Author
"The CISO Playbook" is a seminal work in the field of information security, meticulously crafted to serve as an essential guide for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and aspiring security leaders. The book is a treasure trove of practical advice, strategic insights, and actionable frameworks that address the multifaceted challenges faced by today's CISOs.
The book is organized into several key sections, each delving into different aspects of information security leadership. It begins with an introduction to the evolving role of the CISO and the importance of building a robust security foundation. The subsequent chapters cover a wide range of topics, including risk management, incident response, compliance, governance, and the integration of cybersecurity with business objectives.
One of the standout strengths of "The CISO Playbook" is its practical approach by offering actionable advice that readers can immediately apply in their roles. The use of real-world examples, checklists, and templates enhances the book's utility as a hands-on guide for security professionals.
"The CISO Playbook" is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the field of information security. Its blend of strategic insights, practical guidance, and expert perspectives makes it a must-read for current and aspiring CISOs.
Ron Baklarz (Retired) CISSP, C|CISO, CISM, CISA, NSA-IAM, NSA-IEM
Andres Andreu’s The CISO Playbook is a comprehensive and pragmatic guide that distills the multifaceted role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) into actionable insights. Unlike many theoretical cybersecurity books, Andreu adopts a refreshingly candid and experience-driven approach, addressing what a CISO truly needs to “be” rather than idealized notions of the role. The book seamlessly integrates real-world advice from various cybersecurity professionals, spanning topics such as risk management, executive leadership, team dynamics, and even vendor negotiations. One of its strengths is its structure—each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of the CISO journey, from securing the role to excelling in it, making it as useful for aspiring CISOs as it is for seasoned professionals looking to refine their approach.
What sets The CISO Playbook apart is its emphasis on the dynamic and evolving nature of the cybersecurity leadership landscape. Andreu doesn’t just address technical aspects; he highlights the importance of communication, business acumen, and leadership—qualities that often determine success in a CISO role more than pure technical expertise. The book also touches on the external pressures and organizational politics that CISOs must navigate, particularly the tension between security needs and business objectives. The inclusion of practical checklists, interview strategies, and real-world anecdotes adds depth and relatability, making this an essential read for those aiming to thrive in cybersecurity leadership.
However, while the book does an excellent job of covering the breadth of a CISO’s responsibilities, some readers might find certain sections more applicable than others, depending on their industry and company maturity level. The book is best suited for CISOs operating in complex, large-scale environments where strategic oversight and executive influence are paramount. While the insights remain valuable, those in more technical or hands-on security roles might find themselves wanting deeper technical dives in specific areas. Nonetheless, The CISO Playbook is a highly recommended read for any cybersecurity leader looking to balance the strategic, operational, and political challenges inherent in the role.
Matthias Muhlert
The CISO Playbook offers one of the most complete and grounded frameworks for modern cybersecurity leadership. Andres Andreu captures the CISO role with hard-won clarity: technical, political, and deeply human. The book doesn’t romanticize the work; it engages directly with the structural misalignments and personal costs that often define the job. Yet through practical scaffolding and methodical coaching, this book shows the reader how to do the work well (and possibly even sustainably).
What makes this book especially resonant is that it develops the kind of leader organizations are increasingly realizing they need. The opening chapter, Be the Candidate, introduces the VUCA lens (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) as a method for understanding the unstable business conditions CISOs must lead through (and not just endure). From there, the book builds a foundation of operational and strategic fluency. Be a Student of the Business rightly prioritizes crown jewel analysis and emphasizes building trust early, treating the business as a customer and mapping security work to revenue-generating systems.
Later chapters operationalize this mindset. Be a Builder dives deep into asset inventory and SBOM discipline as prerequisites to intelligent risk prioritization and lifecycle control. Be an Operator is among the strongest chapters of its kind, connecting SecOps, SOAR, and SIEM to measurable value outcomes while making a quiet but forceful case for automation that preserves human attention for higher-order judgment. And in Be a Measurer, the discussion of CRQ models and board-ready metrics offers a real pathway to bridge the last mile between technical truth and business value.
The unspoken power of this book is that many of the systemic pains it describes (e.g., organizational resistance, burnout, lack of business fluency) begin to dissolve when security leadership is structured around trust production. The playbook equips CISOs with the mindset and structure required to lead in assetized environments, even if it doesn’t name them as such. For any company beginning to treat trust value as a strategic asset rather than a compliance checkbox, this book is foundational. For leader-practitioners looking to expand their practice deep into the business, it is quite possibly invaluable.
Sabino Marquez, Chief Cyber Security Columnist for the Cyber Security Tribe.
'The CISO Playbook' is a valuable guide for present and future leaders in the cybersecurity domain. Andres Andreu has effectively depicted the CISO's multi-faceted role that requires the CISO to be a student who understands the real-world perspectives of this dynamically evolving domain and its impact on the business, build the necessary capabilities to ensure security robustness of the enterprise, manage the risks aptly through measurement and management initiatives, operate the cybersecurity function of the enterprise with relevant tools, technologies, processes and people, as well as ensure cyber resilience of the digital enterprise. Effective internal and external communications, vendor management, GRC advocacy, and adopting optimized approach towards ESG measures are relevant expertise that a CISO needs to have that are discussed in detail in this book.
Andres Andreu has provided practical and actionable advice through this well-written book that is useful to CISOs across businesses and for the aspiring leaders. It has deftly interweaved the technical aspects and soft skills that are vital for succeeding as a CISO. This book can be a valuable addition to the cybersecurity body of knowledge.
Abhik Chaudhuri, Chevening Fellow (UK) and Author of Internet of Things, for Things and by Things (Taylor and Francis).
"The CISO Playbook" by Andres Andreu (and his special contributors sharing expertise and advice in boxed highlights), is an invaluable resource not only for CISOs, but to the broader audience of executives and leadership in this Age of AI. I wish there was a similar resource for GCs! The book walks the reader through the entire career progression for an aspiring CISO, from being a candidate through executive roles (and beyond), with checklists, practical advice and a sort of mentorship with practical advice from those who have "been there and done that", for real-world perspectives. I've printed out the nearly 300 page review copy so that I can refer to it more conveniently. It's that good. I’m going to be buying the hardback!
Son-U Michael Paik, an experienced GC and risk management executive, with over twenty-five years designing, building and managing Governance, Risk Management & Compliance (GRC) systems.
Successful CISOs are primarily leaders, managers, and communicators, and not technologists, according to Gartner. As such, a CISO's success depends on two critical achievements:-establishing a personal brand of credibility and leadership and laying the foundation for a defensible security program. New CISOs struggle when they fail to understand leadership expectations or are unable to communicate how security supports business outcomes effectively.
The book helps CISOs and those in Information Security leadership positions do just that. A CISO must define a security strategy before diving into technical details and technology decisions. That can be an overwhelming endeavor if the person lacks a clear plan or strategy.
A new CISO can expect a honeymoon period. But this period is likely to be very brief, typically the first 100 days. They must make the most of this critical period because it represents the first and sometimes the last opportunity to set the enterprise's security processes and technologies on a practical course. The book notes this in chapter two , where it details how to do that.
Written with input from over 40 Information Security experts, the book lives up to its name. For those seeking a tactical and strategic guide to help them succeed in Information Security, The CISO Playbook is the ideal resource.
Ben Rothke, Senior Information Security Manager, Tapad
https://www.rsaconference.com/library/blog/bens-book-of-the-month-the-ciso-playbook
