Transform your approach to cybersecurity leadership with specific, actionable techniques from a 25+ year veteran of the industry
In Lessons from the Frontlines: Insights from a Cybersecurity Career, a 25+ year veteran of cybersecurity leadership, Assaf Keren, delivers an essential new approach to leading cybersecurity teams. Keren combines engaging, real-life stories drawn from decades spent in the industry – including his current role as Chief Security Officer at Qualtrics and former Chief Information Security Officer in PayPal – with hands-on, specific frameworks for implementing effective solutions in an environment that doesn’t tolerate error.
Lessons from the Frontlines goes beyond generic theory and high-level concepts. It dives deep into practical strategies for working cybersecurity professionals, explaining how to develop the personal characteristics you’ll need to succeed, build leadership competencies your teams will expect from you, address your own mental and physical health needs so you can deal with the challenges you’ll face, and apply all these lessons at scale in organizations of any size.
The author walks you through:
- How to move from permission-seeking approaches to intent-based action that allows you to execute solutions in dynamic environments in real time
- Strategies for maintaining optimism and a healthy outlook that permits you to endure difficult periods and excel in adversity
- Techniques for building proactive, forward-thinking, and creative solutions that achieve more than reactive and defensive responses to threats
Perfect for practicing and aspiring cybersecurity executives, Lessons from the Frontlines is a must-read strategy guide for all cybersecurity practitioners and professionals interested in rising to – or excelling in – cybersecurity leadership roles.
Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments vii
About the Author ix
Introduction 1
Part I Personal Foundations 9
Chapter 1 Curiosity 11
Chapter 2 Grit 27
Chapter 3 Optimism 41
Part II Core Leadership Competencies 51
Chapter 4 Execution 53
Chapter 5 Change Management 67
Chapter 6 Business and Finance Acumen 83
Chapter 7 Diplomacy 105
Chapter 8 State Reality, Inspire Hope 125
Part III The Human Side of Leadership 141
Chapter 9 Acknowledging Mental Challenges 143
Chapter 10 Self-Help Strategies 157
Chapter 11 Building a Supportive Community of Mentors and Peers 173
Part IV Strategic Leadership 195
Chapter 12 Leading from the Front 197
Chapter 13 Product Thinking in Security 211
Afterword 231
Appendix 237
Index 255
About the Author :
ASSAF KEREN is the Chief Security Officer at Qualtrics and the former Chief Information Security Officer at PayPal. He has more than 25 years’ experience working in the cybersecurity industry as a practitioner and leader and has been involved in military intelligence, startups, Fortune 500 companies, and boards of directors.
