With two IPOs & seven acquisitions Brian has helped build some of the most successful security companies in the world for 25+ years. He is a seasoned executive, board advisor, security company entrepreneur, author, and award-winning podcaster. After getting his start in security with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and later Bell Labs, Brian began the process of building security startups and taking multiple companies through successful IPOs and acquisitions including: Riptech, ArcSight, Imperva, McAfee, Solera Networks, Cylance, JASK, and Verodin. Brian has worked in over 50 countries across six continents.

He authored the book Enemy at the Water Cooler and he co-authored Physical & Logical Security Convergence with former NSA Deputy Director William Crowell. He was featured in the cyberwar documentary 5 Eyes alongside General Michael Hayden, former NSA and CIA Director.

Cybersecurity & The Board: Choosing success over the Sarlacc Pit

I regularly have conversations with cybersecurity leaders and experts across a range of industries. Recently on my Cyber Security Effectiveness Podcast, I’ve spoken with board members from several market-leading companies, in the public and private sectors, to understand their perspectives on cybersecurity.

These conversations demonstrate that board members are paying close attention to their organizations’ security programs — their approach and effectiveness and the impact on risk posture. Additionally, board members’ influence on the direction of a company’s security program has grown. As a result, IT leaders must report regularly that security technology, people, and processes are optimized to protect and defend the organization so that when a breach or attack does take place, it will have minimal impact on the brand and bottom line.

Attendee takeaways:

• Understanding what boards really care about
• Measuring and trending security effectiveness
• Rationalizing – exposing gaps, retiring ineffective solutions, and prioritizing investments
• Interpreting risk predicated on an intelligence-led approach to security
• Communicating effectively