Lessons from the Frontlines

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.

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