Resilient Cyber - Episode 5 - Naomi Buckwalter - CISO / Cyber Leader

Overview:

In this episode of Resilient Cyber, hosts Chris Hughes and Dr. Nikki Robinson sit down with Naomi Buckwalter, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 20 years of experience in IT and security. Naomi shares insights on breaking down barriers in the cybersecurity field, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by women and entry-level professionals. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the concept of "security theater," the importance of emotional intelligence in security leadership, and strategies for building a more inclusive and effective cybersecurity community.

Highlights:

• Breaking Barriers in Cybersecurity: Naomi discusses the disconnect between hiring managers and entry-level candidates, emphasizing the need for realistic job descriptions and the importance of giving passionate individuals a chance to grow into roles.

• Security Theater: Naomi introduces the concept of "security theater," highlighting how some security practices may appear effective but do little to actually enhance security. She advocates for measurable risk reduction and the importance of questioning the true value of certain security activities.

• Ego in Security Leadership: The episode delves into the impact of ego on security teams and leadership. Naomi reflects on her own experiences, stressing the importance of emotional intelligence and the need to build relationships and trust within organizations.

• Women in Cybersecurity: Naomi shares her thoughts on the unique challenges and strengths women bring to the cybersecurity field. She encourages more women to enter the field and discusses how inclusive teams can lead to better security outcomes.

• Using LinkedIn for Personal Branding: Naomi offers advice on leveraging LinkedIn to build a personal brand, emphasizing the power of storytelling and authenticity in creating meaningful connections within the cybersecurity community.

• Cyber Resilience: Naomi's definition of cyber resilience focuses on continuous learning and growth, both at the individual and organizational levels. She underscores the importance of fostering a security culture where security is everyone's responsibility, not just the security team's.