Many years ago, I fielded a survey focused on the culture of cybersecurity. One of the questions asked what initially drew folks to cybersecurity as a career. The most common response was a deep sense of curiosity. Throughout my career, I noticed another major factor in folks that brought a lot of value to security teams: diversity.
Diversity of people, diversity of background, and diversity of experience. I've seen auto mechanics, biologists, and finance experts bring the most interesting insights and forehead-slapping observations to the table. I think part of the reason diversity is so necessary is that security itself is incredibly broad. It covers everything that technology, processes, and people touch. As such, cybersecurity workers need to have a similarly broad skillsets and background.
Today, we talk to someone that embodies both this non-typical cybersecurity background and sense of curiosity - Clea Ostendorf. We'll discuss:
- The importance for organizations to actively seek and welcome curious newcomers in the security field who may not conform to traditional cybersecurity norms.
- Strategies for organizations to foster an environment that encourages individuals with curiosity, motivation, and a willingness to challenge conventional norms, thereby promoting innovative thinking in addressing security risks.
Segment Resources:
Evolving Threats from Within - Insights from the 2024 Code42 Data Exposure Report
There are two types of people, those who follow the instructions while cooking, and those who read the ingredients and then go off feeling. Clea is the latter, which has served her well as she’s navigated various roles in technology and security from sales, to program management and most recently as Field CISO for Code42. Security is one part tech, but also needs to have compassion and partnership in order for any technology to be successful. Just as in cooking, Clea begins with the end in mind and brings a people and business focus to each engagement she is part of.
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