Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
The biggest threat to you and this country today is a cyber attack. Are you protected? Find out now with Dr. Eric Cole, former special agent for the CIA and current CEO of Secure Anchor.
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Relationships Over Firewalls with Attila Torok
11/13/2025
Relationships Over Firewalls with Attila Torok
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with Attila Torok, CISO at GoTo (formerly LogMeIn), to unpack what it really takes to move from security engineer to strategic leader. Attila shares his journey, the advice that shaped his career, and why “relationships matter more than engineering skills.” From mastering executive communication in three bullet points to building your personal brand and navigating AI in the enterprise, this conversation is packed with practical insight for anyone aspiring to the C-suite in cybersecurity.
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Relationships Over Firewalls with Attila Torok
11/13/2025
Relationships Over Firewalls with Attila Torok
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with Attila Torok, CISO at GoTo (formerly LogMeIn), to unpack what it really takes to move from security engineer to strategic leader. Attila shares his journey, the advice that shaped his career, and why “relationships matter more than engineering skills.” From mastering executive communication in three bullet points to building your personal brand and navigating AI in the enterprise, this conversation is packed with practical insight for anyone aspiring to the C-suite in cybersecurity.
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When the Cyber Alarms Go Silent
11/06/2025
When the Cyber Alarms Go Silent
In this urgent and eye-opening episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole dives into one of the most consequential moments in U.S. cybersecurity history: the expiration of the Information Sharing Act of 2015, which quietly lapsed the same day the government shut down. Dr. Cole explains how this coincidence has effectively cut off the flow of critical cyber threat intelligence between the U.S. government and private sector, leaving organizations blind to emerging attacks and operating at a major disadvantage. He breaks down the data-driven realities every CISO must communicate to their executive teams: The collapse of formal information sharing protections and the resulting liability risks for companies. The severe reduction of federal cybersecurity capacity, with 65% of CISA furloughed. The surge in cyberattacks from foreign adversaries exploiting U.S. vulnerability. Practical strategies for regaining the upper hand—reducing attack surfaces, deploying AI-based threat detection, and reassessing over-reliance on cloud providers following suspicious AWS and Microsoft outages. Dr. Cole urges CISOs to lead with data, not emotion, and to act decisively in this new era of “cyber wartime.” Whether you’re an executive or a security professional, this episode delivers the critical insights and strategic playbook you need to safeguard your organization when the nation’s early warning system has gone dark.
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Lessons in Trust, Training, and Threat Intelligence with Michael Centrella
10/30/2025
Lessons in Trust, Training, and Threat Intelligence with Michael Centrella
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with Michael Centrella, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Secret Service turned cybersecurity executive, to discuss how lessons from protecting presidents translate into protecting digital infrastructure. Centrella shares his journey from investigating counterfeit currency to leading global cyber investigations, emphasizing how human error remains the biggest security vulnerability despite technological advances. Together, they explore the evolving ransomware landscape, the challenges of balancing security with business friction, and the vital need for public-private collaboration, especially in light of the expiration of the CISA Information Sharing Act of 2015. Centrella also highlights the importance of supply chain visibility and continuous monitoring in today’s interconnected world, sharing insights from his new role at SecurityScorecard. The conversation closes with timeless advice drawn from both law enforcement and cybersecurity: “Trust but verify.” Whether you’re leading a security team or steering a business through today’s cyber threats, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom on resilience, leadership, and the power of informed vigilance.
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From Good to World-Class: Aligning Cybersecurity with Business Success
10/23/2025
From Good to World-Class: Aligning Cybersecurity with Business Success
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole breaks down what truly separates good CISOs from world-class ones — the ability to align cybersecurity strategy with the core business mission. He explains that understanding what business your organization is really in is the foundation of effective security leadership. Using real-world examples, Dr. Cole highlights how CISOs must adapt their security priorities based on organizational goals, whether it’s stabilizing growth, driving acquisitions, or enhancing customer experience. He challenges the outdated view that security and business efficiency are at odds, emphasizing instead that cybersecurity should be a business enabler — efficient, cost-effective, and even profitable. Dr. Cole also explores critical areas like asset visibility, reducing attack surfaces through simplification, and aligning budgets to the CIA triad (confidentiality, integrity, availability). The episode wraps up with actionable insights on executive communication, including how to present cyber risk in business language using a simple, four-column “magic slide”: what could happen, likelihood of occurrence, cost if it happens, and cost to fix it. Dr. Cole’s message is clear — world-class CISOs think like executives first, technologists second.
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From Race Cars to Risk: Dual CISO-CTO Leadership with Ben Wilcox
10/16/2025
From Race Cars to Risk: Dual CISO-CTO Leadership with Ben Wilcox
In this high-speed episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole welcomes Ben Wilcox, a rare dual-role executive serving as both CISO and CTO at ProArch — and a race car driver to boot. Ben shares his 30-year journey from building websites in the early internet days to leading enterprise security and technology strategy today. Dr. Cole and Ben dive into the challenges and opportunities of balancing technical innovation with cybersecurity, how to win executive support for security investments, and how to leverage AI for productivity. Ben also drops valuable advice for aspiring CISOs, emphasizing the power of saying “yes” to new challenges, building business-aligned security strategies, and continuously learning. This episode is packed with practical insights on executive communication, risk quantification, AI in cybersecurity, and even how lessons from the racetrack apply to the boardroom.
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The Essential Guide to Becoming a CISO
10/09/2025
The Essential Guide to Becoming a CISO
In this solo episode, Dr. Eric Cole steps back into the spotlight after several interview-focused sessions, responding to listeners’ requests to hear directly from him. The result is a powerful, insightful, and foundational deep dive into what it truly means to be a CISO—not just in title, but in mindset, skillset, and strategic execution. This episode isn’t just about definitions—it’s a wake-up call to the cybersecurity industry and professionals aspiring to leadership roles. Dr. Cole challenges conventional thinking, dismantles industry myths, and offers a battle-tested blueprint for what makes a world-class CISO.
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Satellite Communications, AI, and the Future of Secure Connectivity with Guest Brett Miller
10/02/2025
Satellite Communications, AI, and the Future of Secure Connectivity with Guest Brett Miller
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with Brett Miller, a Marine Corps veteran, former Hollywood creative, and now a leader at Galileo, a cutting-edge satellite communications company. Together, they explore the critical role of secure communications in cybersecurity, disaster response, and everyday life. Brett shares his fascinating journey from running encrypted radio systems in the military to building an app that seamlessly bridges satellite, cellular, and AI-powered emergency planning—all designed to provide redundancy, reliability, and privacy when traditional networks fail. The conversation dives into why cell networks are increasingly unreliable, the future of wearable and embedded devices, and why CISOs must rethink their organization’s communications strategies before a crisis strikes. They also tackle pressing topics like TikTok, foreign data collection, and why adversaries are targeting telecom networks over banks—making this a must-listen for cybersecurity leaders, executives, and anyone interested in the future of secure connectivity.
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The Journey to Becoming a CISO: Lessons Learned with Azunna Anyanwu
09/25/2025
The Journey to Becoming a CISO: Lessons Learned with Azunna Anyanwu
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole interviews Azunna Anyanwu, a fractional CIO, discussing his career journey, the importance of soft skills in cybersecurity leadership, and the challenges of managing budgets and risk. They delve into the complexities of ransomware, the evolving roles of CIOs and CISOs, and the impact of AI on the cybersecurity workforce. Azunna shares valuable insights on training employees to recognize threats and the necessity of establishing a risk tolerance with the board. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and setting goals for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
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Cybersecurity, AI, and Communication: Dr. Eric Cole with Dr. Jill Schiefelbein
09/18/2025
Cybersecurity, AI, and Communication: Dr. Eric Cole with Dr. Jill Schiefelbein
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with communication strategist and tech-human behavior expert Dr. Jill Schiefelbein. Together, they explore the critical intersection of cybersecurity, leadership, and communication—diving into why technical solutions alone aren’t enough without clear messaging to executives, employees, and end users. From making the case for two-factor authentication to understanding how AI is transforming daily workflows, Dr. Jill shares powerful insights on bridging the gap between technical experts and business leaders. Whether you’re a CISO, aspiring leader, or simply curious about the future of cybersecurity and AI, this episode offers practical advice to level up both your technical and communication game.
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Building a World-Class CISO Career with Guest Shannon Brewster
09/11/2025
Building a World-Class CISO Career with Guest Shannon Brewster
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with Shannon Brewster, CISO at LevelBlue, to discuss what it takes to become a world-class CISO. From transitioning from technical roles into strategic leadership, to earning a seat at the executive table, managing technical teams, navigating risk tolerance, and building your personal brand, Shannon shares real-world insights from decades of experience in telecommunications and cybersecurity. If you’ve ever wondered how to go from technical expert to trusted business leader—or how to balance cybersecurity priorities with business enablement—this conversation delivers the answers.
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Communicating Cybersecurity to Executives with Guest Shashank Shekhar
09/04/2025
Communicating Cybersecurity to Executives with Guest Shashank Shekhar
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with CEO and entrepreneur Shashank Shekhar to dive into the mindset of business leaders and how CISOs can better communicate with executives. From navigating the 2008 financial crisis to building successful companies in mortgage, AI, and fintech, Shashank shares powerful insights on what CEOs really value, how they view cybersecurity, and the mistakes most security leaders make when pitching solutions. If you want to learn how to put yourself in the CEO’s shoes, align security with business growth, and earn a seat at the executive table—this episode is a must-listen.
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Cybersecurity Leadership Across the Globe with Chris & Damian
08/28/2025
Cybersecurity Leadership Across the Globe with Chris & Damian
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole explores what it truly means to be a cybersecurity leader in today’s interconnected world. Drawing on insights from Hong Kong to London, Dr. Cole breaks down the unique challenges CISOs face globally and reveals the leadership principles that remain universal no matter where you are. You’ll discover why strong cybersecurity leadership is no longer optional but essential for organizations navigating modern threats. Learn how cultural perspectives, evolving threats, and executive communication all play a role in shaping a successful CISO. Tune in to uncover practical lessons, global perspectives, and strategies to lead with confidence in the ever-changing world of cybersecurity
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Simplifying Cybersecurity, Time Management & Strategic Playbooks
08/21/2025
Simplifying Cybersecurity, Time Management & Strategic Playbooks
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole dives deep into simplicity, time management, and the foundations of being a world-class Chief Information Security Officer. He explains how rebooting your life and career—just like you reboot a slow computer—can help clear distractions and focus on what truly matters. Dr. Cole also shares strategies for creating a strategic cybersecurity playbook, aligning with executives, setting risk tolerance, and reclaiming wasted time. Whether you’re a seasoned CISO or aspiring to lead in cybersecurity, this episode is packed with actionable advice to improve your efficiency, influence, and impact. Learn how to: Reset your priorities and eliminate inefficiencies Track your time and focus on high-value activities Develop a strategic cybersecurity playbook Communicate your vision to executives Set risk tolerance that aligns with your organization Tune in and start transforming your approach to cybersecurity and leadership today.
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The #1 Skill CISOs Need for Career Acceleration (And How to Master It)
08/14/2025
The #1 Skill CISOs Need for Career Acceleration (And How to Master It)
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole dives deep into one of the most important yet often overlooked success principles for security leaders: simplicity. Drawing from decades of experience as one of the first CISOs before the title even existed, Dr. Cole explains why going back to the basics is critical for both personal growth and organizational success. He explores the growing demand for skilled CISOs, how to position yourself for top leadership roles, and why communication and rapport—not just technical skills—are the true differentiators for advancement. Using powerful real-world examples, career planning strategies, and a practical exercise to strengthen executive relationships, this episode equips you to not only accelerate your career but also make cybersecurity a business enabler.
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Building Credibility Before the Crisis: Zachary Lewis on Frameworks & Board Trust
08/07/2025
Building Credibility Before the Crisis: Zachary Lewis on Frameworks & Board Trust
In this inspiring episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with Zachary Lewis, Chief Information Security Officer at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis. With over five years in the CISO seat and a career that spans startups, coal plants, and higher education, Zach shares his unique journey from sysadmin to security leader. This episode offers a front-row seat into what it really takes to pivot into cybersecurity leadership—especially when you're coming from the IT side. Zach breaks down how to make the transition, why leadership trumps deep technical skills at the CISO level, and how to build credibility even when you don’t have decades of cyber experience under your belt. But this conversation goes beyond resumes and frameworks. Zach and Dr. Cole dig deep into the realities of leading during a global crisis—Zach took his role just weeks before COVID—and how a ransomware incident became a turning point in proving the strength of his security program. For aspiring CISOs and current security leaders alike, this episode is full of wisdom on how to lead with calm, build board-level trust, and turn unexpected challenges into defining moments. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your executive edge, Zach’s story is a blueprint worth studying.
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Back to the Basics: How World-Class CISOs Lock Down External Servers
08/07/2025
Back to the Basics: How World-Class CISOs Lock Down External Servers
In this solo episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole returns to the mic after a series of interviews to dive deep into the #1 foundational skill every Chief Information Security Officer must master—securing internet-facing servers. With the rising wave of breaches hitting not just Fortune 50 giants but small and mid-size companies, Dr. Cole walks through the exact steps you must take to go back to basics and become a world-class CISO. From identifying forgotten assets to hardening authentication and revamping your patching strategy, this episode is your blueprint to stop attacks before they start. Dr. Cole also shares real-world breach examples, discusses the risks of relying solely on IT, and explains why a functioning change control board and MFA implementation for admins are non-negotiable. 📩 To book a Cyber Health Check or connect with Dr. Cole directly: ecole@secure-anchor.com
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Building Cybersecurity from the Ground Up: A Conversation with Chuck Brooks
07/17/2025
Building Cybersecurity from the Ground Up: A Conversation with Chuck Brooks
In this powerful episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with cybersecurity thought leader Chuck Brooks—one of the industry's original influencers—to uncover how the past, present, and future of cybersecurity are being shaped by leadership, emerging technology, and real-world experience. From working with President Reagan to helping stand up the Department of Homeland Security, Chuck shares stories that reveal the critical role CISOs play in national security, business resilience, and global collaboration. Together, Dr. Cole and Chuck Brooks dive into the importance of soft skills for cybersecurity executives, why cyber is no longer a cost center but a business enabler, and how today's leaders must understand risk, policy, and communication as much as technology. They also explore the evolving role of zero trust, disruptive technologies like AI and quantum, and how professionals can brand themselves to stand out in a crowded field. Whether you're a seasoned CISO or a cybersecurity manager looking to grow, this episode will expand your thinking—and inspire your next move.
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Mastering the CISO Journey with Guest Christophe Foulon
07/10/2025
Mastering the CISO Journey with Guest Christophe Foulon
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with cybersecurity expert and fellow podcaster Christophe Foulon to dive deep into the evolving role of the Chief Information Security Officer. From breaking into cybersecurity to leading organizations through strategic risk decisions, Christophe shares real-world insights on how to transition from technical roles to executive leadership. They explore the challenges of balancing hands-on work with high-level strategy, how to communicate with business leaders without getting lost in technical jargon, and how to manage burnout while building organizational resilience. Christophe also tackles major topics like AI, zero trust, cyberwarfare, and BYOD policies, offering practical advice for today’s and tomorrow’s CISOs. If you're aiming to elevate your cybersecurity career or want to understand how top leaders think, this episode is packed with guidance, clarity, and perspective.
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How a Hacker Became Twitter’s First CISO | Michael Coates on Cybersecurity’s Future
07/03/2025
How a Hacker Became Twitter’s First CISO | Michael Coates on Cybersecurity’s Future
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole welcomes Michael Coates, a seasoned cybersecurity expert with over 20 years of experience. Michael shares his journey from working as a legal hacker to becoming Twitter’s first Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and later founding his own data security company. They discuss how core cybersecurity principles remain constant despite evolving technologies and threats, emphasizing the importance of mastering fundamentals while adapting to new contexts like cloud and AI. Michael offers practical advice for aspiring CISOs, highlighting the value of diverse security experience, business acumen—such as understanding finance and sales—and the ability to balance risk with business needs. He stresses the importance of building strong teams, effective communication with executives, and partnering closely with legal to manage liability. The conversation also touches on optimal reporting structures for CISOs and reframing security as a business enabler rather than a roadblock. Ultimately, Michael advocates for transparent risk communication and thoughtful preparation as keys to successful security leadership.
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The Cyber War Has Already Started – Are You Ready?
06/26/2025
The Cyber War Has Already Started – Are You Ready?
You’re living in a time where science fiction is quickly becoming your reality. In this high-impact episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole breaks down the current state of cybersecurity—from nation-state attacks and massive password breaches to the hidden threats living on your mobile device. You’ll hear Dr. Cole’s unfiltered take on a breach that exposed billions of credentials, why changing your password isn’t enough, and how an old app could be your biggest risk. Dr. Cole challenges you to see yourself not just as a security expert, but as a business leader with the power to make lives better. That mindset shift is everything. From the practical impact of multi-factor authentication to his radical but simple “delete an app a day” campaign, Dr. Cole shares tools you can implement right now. This episode isn’t just about defense—it’s about stepping up, thinking strategically, and leading the way forward.
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CISO Leadership, Trust & Non-Negotiables with Dan Lohrmann
06/19/2025
CISO Leadership, Trust & Non-Negotiables with Dan Lohrmann
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole welcomes a true cybersecurity trailblazer: Dan Lohrmann. With a career that spans the NSA, Lockheed Martin, the State of Michigan, and now Presidio, Dan brings a rare depth of experience in both government and the private sector. As the first Chief Security Officer for an entire U.S. state and now a Field CISO advising public sector clients across the country, Dan shares practical wisdom and compelling stories about navigating the evolving CISO landscape. Together, Dr. Cole and Dan explore what it takes to build lasting trust as a security leader, the importance of strengthening your personal brand, and how to overcome barriers when leadership resists public visibility. Dan emphasizes the power of public speaking, blogging, and storytelling—not just to elevate your own profile, but to position cybersecurity as a strategic business enabler. They also dive into the value of setting clear non-negotiables when evaluating job opportunities, the role of culture and leadership alignment in long-term success, and tactical advice for those trying to land their first CISO role. Whether you’re in government, the private sector, or somewhere in between, this episode is a masterclass in influence, resilience, and leadership at the highest level.
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From Pen Testing to Purpose: Jane Frankland on Cyber, Burnout, & Reinvention
06/12/2025
From Pen Testing to Purpose: Jane Frankland on Cyber, Burnout, & Reinvention
In this special episode of Life of a CISO, I sit down with the brilliant Jane Frankland, MBE—an internationally recognized thought leader in cybersecurity with over 28 years of experience. Jane shares her unexpected journey into the field, starting not from a tech background but from art and design. Her curiosity and drive led her to co-found one of the earliest penetration testing consultancies, long before the term "cybersecurity" became mainstream. Together, we dive into how the industry has evolved, why penetration testing has become commoditized, and why it's no longer enough to offer just technical solutions—true value now comes from insight, strategy, and resilience. Jane also offers powerful reflections on the burnout many CISOs face today and why so many are leaving traditional roles to launch their own consultancies or step into virtual CISO models. We discuss what it really means to build a business in today’s climate, the importance of defining your unique value, and why small businesses are an underrated opportunity in the cyber space. From vendor strategy to shifting away from limiting beliefs, Jane brings a fresh, honest, and empowering perspective that challenges the status quo. Whether you're building your career or launching your own venture, this episode is full of clarity and inspiration for the next step in your cyber journey.
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Breaking the IT Inertia with Google Cloud's Dr. Anton Chuvakin
06/05/2025
Breaking the IT Inertia with Google Cloud's Dr. Anton Chuvakin
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole reconnects with longtime friend and cybersecurity legend Dr. Anton Chuvakin, whom he has known for over 25 years. The conversation opens with reflections on their decades-long professional journey and transitions into a deep dive into Anton’s current work at Google Cloud’s Office of the CISO. Anton shares how his team supports secure cloud and AI adoption—not as traditional field CISOs focused on sales—but as strategic advisors and researchers helping clients understand and implement Google’s advanced security models. The discussion spotlights Google’s internal use of Zero Trust architecture, highlighting how Google eliminated the need for VPNs over a decade ago. Anton explains how this approach—initially pioneered through Google’s BeyondCorp—combines stronger security with greater usability, a rare balance in cybersecurity. Dr. Cole presses into why more companies haven’t adopted Zero Trust, prompting Anton to emphasize the power of organizational inertia. Drawing from his years at Gartner, Anton notes that despite the proven benefits, many enterprises resist change due to legacy systems and mindset barriers. This episode offers a compelling look at the evolving landscape of enterprise security and the importance of embracing innovation over outdated habits.
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Breaking Into Cybersecurity and Future Trends with Henrik Parkkinen
05/29/2025
Breaking Into Cybersecurity and Future Trends with Henrik Parkkinen
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole interviews Hendrik Parkkinen, a seasoned cybersecurity expert from Sweden with over 20 years of experience, mostly in consulting and security strategy. They discuss Henrik’s journey into cybersecurity, emphasizing how passion and curiosity play a crucial role in succeeding in the field. Henrik shares how he transitioned from studying economics to cybersecurity after a recommendation from his mother and how he fell in love with the subject through a 12-month training program. Both Eric and Henrik highlight the importance of loving the work rather than just chasing money, since cybersecurity demands ongoing learning and commitment beyond regular hours. They also discuss practical advice for newcomers: be curious, explore various domains within cybersecurity, and don’t be afraid to pivot if something doesn’t fit. With the rise of accessible and often free learning resources online, breaking into the field is more feasible than ever, but focus and completing courses is essential. When it comes to certifications, Henrik believes they serve as useful entry points or validation badges, especially for HR filters, but experience and mastery are ultimately more important. Certifications should be viewed as part of a broader learning process, not an end in themselves.
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Alignment
05/22/2025
Alignment
In this new episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole opens with one of his most powerful guiding principles: “Let data drive decisions, not emotions.” Drawing from his experiences traveling and meeting with top executives, he emphasizes the importance of making decisions based on reliable data rather than emotional impulses. He challenges listeners to ask themselves whether they have enough information to make an informed choice—not perfect information, but sufficient insight to move forward. When we delay decisions out of fear or uncertainty, it’s often because we lack confidence due to missing data. Dr. Cole encourages action: if you don’t have enough data, go get it. He then introduces his second foundational principle: “Smart people know the right answers; brilliant people ask the right questions.” These two mantras form the core of what it means to be a world-class CISO. But Dr. Cole takes it even further, revealing that the root of most professional frustration stems from a lack of alignment—whether it’s misalignment with your goals, your team, or the organization itself. He draws parallels between business alignment and physical alignment in cars or our bodies, reinforcing that clarity of purpose and alignment of actions are essential for not only being effective, but also reducing stress. Whether you’re a CISO or not, these lessons apply to every area of life.
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CISO Blind Spots
05/15/2025
CISO Blind Spots
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole shines a spotlight on a critical blind spot that many Chief Information Security Officers overlook: legal liability. While CISOs are often highly skilled and technically knowledgeable, it’s what they don’t know—particularly about their legal exposure—that can put them at serious risk. Dr. Cole explains that many CISOs hold the title of “chief” without realizing they may not officially be corporate officers, and that distinction matters. If you are considered a true officer of the company, you may be personally liable for failures or breaches, even if you weren't the root cause. He urges CISOs to ask the right questions during negotiations, ensure they understand their official role, and protect themselves with legal counsel and proper insurance coverage. He goes on to emphasize the importance of understanding how communication becomes evidence at the executive level. In today’s digital world, emails and text messages are no longer just conversations—they are legal records that can be used for or against you. Dr. Cole discusses how even a lack of written documentation can lead to lawsuits or termination if it's perceived that a CISO failed to inform the board about a critical risk. However, over-documenting can also backfire by making colleagues uncomfortable or wary. This delicate balance between transparency and discretion is a key leadership skill every CISO must develop. Ultimately, this episode is a wake-up call to every cybersecurity leader: the higher you rise, the more you must be aware of the legal and personal implications of your role.
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AI Risks
05/08/2025
AI Risks
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole dives deep into the dominating force of 2025: artificial intelligence. While AI is everywhere—embedded in nearly every conversation and technology—the real concern, he explains, isn’t just about its capabilities but the risks it brings, especially in cybersecurity and data privacy. Dr. Cole breaks AI down into its two primary types: machine learning, which relies on data sets, and expert systems, which mimic expert decision-making through logical rules. He shares how AI isn’t new, recounting his own early work building simple expert systems back in college, but warns that today’s AI is only as good—or as dangerous—as the data it consumes. Dr. Cole emphasizes that data is the real power behind AI, not the algorithms. Using TikTok as an example, he highlights how data collected over years can predict behaviors and influence markets, creating national security and privacy concerns. He also discusses why big players like Amazon might seek access to such rich behavioral data to maintain dominance in e-commerce. Drawing attention to the eerie accuracy of modern predictive systems, Dr. Cole calls on CISOs and security professionals to take responsibility: every interaction with AI is feeding it data, and that data needs to be protected. He urges leaders to ask tough questions about where their data goes, how it's used, and whether they are unknowingly contributing to systems that could expose sensitive information.
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Blindspots
05/01/2025
Blindspots
In this powerful episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole opens by highlighting a key success principle: even the world’s top performers — whether in sports, business, or entertainment — rely on coaches to help them spot their blind spots. Drawing from his deep experience coaching CISOs, Dr. Cole shares that cybersecurity leaders are no different. They often miss critical areas simply because they're too focused on day-to-day operations. He emphasizes that one of the most common blind spots for CISOs is the unrealistic pursuit of 100% security, which simply doesn’t exist. As Dr. Cole reminds us, every added functionality in a business decreases security — and breaches are not a question of if but when. The episode dives deep into the mindset shift every CISO must make: embracing the breach. This doesn’t mean accepting failure, but rather committing to early detection, fast response, and minimizing business impact when an incident occurs. Dr. Cole stresses that a CISO’s survival depends on aligning with executives early, clearly communicating that breaches are inevitable, and setting realistic expectations. Without that alignment, companies often fire the CISO after a breach — not because of the breach itself, but because of failed communication. To prevent this, Dr. Cole recommends that CISOs regularly update executives with simple, non-technical risk reports that show the likelihood, potential cost, and status of key security threats. By turning security into a transparent business conversation, CISOs can transform from scapegoats to trusted advisors — even in the face of attacks.
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What You Must Master This Year
04/24/2025
What You Must Master This Year
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole kicks off the 2025 CISO Survival Guide Series, diving deep into the evolving demands on security leaders in today’s fast-moving landscape. With shifting tides in government, corporate trends, and technology, Dr. Cole emphasizes the urgent need for CISOs to master AI governance and threat modeling—not from a coding or development angle, but from a strategic oversight perspective. He shares personal stories from his early days working with neural networks in national security, highlighting how today’s cybersecurity environment finally has the historical data to make AI effective in predicting threats. But with AI now being widely used to create work products, Dr. Cole challenges security leaders to think critically about legal, ethical, and governance implications in the workplace. He also introduces the second major pillar of this survival guide: executive communication. Dr. Cole points out a major gap in how CISOs are treated compared to other C-level executives, and he urges cybersecurity leaders to analyze their org charts and step up their executive presence. If CISOs want a seat at the table, they must learn to speak the language of the boardroom and operate at the same strategic level as their C-suite peers. This episode sets the stage for a multi-part deep dive into the five key areas every CISO must master to survive—and thrive—in 2025 and beyond.
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