finelybook
A Day in the Life of a CISO: Personal Mentorship from 24+ Battle-Tested CISOs — Mentoring We Never Got
Author(s): David J. Gee (Author)
- Publisher finelybook 出版社: Packt Publishing
- Publication Date 出版日期: September 30, 2025
- Language 语言: English
- Print length 页数: 546 pages
- ISBN-10: 1806110695
- ISBN-13: 9781806110698
Book Description
Explore the evolving field of cybersecurity leadership and gain real-world insights from top security leaders on strategy, communication, and resilience to excel as a CISO in today's digital landscape.
Free with your book: PDF Copy, AI Assistant, and Next-Gen Reader
Key Features
- Gain practical perspectives from global CISOs on cyber transformation, risk management, and career growth
- Explore AI threats, building resilient teams, cyber strategy, communication skills, and breach recovery
- Equip yourself to lead effectively while adapting to evolving cyber challenges
- Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook
Book Description
As cyber threats become more complex, effective cybersecurity leadership calls for more than technical expertise; it requires strategic thinking, resilient leadership, and deft communication skills. A Day in the Life of a CISO brings together candid insights from some of the world’s most accomplished CISOs and cybersecurity executives.
With invaluable guidance on managing emerging threats, balancing risk and business needs, leading through crisis, and building elite security teams, this book is a practical, real-world guide for professionals looking to elevate their cybersecurity careers or transition into leadership roles. You’ll benefit from the collective wisdom and hard-earned experiences of 29 contributors representing leading organizations worldwide, and learn how to craft cyber strategies, manage vulnerabilities, lead transformations, and develop long-lasting careers in cybersecurity.
Whether you are an aspiring CISO, a current security leader, or a business executive seeking a deeper understanding of cybersecurity leadership, this book offers you the knowledge and inspiration to thrive in an increasingly challenging digital world.
What you will learn
- Adapt security strategies to manage emerging threats, including AI-driven risks
- Build and execute cyber strategies while balancing business needs and budget constraints
- Discover effective leadership and communication techniques critical for CISOs
- Implement talent development strategies for building a resilient cybersecurity team
- Learn from real-world incidents, including how to recover after breaches
- Explore career development pathways for cybersecurity professionals, including alternative and non-traditional paths to CISO roles
Who this book is for
This book is for aspiring cybersecurity leaders and managers, as well as current CISOs seeking to sharpen their leadership and strategic skills.
IT and risk management professionals transitioning into cybersecurity leadership roles and business executives and board members interested in cybersecurity governance will also find this book useful.
Table of Contents
- Sunrise on a New Day
- Hand-to-Hand Combat with Lazarus
- Priorities for the New CISO
- Cyber Threat Intelligence That Is Actionable
- How I Got to Be CISO
- The Journey to CISO - from Humble Beginnings to Leadership
- Stepping Up into a Global Role
- Diverse Paths to Cybersecurity Leadership
- Overcoming Doubt
- How to Defend with Less
- Being Brilliant at the Basics
- A CISO in Japan
- Navigating the C-Suite, Board and DOPE Dynamics
- Systems Thinking for CISOs
- The CISO as a Change Agent
- Alternative Career Paths to Consider
- So, You Got Fired
- Rebuilding after a Breach
- Cyber Strategy That Makes a Difference
- Do's and Don'ts for CISOs
- Developing Cyber Talent
- Managing Critical Vulnerabilities
(N.B. Please use the Read Sample option to see further chapters)
Editorial Reviews
Review
“One of the most valuable aspects of being a CISO is learning from the experience of other CISOs. This book reaches the same level of trusted sharing — containing the wisdom of seasoned professionals across industries, with over 700 years of collective experience. Whether you're a veteran or new to the role, you'll find insights that can be applied directly to building and strengthening your security programs. It's a must-read for the next generation of CISOs and a powerful tool for mentoring future leaders.”
Tim Callahan, Global CISO at Aflac Insurance
“The lessons conveyed here—often forged in moments of adversity—reflect the realities faced by those who have risen to the pinnacle of their profession. The contributors do not shy away from difficult conversations—addressing the emotional toll of breaches, the realities of redundancy, and the personal cost of operating under sustained pressure. David has curated a powerful collection of lived experiences that will equip you to meet the demands of this role with clarity, conviction, and confidence.”
Robert Veres, Financial Services Chief Information Security Officer at Colonial First State, Board Advisor, and Mentor
About the Author
David Gee has more than 20 years' experience in Digital CIO roles and then as CISO for HSBC Asia Pacific. He strives to be 'comfortable being uncomfortable,' which has led to a career spanning Banking, Insurance, Pharmaceuticals, Media, and Building Materials. David has also been a partner-level consultant with EY and KPMG. His proudest career achievements are developing talent, and he is flattered by the many CIOs and CISOs he has nurtured in his various roles to grow and ‘stretch' into the C-suite. David was the winner of Australian CIO of the Year in 2014 for the successful transformation of new Core Banking, Online, and Mobile Banking systems. He also has a strong fintech background as a Board Advisor. A prolific writer, he has published over 100 articles for publications including CIO, Computerworld, ITNews, and CSO (Cybersecurity) magazines. In 2023, David was the recipient of the FS-ISAC Global Leader Award for his services as Chairman of the FS-ISAC Strategy Committee.
