What is the career path for a CISO in 2021? | How to start a career in Cybersecurity

Dr Eric Cole March 4, 2021
Video Thumbnail
Dr Eric Cole Logo

Dr Eric Cole

@drericcole

About

Meet Cyber Ninja, Dr. Eric Cole Eric Cole, PhD, is an industry-recognized security expert with over 20 years of hands-on experience in consulting, training, and public speaking. As the founder and CEO of Secure Anchor Consulting, Dr. Cole focuses on helping customers prevent security breaches, detect network intrusions, and respond to advanced threats. In addition, he is a sought-after expert witness and a 2014 inductee to the InfoSecurity Hall of Fame. Dr. Eric Cole is the author of several books, including Advanced Persistent Threat: Understanding the Danger and How to Protect Your Organization; Hackers Beware: The Ultimate Guide to Network Security; Insider Threat: Protecting the Enterprise from Sabotage, Spying, and Theft; and Hiding in Plain Sight. With over 20 patent applications, Dr. Cole is on the cutting edge of cyber security research and development.

Latest Posts

Video Description

On this episode of Life of a CISO, I answer the question, how does one actually become a CISO? A mistake that many technical cybersecurity professionals make is thinking that by working hard enough and long enough on the technical path, you deserve to be a CISO. The CISO is just a different career path. There’s nothing wrong with being a world-class security expert, and you can get plenty of money and prestige from it, just like you can be the best airplane mechanic and get plenty of money and prestige from that, but it’s a different career path than being a pilot. 🔑 [FREE MASTERCLASS] Discover How You Can Advance Your Career Through Cybersecurity https://safe.secure-anchor.com/nl-web-ciso46668983 If you want to become a CISO, you need to have one foot in the executive world and one foot in the cybersecurity world. You can go to school for both of them separately, or you can hone your skills at one, get a good position in a company, and then reach out to some executives and ask them to mentor you. If you are willing to make the effort, perhaps pay for a dinner occasionally, and are willing to keep on asking after you’ve been told no by one or five people, you can find yourself on a fast track to being a CISO. 0:11 What is the career path for a CISO 0:33 A CISO needs 2 skills: A business and cybersecurity skillset 1:00 An example of these 2 skillsets 3:01 Switching hats 3:51 Notice the difference 4:36 Both sides are fighting, you’re a translator and marriage counselor 6:52 If you think a CISO doesn’t need to know it, you’re not cut out to be a CISO (right now) 8:23 You aren’t creating financials, you just need to understand them 9:12 You need to understand technical language and communicate it 9:41 The three categories of CISOs 11:40 A story about a C-Suite and the CISO 14:19 “What do the executives want to get out of that meeting?” 16:04 Do you really want to be a CISO? 19:54 Assuming you want to be a CISO, most people have a security background, not a business background 22:04 How to nail the interview 25:37 How to move up within your current company 26:45 Keep asking until you get a yes 28:23 Why ask people for advice in positions you don’t want to have? 29:03 First, honest assessment of where you are in business and security 29:40 The two options to go from one to another 30:01 Start within your own company 32:49 You can’t be afraid of the word “no” About Dr Eric Cole Eric Cole, PhD, is an industry-recognized security expert with over 20 years of hands-on experience in consulting, training, and public speaking. As the founder and CEO of Secure Anchor Consulting, Dr. Cole focuses on helping customers prevent security breaches, detect network intrusions, and respond to advanced threats. In addition, he is a sought-after expert witness and a 2014 inductee to the InfoSecurity Hall of Fame. #LifeOfaCISO #Cybersecurity #Careerpath

You May Also Like

Upgrade Your Everyday

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal

Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal

(21,817)
149.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14
9K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip
Best Seller

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip

(26,751)
$118.98$114.22
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 17
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones, True Wireless Stereo Earphones with IPX7 Waterproof, Noise Cancelling Mic, Fast Charging and Comfort Fit Ear Buds for Sports/Workouts - Black

Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones, True Wireless Stereo Earphones with IPX7 Waterproof, Noise Cancelling Mic, Fast Charging and Comfort Fit Ear Buds for Sports/Workouts - Black

(1,741)
$19.99
FREE delivery Sun, Jun 22 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone
Best Seller

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone

(23,152)
$89.99$83.69
FREE delivery Thu, Sep 4
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

(38,487)
$199.00$187.32
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 3
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Smart Watch for Men/Women, 1.95" AMOLED Fitness Tracker Watches with Bluetooth Calls/Flashlight/100+ Sport Modes Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor Ultra Lightweight Ultrathin Design

Smart Watch for Men/Women, 1.95" AMOLED Fitness Tracker Watches with Bluetooth Calls/Flashlight/100+ Sport Modes Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor Ultra Lightweight Ultrathin Design

(0)
17.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Loading...
Smart Watch for Men Women (Answer/Make Call), 1.96" HD Smartwatch Fitness Activity Tracker, 110+ Sports IP68 Waterproof, Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor/Pedometer/Calories, Fitness Watch for Android iOS

Smart Watch for Men Women (Answer/Make Call), 1.96" HD Smartwatch Fitness Activity Tracker, 110+ Sports IP68 Waterproof, Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor/Pedometer/Calories, Fitness Watch for Android iOS

(550)
24.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminium Case with Light Blush Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant
Best Seller

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminium Case with Light Blush Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

(7,994)
$329.00$296.10
FREE delivery Thu, Jul 3
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 42mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant
Best Seller

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 42mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

(7,993)
$299.00$269.10
FREE delivery Thu, Jul 3
8K+ bought in past month
Loading...
NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Portable Jump Box, Power Bank & Jumper Cables - for 6.0L Gas and 3.0L Diesel Engines
Best Seller

NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Portable Jump Box, Power Bank & Jumper Cables - for 6.0L Gas and 3.0L Diesel Engines

(117,789)
$99.95$75.43
FREE delivery Sun, Sep 21
30K+ bought in past month
Loading...
UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W Portable Charger 72Wh PD Fast Charging 3-Port USB C Battery Pack with TFT Smart Display for MacBook/iPad/iPhone 16/Samsung S24 and More

UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W Portable Charger 72Wh PD Fast Charging 3-Port USB C Battery Pack with TFT Smart Display for MacBook/iPad/iPhone 16/Samsung S24 and More

(1,903)
69.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
ANKER 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh 3-Port Laptop Portable Charger with 140W Fast Charging, Smart Display, for Outdoor Work, Compatible with iPhone 16/15/14 Series, Vision Pro, Samsung, MacBook, and More

ANKER 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh 3-Port Laptop Portable Charger with 140W Fast Charging, Smart Display, for Outdoor Work, Compatible with iPhone 16/15/14 Series, Vision Pro, Samsung, MacBook, and More

(13,939)
109.99
FREE delivery Saturday, June 14
9K+ bought in past month
Loading...
VOLTME Portable Charger, Slim 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&Out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, Travel Essentials Dual Output Compatible with iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Samsung Google iPad etc

VOLTME Portable Charger, Slim 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&Out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, Travel Essentials Dual Output Compatible with iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Samsung Google iPad etc

(51)
19.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Loading...
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip
Best Seller

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip

(26,751)
$118.98$114.22
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 17
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone
Best Seller

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone

(23,152)
$89.99$83.69
FREE delivery Thu, Sep 4
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

(38,487)
$199.00$187.32
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 3
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

(10,961)
249.00
FREE delivery Wednesday, June 11.
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Barnyard Designs Indoor Herb Garden Planter Set with Tray, Metal Windowsill Plant Pots with Drainage for Outdoor or Indoor Plants, Set/3 (Black)

Barnyard Designs Indoor Herb Garden Planter Set with Tray, Metal Windowsill Plant Pots with Drainage for Outdoor or Indoor Plants, Set/3 (Black)

(3,684)
26.95
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Eye Contact Web Camera for Desktop Computer – 1080P USB Camera with Microphone & Stand, Center Cam for Laptop or Desktop, Manual Focus, Plug & Play for macOS & Windows(Black)

Eye Contact Web Camera for Desktop Computer – 1080P USB Camera with Microphone & Stand, Center Cam for Laptop or Desktop, Manual Focus, Plug & Play for macOS & Windows(Black)

(96)
37.39
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
PEHAEL 3+3Pack for iPhone 17 Pro Max Privacy Screen Protector with Camera Lens Protector Full Coverage Anti-Spy Tempered Glass Film 9H Hardness Easy Installation Bubble Free [6.9 inch]

PEHAEL 3+3Pack for iPhone 17 Pro Max Privacy Screen Protector with Camera Lens Protector Full Coverage Anti-Spy Tempered Glass Film 9H Hardness Easy Installation Bubble Free [6.9 inch]

(151,641)
$7.99$6.39
FREE delivery Mon, Sep 29 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
New on Amazon in past month
Loading...
Ailun 3 Pack Screen Protector for iPhone 16 Pro Max [6.9 inch] + 3 Pack Camera Lens Protector with Installation Frame,Sensor Protection,Dynamic Island Compatible,Case Friendly Tempered Glass Film

Ailun 3 Pack Screen Protector for iPhone 16 Pro Max [6.9 inch] + 3 Pack Camera Lens Protector with Installation Frame,Sensor Protection,Dynamic Island Compatible,Case Friendly Tempered Glass Film

(362,029)
$7.63
FREE delivery Wed, Aug 20 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
2025 AI Portable Fan Rechargeable, 4 Speeds 6600RPM Strong Airflow, Personal Waist Fan with up to 25H of Working Time, Hands-Free Hanging Neck Fan, Wearable Belt Fan for Camping, Outdoor, Jobsite

2025 AI Portable Fan Rechargeable, 4 Speeds 6600RPM Strong Airflow, Personal Waist Fan with up to 25H of Working Time, Hands-Free Hanging Neck Fan, Wearable Belt Fan for Camping, Outdoor, Jobsite

(1,636)
$19.98
FREE delivery Thu, Jul 3 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
40K+ bought in past month