CyberOXtales

Thriving as a First-Time CISO: Devin Rudnicki’s Cybersecurity Playbook for Executives

• OX Security • Episode 13

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This cybersecurity playbook is inspired by Devin Rudnicki’s insights on navigating the CISO role, mastering communication, and aligning security programs with business outcomes, as shared on CyberOXtales.
The Playbook

Objective:

💡 This playbook provides actionable strategies from Devin Rudnicki, CISO at Fitch Group, on navigating the CISO role, building cross-functional security programs, and aligning security initiatives with business outcomes.

Key Goals Include:

  • Equip new and aspiring CISOs with a roadmap for their first 90 days.
  • Highlight the importance of communication and stakeholder management.
  • Provide strategies for aligning security programs with business outcomes.
  • Emphasize building cross-functional security committees.


Step 1: Master Communication – “It’s 150% of the Job”

Objective: Establish trust with leadership and effectively communicate cyber risk.
Action Items:
  • Speak the Board’s Language: Present risks as business impacts, not technical threats.
  • Develop a Risk Narrative: Tie security initiatives to business outcomes using real-world scenarios.
  • Create a Security Scorecard: Use clear metrics (e.g., time-to-patch, phishing click rates) to frame progress.

Pro Tip from Devin:
“Communication is not part of the job—it’s 150% of the job.”



Step 2: Build a 30-60-90 Day Plan for Success

Objective: Align security priorities with business needs in the first 90 days.
30 Days: Focus on learning and listening.
  • Meet key stakeholders: Board members, CIO, CRO, and department heads.
  • Audit the current security program and identify gaps.

60 Days: Begin setting a strategic direction.
  • Develop a draft security strategy aligned with business outcomes.
  • Start forming a cross-functional security committee.

90 Days: Present and gain buy-in.
  • Finalize and present the security strategy to leadership.
  • Launch quick-win security initiatives for early impact.



Step 3: Create a Cross-Functional Security Committee

Objective: Break down silos and drive security initiatives collaboratively.
Action Items:
  • Form the Committee: Include stakeholders from Risk, IT, Legal, and Operations.
  • Establish Regular Meetings: Review security metrics and program updates.
  • Assign Ownership: Make security a shared responsibility across departments.


Step 4: Align Security with Business Outcomes

Objective: Shift from a compliance-based to an outcome-driven security approach.
Action Items:
  • Conduct Business Impact Analyses (BIA): Identify and protect the most critical business processes.
  • Develop Risk Scenarios: Show leadership how security mitigates business disruption.
  • Track Outcomes, Not Tools: Measure success through reduced incidents, faster recovery times, and improved risk scores.



Step 5: Leverage Past Experience to Drive Success

Objective: Use technical expertise to build credibility and empower the security team.
Action Items:
  • Lead by Example: Participate in security tool evaluations and incident response exercises.
  • Bridge Technical and Executive Teams: Translate complex technical challenges into business language.
  • Mentor the Team: Share experiences from your own career to develop talent.