

CISO Tradecraft®
G Mark Hardy & Ross Young
You are not years away from accomplishing your career goals, you are skills away. Learn the Tradecraft to Take Your Cybersecurity Skills to the Executive Level. © Copyright 2025, National Security Corporation. All Rights Reserved
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 9, 2024 • 46min
#197 - Fedshark's Blueprint for Cost Effective Risk Reduction
Join host G Mark Hardy as he dives deep into the complexities of compliance and reporting, featuring special guests Brian Bradley and Josh Williams from FedShark. Discover a unique and streamlined approach to compliance using FedShark's innovative tools and AI-assisted systems. Learn about their exclusive offers for CISO Tradecraft listeners, including free downloads and discounted pre-assessment tools. Topics covered include CMMC, HIPAA, PCI, and more. Whether you're part of the Defense Industrial Base or dealing with multiple compliance frameworks, this episode is packed with practical advice to make your compliance journey smoother and more effective.
Thanks to our podcast sponsor, Fedshark
CISO Traderaft Promo & Link to CMMC White Papers: https://fedshark.com/ciso
RapidAssess: https://fedshark.com/rapid-assess
Company website: https://fedshark.com
FedShark Blog: https://fedshark.com/blog
Schedule a Demo: https://fedshark.com/contact-us
LinkedIn Matt Beaghley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbeaghley/
LinkedIn Brian Bradley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bradley-97a82668/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Special Offer
03:18 Meet the Experts: Brian and Josh
06:49 Challenges in Compliance
16:23 Understanding CMMC
29:02 Understanding Scope in Compliance
30:22 Introducing the AI-Enhanced Compliance Solution
31:24 Streamlining Interviews and Documentation
42:19 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Sep 2, 2024 • 47min
#196 - Cyber Thrills and Author Quills (with Deb Radcliff)
G Mark Hardy and guest Deb Radcliff talk about experiences and takeaways from Black Hat, and delve into the dynamic world of cybersecurity. Deb shares her perspectives on the intersection of AI, DevSecOps, and cyber warfare, while highlighting insights from her 'Breaking Backbones' trilogy.
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XN9HjdljJYKlUITrxZ10HTq9e91R8FNT
Book 1: Breaking Backbones: Information Is Power
https://amzn.to/4dLSBxQ
Book 2: Breaking Backbones: Information Should Be Free
https://amzn.to/4e3BRlB
Book 3: Breaking Backbones: From Chaos to Order
https://amzn.to/3X8e4u2
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
01:18 Black Hat and Security Leaders Dinner
04:39 The Evolution of Cybersecurity Conferences
10:59 AI and Cybersecurity Trends
22:01 The Chip Dilemma: Parenting in a Monitored Society
23:09 Crafting Characters: Inspirations and Transformations
25:58 Writing Process: From Drafts to Details
31:38 Future of Cybersecurity: Autonomous Systems and Legal Challenges

Aug 26, 2024 • 48min
#195 - Pentesting for Readiness not Compliance (with Snehal Antani)
In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy is joined by special guest Snehal Antani, co-founder of Horizon3.AI, to discuss the crucial interplay between offensive and defensive cybersecurity tactics. They explore the technical aspects of how observing attacker behavior can enhance defensive strategies, why traditional point-in-time pen testing may be insufficient, and how autonomous pen testing can offer continuous, scalable solutions. The conversation delves into Snehal’s extensive experience, the importance of readiness over compliance, and the future of cybersecurity tools designed with humans out of the loop. Tune in to learn how to elevate your cybersecurity posture in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Horizon3 - https://www.horizon3.ai
Snehal Antani - https://www.linkedin.com/in/snehalantani/
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IFSQ8Uoca3I7TLqNHMkvm2X-RHk8SWpo
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:43 Background and Experience of Snehal Antani
03:09 Challenges and Limitations of Traditional Pen Testing
14:47 The Future of Pen Testing: Autonomous Systems
23:10 Leveraging Data for Cybersecurity Insights
24:02 Expanding the Attack Surface: Cloud and Supply Chain
24:46 Third-Party Risk Management Evolution
44:37 Future of Cyber Warfare: Algorithms vs. Humans

Aug 19, 2024 • 39min
#194 - The IAM Masterclass
In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy delves into the intricate world of Identity and Access Management (IAM). Learn the essentials and best practices of IAM, including user registration, identity proofing, directory services, identity federation, credential issuance, and much more. Stay informed about the latest trends like proximity-based MFA and behavioral biometrics. Understand the importance of effective IAM implementation for safeguarding sensitive data, compliance, and operational efficiency. Plus, hear real-world examples and practical advice on improving your IAM strategy for a secure digital landscape.
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15zUupqhCQz9llwy21GW5cam8qXgK80JB
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to CISO Tradecraft
01:24 Understanding Identity and Access Management (IAM)
01:54 Gartner's Magic Quadrant and IAM Vendors
03:29 The Importance of IAM in Enterprises
04:28 User Registration and Verification
06:48 Password Policies and Best Practices
09:53 Identity Proofing Techniques
14:53 Directory Services and Role Management
18:27 Identity Federation and Credential Issuance
22:22 Profile and Role Management
26:17 Identity Lifecycle Management
29:23 Access Management Essentials
35:05 Review and Conclusion

Aug 12, 2024 • 43min
#193 - Security Team Operating System (with Christian Hyatt)
In this comprehensive episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy sits down with Christian Hyatt, author of 'The Security Team Operating System'. Together, they delve into the five essential components needed to transform your cyber security team from reactive to unstoppable. From defining purpose and values to establishing clear roles, rhythms, and goals, this podcast offers practical insights and tools that can improve the efficacy and culture of your security team. If you're looking for strategic frameworks to align your team with business objectives and create a resilient security culture, you won't want to miss this episode!
Christian Hyatt's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianhyatt/
Link to the Book: https://a.co/d/aHpXXfr
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ogBdtJolBJTOVtqyFLO5onuLxBsfqqQP
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:31 Overview of the Security Team Operating System
03:31 Deep Dive into the Five Elements
07:53 Aligning Security with Business Objectives
21:59 Defining Core Values for Security Teams
25:03 Aligning Organizational and Team Values
26:05 Establishing Clear Roles and Responsibilities
30:58 Implementing Effective Rhythms and Goals

Aug 5, 2024 • 45min
#192 - From Cyber Burnout to VCISO Bliss (with Olivia Rose)
Join host G Mark Hardy in this episode of CISO Tradecraft as he welcomes Olivia Rose, an experienced CISO and founder of the Rose CISO Group. Olivia discusses her journey in cybersecurity from her start in marketing to becoming a VCISO. They delve into key topics including the transition from CISO to VCISO, strategies for managing time and stress, the importance of understanding board dynamics, and practical advice on mentoring new entrants in the cybersecurity field. Olivia also shares her insights on maintaining business alignment, handling insurance as a contractor, and building a personal brand in the cybersecurity community.
Olivia Rose: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviarosecybersecurity/
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S42BepIh1QQHVWsdhhgx6x99U188q5eL
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:14 Olivia Rose's Career Journey
06:42 Challenges in Cybersecurity Careers
15:47 Communicating with the Board
22:57 Navigating Compliance and Legal Challenges
24:10 Building Strategic Relationships
25:46 Aligning Security with Business Goals
35:05 The Importance of Reputation and Branding

Jul 29, 2024 • 45min
#191 - From Breach to Bench (with Thomas Ritter)
In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy continues an in-depth discussion with cybersecurity attorney Thomas Ritter on the legal considerations for cybersecurity leaders. The episode touches on essential topics such as immediate legal steps after a data breach, the importance of using correct terminology, understanding attorney-client privilege and discovery, GDPR's impact, data localization, and proactive measures CISOs should take. The conversation also explores the implications of evolving cybersecurity laws and regulations like the Digital Operations Resilience Act and the potential criminal liabilities for CISOs.
Thomas Ritter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-ritter-2b91014a/
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15xQINUOdziGdcEFfh5SN8lS7svtK0JCT
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part 1
01:43 Starting the Discussion: Data Breaches
02:22 Legal Steps After a Data Breach
07:19 Understanding Attorney-Client Privilege
08:21 Discovery in Legal Cases
13:31 Staying Updated on Cybersecurity Laws
19:38 Impact of GDPR on Cybersecurity
32:00 Data Localization Challenges
34:55 Proactive Legal Preparedness
37:23 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Jul 22, 2024 • 45min
#190 - Lawyers, Breaches, and CISOs: Oh My (with Thomas Ritter)
In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy interviews cybersecurity lawyer Thomas Ritter. They discuss key legal topics for CISOs, including regulatory compliance, managing third-party risk, responding to data breaches, and recent legislative impacts. Thomas shares his journey into cybersecurity law and provides practical advice and real-world examples. Key points include the challenges of keeping up with evolving regulations, the intricacies of vendor management, and the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings. They also touch on major breaches like SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline, exploring lessons learned and the importance of implementing essential security controls.
Thomas Ritter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-ritter-2b91014a/ Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EvZ_dOpFOLCSSv5ffqxCoMnLZDOnUv_K
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to CISO Tradecraft
00:48 Meet Thomas Ritter: Cybersecurity Lawyer
03:48 Legal Challenges for CISOs
04:54 Managing Third-Party Risks
13:01 Understanding Legal and Statutory Obligations
15:57 Supreme Court Rulings and Cybersecurity
32:57 Lessons from High-Profile Cyber Attacks
38:32 Ransomware Epidemic and Law Enforcement
43:30 Conclusion and Contact Information

Jul 15, 2024 • 34min
#189 - Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence for Cybersecurity Leaders | CISO Tradecraft In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy delves into the essential topic of emotional intelligence (EI) for cybersecurity leaders. He explores the difference between IQ and EI, the origins and significance of emotional intelligence, and its impact on leadership effectiveness. The episode covers various models of EI, including the Ability Model, the Trait Model, and the Mixed Model, and emphasizes practical actions to enhance EI, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. Tune in to understand how developing emotional intelligence can significantly benefit your career, leadership performance, and personal life.
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15pyhXu3XVHJ_VE1OwKjSqM73Rybjbsm0
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to CISO Tradecraft
00:53 Understanding IQ: The Basics
04:08 Introduction to Emotional Intelligence
07:38 Models of Emotional Intelligence
13:06 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
25:12 Practical Steps to Improve Emotional Intelligence
32:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jul 8, 2024 • 25min
#188 - Securing Small Businesses
Securing Small Businesses: Essential Cybersecurity Tools and Strategies In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy discusses cybersecurity challenges specific to small businesses. He provides insights into key tools and strategies needed for effective cybersecurity management in small enterprises, including endpoint management, patch management, EDR tools, secure web gateways, IAM solutions, email security gateways, MDR services, and password managers. Hardy also evaluates these tools against the CIS Critical Security Controls to highlight their significance in safeguarding small business operations.
Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hon3h950myI7A3jzGmj7YIwRXow5W1V5
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to CISO Tradecraft
00:40 Challenges of Cybersecurity in Small Businesses
01:15 Defining Small Business and Security Baselines
01:53 Top Cybersecurity Tools for Small Businesses
02:05 Hardware and Software Essentials
04:35 Patch Management Solutions
05:19 Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Tools
06:06 Secure Web Gateways and Website Security
11:21 Identity and Access Management (IAM)
12:57 Email Security Gateways
14:15 Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Solutions
14:54 Recap of Essential Cybersecurity Tools
15:41 Bonus Tool: Password Managers
18:33 Aligning with CIS Controls
24:48 Conclusion and Call to Action


