PodChats for FutureCISO: Balancing agility with security during periods of significant change

CXOInsights by CXOCIETY

Cybersecurity resilience refers to an organization's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents while continuing to operate effectively. This resilience is not merely about having robust security measures in place; it also involves fostering a culture of security awareness and agility within the organization. As businesses undergo transformations—whether through digital transformation, mergers and acquisitions, or shifts in workforce dynamics—cybersecurity strategies must evolve concurrently.

The challenge lies in ensuring that security protocols do not hinder operational agility. Organizations must be able to pivot quickly in response to market demands, technological advancements, or unforeseen disruptions while maintaining a strong security posture. This balance is crucial for minimizing risks and protecting against potential cyber threats that can exploit vulnerabilities during periods of change.

Key Considerations for Achieving Cybersecurity Resilience

To navigate this complex landscape, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and security professionals must consider several critical questions:

Mark Jobbins, Chief Technology Officer & Vice President, Asia Pacific & Japan, Pure Storage

1. Given us a state of the cybersecurity landscape in Asia in 2024.

2. How should a CISO define cybersecurity resilience?

a. What is agility in the context of cybersecurity from the perspective of a CISO?

3. How should CISOs assess and prioritize risks associated with rapid changes in technology or business operations?

4. What security frameworks and standards should organisations adopt to ensure compliance while remaining flexible, and without compromising agility?

5. How can organisations integrate security into their agile development processes without slowing down innovation (or creating unnecessary friction between operations, development and security teams)?

6. With the threat landscape continuing to escalate threat and both sides (attackers and defenders) having access to the same technologies, how should CISOs architect the company’s cyber resilience strategy to stay ahead of the threat?

7. Balancing agility with security during periods of significant change, as a Chief Technology Officer, can you share your views/expectations around security and resiliency in 2025?