CISO Strategies: Maximizing Impact with Limited Resources
▼ Summary
– Jill Knesek, CISO at BlackLine, provides practical strategies for CISOs dealing with tighter budgets.
– She advises maximizing the use of existing security tools to maintain strong protection.
– CISOs should optimize vendor partnerships to get more value without additional spending.
– Leveraging AI is recommended as a way to enhance security efficiency and effectiveness.
– Making smart, targeted investments helps ensure security remains robust without overspending.
Navigating the complex world of cybersecurity with limited financial resources remains a top challenge for many Chief Information Security Officers. In a recent discussion, Jill Knesek, CISO at BlackLine, outlined several practical approaches for maintaining robust security even when budgets are constrained. Her insights focus on maximizing the value of existing tools and forming strategic alliances rather than simply requesting more funding.
Knesek emphasizes the importance of thoroughly understanding the capabilities of security solutions already in place. Many organizations underutilize the features they’ve already paid for, and a deeper dive into existing platforms can often reveal untapped potential. She also highlights the value of building strong relationships with vendors, who can sometimes provide additional services, training, or flexible terms that extend the usefulness of their products.
Another key area is the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence and automation. These technologies can help small teams operate more efficiently, identifying threats faster and reducing the manual workload on analysts. Knesek advises CISOs to prioritize investments that deliver the highest impact, such as tools that improve visibility or automate repetitive tasks.
Finally, she encourages security leaders to align their initiatives closely with business objectives. By demonstrating how security measures support broader organizational goals, such as compliance, customer trust, or operational continuity, CISOs can make a more compelling case for necessary resources and foster a culture where security is seen as an enabler, not an obstacle.
(Source: HelpNet Security)
