Speaker: Russell Eubanks
Event: Security BSides Augusta
Date: October 4, 2021
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ5wXVq6U5g
In the world of cybersecurity, the role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is often seen as the pinnacle of leadership. But what does it take to truly excel in this role? In a recent webcast titled 4 Keys You Must Have to Be a Successful CISO, Russell Eubanks, one of Cyverity’s Managing Partner, shared his unique journey and insights, offering actionable advice for both aspiring and current CISOs. His candid reflections and practical wisdom provide a roadmap for navigating the challenges of cybersecurity leadership.
The Journey: From Factory Floor to Cybersecurity Leadership
Russell’s story is one of resilience and determination. Starting in a factory job at Maytag 25 years ago, he decided early on that he wanted more from his career. He leveraged an often-overlooked tuition reimbursement benefit to pursue education, which eventually propelled him into technology and cybersecurity roles. From operating heavy machinery to becoming the CISO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Russell’s career path underscores the value of initiative, continuous learning, and clarity of purpose.
But the road to becoming a CISO isn’t easy. Reflecting on his early days, Russell candidly shared that when he first applied for a CISO role, he wasn’t ready. The rejection was a pivotal moment, prompting him to identify gaps in his skills and knowledge—and to take deliberate steps to address them.
The Four Keys to Being a Successful CISO
Drawing from his experiences, Russell outlines four key areas essential for any CISO to master:
1. Constraints
Every CISO operates within constraints—be it budget, time, or resources. Rather than viewing constraints as obstacles, Russell emphasizes using them as a catalyst for creativity. One of his defining moments was solving cybersecurity challenges with limited funding by fully leveraging existing tools and exploring undocumented features. This resourcefulness not only delivered results but also demonstrated his leadership potential.
Takeaway: Constraints force innovation. Embrace them as opportunities to think outside the box and solve problems in unconventional ways.
2. Culture
Building and sustaining a positive team culture is paramount for a CISO. Russell shares how he focused on creating an environment where team members were motivated, engaged, and aligned with the organization’s mission. One memorable strategy he employed was the “cafeteria test”—an informal gauge of how his presence and leadership style impacted colleagues.
Takeaway: A strong culture is the foundation of success. Regularly assess how your team perceives you and make intentional efforts to foster trust, collaboration, and purpose.
3. Clarity
As a leader, Russell makes it a habit to identify “the three things only I can do” every day. This focus on prioritization ensures that he spends his time on tasks that have the greatest impact. He also champions the importance of saying no to meetings and initiatives that don’t align with strategic objectives.
Takeaway: Clarity drives effectiveness. Know your unique role, focus on high-impact activities, and empower your team to handle the rest.
4. Customer Service
Borrowing from the Ritz-Carlton’s philosophy of “ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen,” Russell underscored the importance of viewing cybersecurity as a service function. Whether interacting with the C-suite or end users, the goal should always be to provide exceptional support that aligns with the organization’s mission.
Takeaway: Adopt a service mindset. Shift the narrative from blaming end users for security breaches to empowering and protecting them as valued colleagues.
The Best Advice: “Get Wisdom as Cheaply as You Can”
Throughout the webcast, Russell returns to a piece of advice he received early in his career: “Get wisdom as cheaply as you can.” For him, this means learning from others’ experiences, avoiding unnecessary mistakes, and seeking mentorship. By applying this principle, you can accelerate your growth and achieve success more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
The role of a CISO is demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding for those willing to embrace its challenges. By focusing on constraints, culture, clarity, and customer service, you can position yourself as an effective and impactful cybersecurity leader.
For those looking to dive deeper into these insights, we highly recommend watching Russell’s full webcast: 4 Keys You Must Have to Be a Successful CISO.
If you’re inspired by this discussion, take the next step: identify one key takeaway and commit to implementing it in your leadership journey. Whether it’s redefining your team’s culture, embracing constraints, or enhancing your customer service mindset, small, deliberate actions can lead to transformational change.