Book Review: “Premier CISO – Board & C-Suite” by Michael S. Oberlaender

In his latest work, Premier CISO -Board & C-Suite, Michael S. Oberlaender delivers a comprehensive guide for aspiring and current Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity leadership. This book, the third in Michael’s series on cybersecurity management, focuses specifically on succeeding at the board and C-suite levels.

Style

Michael’s writing style is direct and accessible, offering “plain, straightforward language, clear text (unencrypted), so to speak,” as he puts it in the introduction. This approach makes the book’s complex subject matter more digestible for readers at various levels of expertise.

Structure

The author structures the book to cover a wide range of topics crucial for CISO success, including:

1. Current state of CISO roles
2. CISO success factors and compensation
3. Insurance needs for CISOs
4. Stakeholder communication strategies
5. Leadership qualities and integrity
6. Strategic thinking and decision-making
7. Emerging technologies like Quantum Security and AI Security

Practical Advice

One of the book’s strengths is its emphasis on practical advice and real-world scenarios. Michael draws from his extensive experience to provide insights beyond theoretical knowledge. For instance, he offers valuable tips on reading non-verbal cues in meetings:

“Your antennas and inter- and intra-personal communication channels need to be wide-open and doing both sending AND receiving. Also, observe your inner ‘gut feeling’ — that is an excellent indicator if something does not seem right on the personal level.”

The Importance of CISOs

The author also addresses the growing importance of CISOs in the face of escalating cyber threats, particularly from nation-state actors. He argues that organizations need to act quickly to hire Premier CISOs, noting the scarcity of top talent in the field:

“Any organization that hasn’t fully grasped the gravity and the seriousness of this needs to act with haste to hire a Premier CISO immediately — but that’s easier said than done.”

Michael doesn’t shy away from discussing CISOs’ challenges, including the difficulty of identifying true talent and the competition from “market screamers, posers, whiskers, and wannabees vying for attention, funding, and recognition.” This candid approach adds credibility to his advice and prepares readers for the realities of the role.

Emerging Technologies

The book also looks ahead to emerging technologies that will shape the future of cybersecurity. Chapters on Quantum Security and AI Security provide CISOs with a foundation for understanding and preparing for these evolving threats.

Occasionally Repetitive

One minor criticism is that the book occasionally feels repetitive, with some concepts reiterated across different sections. However, this repetition can also be seen as reinforcing critical points for the reader.

Recommendation

This book is highly recommended for current and aspiring CISOs, other cybersecurity professionals, and business leaders interested in understanding the strategic aspects of information security management. It provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in high-level cybersecurity leadership, making it an essential read for those looking to advance their careers in this critical field.

Particularly commendable is Michael’s emphasis on continuous learning and adaptation. His insights on staying current and anticipating future developments are invaluable in an industry that evolves quickly. For current CISOs looking to “sharpen their saw,” this book truly delivers on its promise, offering a wealth of knowledge and strategies to elevate their performance and effectiveness in the boardroom and C-Suite.

Conclusion

Overall, “Premier CISO – Board & C-Suite” is a valuable resource for cybersecurity professionals looking to advance their careers and excel in leadership roles. Michael’s expertise shines through, offering a blend of strategic insight and practical advice that is rare in the field.

The author concludes with an encouraging note: “I truly and wholeheartedly believe and hope this book will prepare you for the battle(s). I encourage you to check out my two prior books, which were written independently and focus on other topics; they lay the fundamental groundwork for what is to come. And don’t forget: Have fun with it!”

You can purchase this book from Amazon here.