Boards Stepping Up, as CISOs Build Stronger Bonds with Legal and Safeguard Leadership – BSW #378

Nearly three-quarters of Fortune 100 companies now seek cybersecurity expertise at the board level, marking a dramatic transformation in corporate oversight. EY Americas’ Pat Niemann examines how boards are rising to meet an unprecedented challenge as cyber criminals harness AI and software-as-a-service to launch increasingly sophisticated attacks.

In 2025, the links between cyber security and legal teams need to be closer than ever, because around the world, the IT security function – and the people who lead it – are increasingly the target of new regulations and sharp government scrutiny.

If you’re interested in pursuing IT as a career, whether you want to work in healthcare, government, or even the banking sector, the journey will be long and winding, filled with obstacles. Becoming a CISO required over two decades of lessons, experiences, and decisions, even self-doubt that tested my resolve. If you’re willing to put in the work, you can achieve anything that you desire — even becoming a CISO!

Caleb Barlow is joining Ben and Dave to discuss executive protection and the intersection with cybersecurity. They dive into the recent killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and how it has alarmed corporate America, prompting companies to reassess security measures and protect executives amid concerns of copycat attacks. Security firms report a surge in requests for protection.

The DOJ has raised the bar for corporate compliance programs, with recent updates demanding new attention to AI risks and electronic communications. StoneTurn’s Jonny Frank breaks down the essential elements of a DOJ-ready program and explains why 2025 is the year to get serious about implementation.

Becoming a manager doesn’t mean that you have to have all the answers. And you shouldn’t feel pressured to have them, either. When a team member comes to you with a question, instead of providing immediate solutions, you can facilitate the problem-solving process, which can help your team develop judgment and ownership. It’s okay to take time to think before responding, as thoughtful deliberation is a sign of strong leadership. It’s also okay to acknowledge when you don’t know something and seek help from others. This approach shows humility and encourages your team to ask for help when needed. Expecting yourself to know everything is unrealistic and leads to burnout. Giving yourself permission to not know everything opens opportunities for trust-building and learning within your team, fostering growth and yielding thoughtful solutions.