The CISO Playbook – Book Reviews from experts in the fields of cybersecurity, information security, risk management, and privacy.
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Reviews
Gary Hayslip, Global CISO – SoftBank Investment Advisers
“The CISO Playbook,” by Andres Andreu, is a must-read for any aspiring or current Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) aiming to elevate their strategic impact within an organization. Andres expertly delves into the multifaceted roles a CISO can fill in business today. Particularly commendable is the book’s focus on being a student of the business — articulating a vision for proactive cybersecurity measures that align seamlessly with an organization’s corporate goals. As mentioned, the second standout feature of this guide is its in-depth exploration of the different roles a CISO can have, and I found I identified with many of them throughout my career. The author highlights how CISOs can transform cybersecurity from a technical necessity to a strategic asset, thereby enhancing their stature and influence within the company. This narrative is not just informative but also serves as a compelling blueprint for CISOs to enhance their influence and leadership in any corporate landscape.
Alfredo Hickman, CISO – Obsidian Security
This is the book that every aspiring CISO wishes they had when they first embarked on their path to earn the CISO title. In this book “The CISO Playbook”, Andres provides a roadmap for the aspiring CISO to evaluate an organization, craft plans and strategies, establish organizational alignment, identify key risks, orient to the culture, and build and operate a well-structured security program. Going well beyond the basics, Andres provides a framework for becoming an inspiring security leader who sets a clear vision and mission and empowers people to grow and shine in their areas of expertise. In a business climate that is often volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous, Andres provides practical insight, wisdom, and guidance in a way that only a seasoned CISO, who has been there and done that, can do. This book is a treasure trove for the aspiring or established CISO who wants to take their game to the next level.
David McLeod, 4 time CISO, QTE, Advisor
Reality check. Readiness check. This is a real world and comprehensive “CISO 101” and more. Great guidance that is very well organized.
Tanya Loh, CMO – Forgepoint Capital
In “The CISO Playbook”, seasoned, serial CISO Andres Andreu provides comprehensive and pragmatic guidance on how to navigate the ever changing complexities and opportunities rife with this challenging and critical role. Concise, candid, and clear, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in better understanding how to think and act like a CISO, in futureproofing their organizations, and in being a more effective leader overall.
Michelangelo Sidagni, CTO – NopSec
“The CISO Playbook” by Andres Andreu is an essential guide and a key “vademecum” for cybersecurity leaders, both experienced and aspiring professionals, offering a rich blend of practical insights and real-world experiences. Andreu moves beyond theoretical concepts, presenting a realistic portrayal of the multifaceted role of a Chief Information Security Officer. The book is particularly valuable for early career CISOs, emphasizing the importance of balancing technical expertise with strategic vision and effective communication. Andreu skillfully incorporates perspectives from various industry stakeholders, providing a comprehensive view that enhances the book’s practical relevance. By addressing key stages in a CISO’s career – from pre-interview preparation to mastering financial literacy and understanding adversaries – Andreu equips readers with the tools needed to thrive in a continually evolving digital landscape.”
Nick Shevelyov, ex-Global Bank CSO, Founder of vCSO.ai and Published Author
Being an exceptional Chief Security Officer (CSO) is more than just about technical prowess in cybersecurity. It’s about bridging the worlds of business, technology, and leadership to form an integrated, influential role in any organization. “The CISO Playbook” is not just a comprehensive guide but an essential resource for aspiring and seasoned CSOs ready to elevate their strategic capabilities and drive holistic security leadership.
The beauty of this handbook lies in its breadth and depth, offering insights across a broad spectrum of critical topics that any world-class CSO should master. The author’s approach of combining traditional cybersecurity concepts with often overlooked yet highly impactful areas like financial literacy, cost-benefit analysis, and organizational culture elevates the book into a league of its own. It’s not just a technical manual—it’s a career roadmap that imparts the mindset, business acumen, and soft skills necessary to become a CSO and be a transformative leader.
Financial Literacy and Cost-Benefit Analysis: Aligning Security with Business Objectives
One of the standout aspects of the book is its focus on financial literacy and cost-benefit analysis, topics often overlooked in traditional cybersecurity literature. The author argues that a world-class CSO is not just an expert in managing security risks but also in demonstrating how security investments align with and propel business objectives. By demystifying financial jargon and introducing practical frameworks for cost-benefit analysis, the book empowers CSOs to speak the language of the C-suite, enabling them to justify security budgets effectively and contribute to the company’s bottom line.
Understanding Cyber Insurance: Beyond Policies and Premiums
In today’s risk-prone environment, the discussion on cyber insurance is not just timely but also necessary. The handbook provides a refreshing and in-depth exploration of how CSOs can leverage insurance as a critical component of their risk management strategy. Rather than viewing insurance as a safety net, the author suggests practical ways to integrate insurance considerations into overall security planning. This perspective equips CSOs with the ability to assess coverage, negotiate policies, and align insurance with the organization’s risk appetite.
Cultivating a Security-First Culture: More Than Just Awareness
The book powerfully advocates for cultivating a security-first culture within the organization. Emphasizing that “culture eats strategy for breakfast,” it provides actionable steps to transform security from an afterthought into an intrinsic part of the company’s DNA. From setting behavioral expectations to designing effective training programs, the handbook shows how a CSO can influence mindsets and behaviors across all levels of the organization.
The Adversarial Mindset: Becoming a Strategist
What sets this handbook apart is its unique deep dive into understanding the adversarial mindset. Instead of limiting the discussion to threat actors and attack vectors, it encourages CSOs to think like adversaries—strategists anticipating potential vulnerabilities, motivations, and tactics. This shift in perspective from a reactive to a proactive stance is invaluable for any CSO aiming to not just respond to threats but anticipate and neutralize them before they materialize.
Storytelling: The Art of Influence and Advocacy
In an era where CSOs are expected to engage diverse stakeholders, from board members to frontline employees, the emphasis on storytelling as a tool for influence is truly a game-changer. The author eloquently guides readers on how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with different audiences, turning data and technical insights into stories that drive action and commitment. Whether it’s building a business case for security funding or fostering support for a new policy, the storytelling guidance in this book is both practical and transformative.
The Journey to CSO Leadership: From Top Candidate to World-Class Leader
Ultimately, “The CISO Playbook” is more than a “how-to” book; it’s a journey of growth. By addressing not just the hard skills but also the soft skills—like leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence—the book charts a clear path for aspiring CSOs to become top candidates. Moreover, it guides those already in the role to evolve into world-class leaders who can navigate cybersecurity challenges, business alignment, and stakeholder engagement with finesse.
Conclusion: A Holistic, Insightful, and Actionable Guide
In a world where cybersecurity risks are escalating and CSOs are increasingly in the spotlight, “The CISO Playbook” is an invaluable resource that provides the knowledge, wisdom, and practical tools needed to lead effectively. It seamlessly bridges the technical and business aspects of the role, helping CSOs and security professionals think beyond traditional boundaries and become influential, well-rounded leaders.
Whether you are a current CSO looking to refine your leadership skills, an aspiring security leader aiming to understand what it takes to step up to the top role, or a C-suite executive wanting to understand the modern CSO’s landscape, this book is your next “must-read.”
Tim Godlove, Ph.D.
The CISO Playbook by Andres Andreu is a straightforward and practical guide for any CISO seeking a clear understanding of how to protect data effectively. The book simplifies the complex responsibilities of cybersecurity leadership into manageable concepts, offering actionable advice on securing digital assets, managing risks, and balancing security measures with business objectives. Andreu emphasizes the importance of fostering a cybersecurity-aware culture while ensuring security strategies align with organizational goals.
What makes this book particularly valuable is its clarity and real-world applicability. Andreu avoids overly technical jargon, making it accessible to CISOs at any career stage. The book covers essential topics such as security operations, risk management, compliance, and vendor negotiations, providing a well-rounded perspective on modern cybersecurity leadership. With insights from industry professionals and practical examples, The CISO Playbook is an excellent resource for those looking to strengthen their cybersecurity strategies without unnecessary complexity.
Andres Andreu, the author of The CISO Playbook, is a distinguished cybersecurity leader with over 25 years of experience spanning federal government, corporate, and entrepreneurial sectors. His extensive background in cybersecurity, coupled with recognized expertise in the field, solidifies his authority, making his insights particularly valuable for professionals looking to enhance their data protection strategies.
Overall, this book is a must-read for CISOs who need a clear, actionable roadmap to data protection and cybersecurity leadership. Its concise yet comprehensive approach ensures readers can quickly grasp and apply key principles confidently. Blending technical depth, leadership insight, and real-world application, The CISO Playbook is an essential guide for anyone serious about excelling in the role of a CISO.
Helen Johnson, ex-CTO, and Executive Advisor
The CISO Playbook is a comprehensive and insightful guide that goes beyond cybersecurity leadership to offer valuable strategies on executive decision-making, risk management, and organizational alignment. While primarily written for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), the book is a must-read for anyone in the C-suite or professionals who engage with security leadership, including risk managers, IT leaders, and compliance officers.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its practical approach to key leadership functions such as interviewing, vendor management, and measuring security effectiveness. The book provides structured frameworks for evaluating talent, selecting and managing third-party vendors, and establishing meaningful metrics to gauge cybersecurity performance. These sections alone make it an essential resource for leaders looking to build strong, resilient security programs.
What sets The CISO Playbook apart is its real-world applicability—it doesn’t just focus on technical aspects but also emphasizes business alignment, communication strategies, and executive leadership. It offers valuable insights on how security leaders can effectively communicate risk to the board, align security goals with business objectives, and drive a security-conscious culture across the organization.
Overall, The CISO Playbook is a highly recommended read not just for CISOs, but for anyone involved in executive leadership, security governance, or corporate risk management. Its practical insights, strategic frameworks, and actionable advice make it a valuable asset for leaders navigating today’s complex cybersecurity landscape.
Ron Baklarz (Retired) CISSP, C|CISO, CISM, CISA, NSA-IAM, NSA-IEM
“The CISO Playbook” is a seminal work in the field of information security, meticulously crafted to serve as an essential guide for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and aspiring security leaders. The book is a treasure trove of practical advice, strategic insights, and actionable frameworks that address the multifaceted challenges faced by today’s CISOs.
The book is organized into several key sections, each delving into different aspects of information security leadership. It begins with an introduction to the evolving role of the CISO and the importance of building a robust security foundation. The subsequent chapters cover a wide range of topics, including risk management, incident response, compliance, governance, and the integration of cybersecurity with business objectives.
One of the standout strengths of “The CISO Playbook” is its practical approach by offering actionable advice that readers can immediately apply in their roles. The use of real-world examples, checklists, and templates enhances the book’s utility as a hands-on guide for security professionals.
“The CISO Playbook” is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the field of information security. Its blend of strategic insights, practical guidance, and expert perspectives makes it a must-read for current and aspiring CISOs.