Cybersecurity Insights with Contrast CISO David Lindner | 04/04/25

Insight No. 1 — Cyber calm: Lead like a Zen master, fight like a ninja

Remaining calm is a cornerstone of effective leadership during a cyberattack. Staying composed under pressure not only helps you manage the crisis but also shapes how your team and stakeholders respond. A calm demeanor fosters focus and confidence across the organization, enabling a more effective response. As a CISO or security leader, ensure you act as the clear authority, backed by a solid incident response plan with well-defined roles. Taking ownership — without pointing fingers — further strengthens trust and keeps the focus on solutions. In short, pair calmness with decisive action and clear communication to lead successfully through a cyber crisis.

Insight No. 2 — From firewall to fortune teller, CISOs must predict, prevent, prevail

As cyber incidents increasingly disrupt business operations, CISOs are taking on greater responsibility for business continuity. To effectively balance these duties, they should prioritize three key areas: proactive vulnerability detection and attack prevention with technologies such as Application Detection and Response (ADR), adaptive preventative measures to respond to evolving threats, and thorough incident recovery to ensure quick and secure restoration of services. Additionally, CISOs must work closely with leadership and clearly define roles and responsibilities to ensure a coordinated and effective response to cyber-led disruptions.

Insight No. 3 — On-call hell? Drill, don't burn: your team's survival guide

To excel in on-call support and disaster recovery, focus on preparation and balance. Establish a clear on-call process with defined escalation paths and up-to-date documentation, and train your team with regular drills to handle emergencies effectively. Maintain open communication to coordinate with stakeholders and document lessons learned. To keep your team sharp, rotate on-call duties and set realistic expectations, ensuring responsiveness without burnout. This structured yet sustainable approach will boost your team’s confidence and efficiency in managing on-call challenges.