Partner Spotlight: Anna Naughton (CISO Partner)
Introduction
With rapidly changing AI developments affecting the fabric and continuity of businesses today, mid-market CEOs and C-level decision-makers face unprecedented cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. To shed light on this critical topic, Burke Autrey, Fortium Partners CEO, interviews Anna Naughton, a seasoned CISO Partner at Fortium Partners, to discuss why every mid-market business needs a fractional or interim CISO to solve their most pressing cybersecurity challenges.
Burke Autrey: Anna, thank you for sharing your expertise. To start, can you explain why cybersecurity is such a critical concern for mid-market businesses right now?
Anna Naughton: Absolutely. Mid-market companies are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks because they often lack the robust security infrastructure of larger enterprises. At the same time, they possess valuable data and assets that attract cybercriminals. Without a dedicated cybersecurity leader, these businesses are extremely vulnerable to data breaches, costly operational disruption, financial losses, and reputational damage.
Burke Autrey: What unique qualifications and expertise do you bring to the table as a CISO Partner at Fortium Partners?
Anna Naughton: With over a decade of experience as a Chief Information Security Officer and privacy expert, I specialize in helping organizations in the financial services, insurance, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sectors. My background includes IT strategy, business consulting, and systems implementation at large institutions. I'm skilled in designing internal controls and risk management policies to provide defensive solutions with minimal impact on business operations. I also have experience working with non-profits as a fractional CISO, project manager, and strategic advisor.
Burke Autrey: According to Fortium Partners' "The CEO's Guide to Hiring a CISO," CISOs can provide immense value to organizations. Can you elaborate on how a fractional or interim CISO can specifically address the pressing problems of mid-market businesses?
Anna Naughton: Certainly. A fractional or interim CISO can add value in several key areas:
Protecting Digital Assets: Safeguarding sensitive business information is a top priority. We ensure that all data is protected from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Fostering Trust: Maintaining trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders is crucial for business success. CISOs help build and maintain this trust by implementing strong security measures.
Minimizing Risk: Cyber incidents can result in significant financial and operational disruptions. CISOs help avert, contain, and minimize the costs associated with cyber exploits.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex regulatory requirements can be challenging. CISOs provide the expertise needed to meet compliance standards and avoid penalties.
Measuring/Managing Cybersecurity: CISOs help implement effective security controls, such as application CI/CD processes, saving time and resources while improving overall security.
Burke Autrey: What are the most pressing challenges hiring a CISO can solve for mid-market businesses?
Anna Naughton: A CISO brings central leadership and cohesion across all cybersecurity functions. We consolidate security tools, resources, and budgets. Most importantly, we provide a clear view of the security risks an organization addresses or accepts. This includes risk-based visibility into the overall cybersecurity program, as well as serving as a credible spokesperson for internal and external stakeholders.
Burke Autrey: What are the top three priorities of a CISO, and how do they translate into tangible benefits for mid-market companies?
Anna Naughton: The top three priorities are to:
Maintain a clear strategy for the cybersecurity program with accompanying governance. This ensures that all cybersecurity efforts are aligned with business goals and regulatory requirements.
Provide ongoing risk management, including operational threat management. This helps organizations proactively identify and mitigate potential threats.
Establish incident response workflow, crisis recovery leadership, and scenario planning. This enables businesses to respond quickly and effectively to security incidents, minimizing damage and downtime.
Burke Autrey: Many mid-market CEOs and C-level executives may be hesitant about hiring a fractional or interim CISO. What would you say to those who are unsure if this model is right for them?
Anna Naughton: I understand it’s a different approach from the traditional full-time hire, but the fractional or interim model offers several compelling advantages. It provides immediate access to top-tier talent without the lengthy search process or full-time commitment. It allows companies to benefit from the experience and expertise of a seasoned executive to quickly address key challenges and execute strategic initiatives. Furthermore, a fractional leader offers flexibility and can scale up or down as needed, providing cost-effective support and guidance.
Burke Autrey: What actionable items should CEOs and C-level decision-makers take to leverage a CISO’s experience for their businesses?
Anna Naughton: Here are several actionable items that every CEO should consider:
Define Role Requirements: Determine what the organization expects from a CISO, agree on job descriptions and responsibilities, and set success metrics for the first six to eighteen months.
Seek Input: Solicit opinions from executive and key management team members regarding their needs and requirements for the role.
Identify Talent Sources: Explore full-time and part-time CISO options to find the best fit for the organization's needs.
Evaluate Leadership Skills: Assess prospective CISOs' leadership skills and cultural fit within the organization.
Consider a Leadership-as-a-Service Provider: Consider engaging a Technology Leadership-as-a-Service (TLaaS) firm for interim or fractional CISO roles. These firms can provide experienced leaders quickly and efficiently.
Combining TLaaS and Executive Search: Use a fractional or interim CISO to help facilitate the search for a full-time employee, leveraging their expertise to evaluate candidates.
Burke Autrey: What are the potential consequences for mid-market companies that fail to take action and leverage a CISO’s experience? What are the benefits of doing so?
Anna Naughton: The consequences of inaction can be severe. Without a CISO, mid-market companies face increased risks of data breaches, costly operational disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage. They may also struggle to meet regulatory requirements and maintain customer trust. On the other hand, the benefits of leveraging a CISO’s experience are substantial, including enhanced security, reduction in risk, improved compliance, and increased stakeholder confidence.
Conclusion
As technology continues to evolve, the role of the CISO becomes increasingly critical. By understanding the value a CISO brings and taking proactive steps to address cybersecurity challenges, mid-market businesses can protect their assets, maintain their reputation, and achieve sustainable growth.
You can learn more about Anna Naughton here or download the full e-book: The CEO's Guide to Hiring a CISO here.