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Navigating the Future of Cybersecurity with Kayne McGladrey

Ryan Williams Sr.
3 min readApr 29, 2024

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Welcome to this week’s episode of “Ask A CISSP,” where we explore the latest developments in cybersecurity and celebrate the trailblazers breaking barriers in our field. Recently, I was honored to have Kayne McGladrey, Field CISO at Hyperproof, as a guest on the show, shedding light on the technical and regulatory events shaping cybersecurity today.

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The Growing Complexity of Cyber Threats

During our enlightening and entertaining conversation, Kayne provided an in-depth analysis of the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the evolving tools designed to combat them. He shared, “In the past, we dealt with rigid frameworks that couldn’t adapt to the dynamic nature of cyber threats. Today, tools like Hyperproof have transformed our approach, making GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) processes not just manageable but intuitive.” Kayne highlighted examples such as real-time compliance monitoring and automated evidence collection, which significantly reduce the manual effort required and enhance the accuracy of compliance and security measures.

The Human Element in Cybersecurity

A reoccurring theme of our discussion was the invaluable role of the human element in cybersecurity. Kayne emphasized that the field benefits immensely from individuals who bring a blend of technical skills and diverse backgrounds. “Cybersecurity isn’t just about understanding the technology; it’s about how you communicate complex ideas effectively and how diverse perspectives can lead to better problem-solving,” he explained. This focus on soft skills alongside technical expertise brings about a more innovative and responsive cybersecurity environment.

Inclusivity and Accessibility in Cybersecurity

Kayne passionately advocated for creating more inclusive entry points into cybersecurity, critiquing the often prohibitive cost and complexity of traditional education and certification paths. “We need to lower these barriers to entry and develop pathways that are accessible to everyone,” he stated. By sharing stories of individuals who have successfully entered the field through non-traditional routes, Kayne illustrated the potential for broader inclusivity, which can enrich the field and drive forward innovation.

The Role of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)

Our conversation also shed light on the crucial role of GRC in sustaining organizational integrity and security. Kayne shared insights from his experiences at Hyperproof, where simplifying and automating GRC processes has not only improved security practices but also alleviated the burdens on professionals. “By automating much of the GRC workload, we enable our teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than getting bogged down in compliance minutiae,” he noted.

The Evolution of the CISO Role in Modern Cybersecurity

Kayne McGladrey provided crucial insights into the current challenges faced by Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). With cybersecurity threats becoming more complex, the role of CISOs has become more pivotal and challenging at the same time. Many CISOs find themselves under-supported, often lacking the necessary authority and resources to manage risks effectively. “The CISOs of the future will need full-throated backing from the board, comprehensive legal protections, and clear control over all aspects of cybersecurity governance to do their jobs effectively,” Kayne explained. This evolution is crucial as cybersecurity increasingly intertwines with national defense and corporate integrity.

For a more in-depth analysis of the challenges facing the role of CISO please follow this link to read, “The Evolution of the CISO Role in Modern Cybersecurity

The Future of Cybersecurity

We concluded our discussion with Kayne’s thoughts on the future of the field, touching on the impact of regulatory changes and the potential of emerging technologies like AI. “The integration of AI into cybersecurity offers exciting possibilities but also presents new challenges that we must navigate carefully,” Kayne remarked, highlighting the dual-edged nature of technological advancement in cybersecurity.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more episodes of The Other Side of the Firewall podcast on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, as well as, the Ask A CISSP podcast every Thursday. Please like, share, and, subscribe.

Stay safe, stay secure!

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Ryan Williams Sr.

Cybersecurity Professional | CISSP | PMP® | Founder & Host of The Other Side of the Firewall & Ask A CISSP Podcasts | Retired U.S Air Force Vet | DE&I Advocate